26 Oct Lacking confidence at work? Here’s how to start feeling empowered

The many hours a week you spend on the job invariably have an effect on your self-image. As much as you may want to think your work is just a way to pay the bills and should not affect you emotionally, the fact is that work is an important part of your life. Fortunately, it’s a part of your life you can control by taking concrete steps to improve your confidence and your feelings about your workplace.

Improve Your Skills and Enhance Your Knowledge

One sure way to improve your confidence is to know you know what you’re talking about. Uncertainty regarding your skill set, especially in a workplace where you’re surrounded by people who have more experience and education, can make it hard for you to feel good about yourself. It’s not that the skills you do have aren’t valuable; it’s that you’ll always feel intimidated if you feel others can do more.

To increase your skills, volunteer for new projects on the job that are a little outside what you normally do. Follow the no-pain, no-gain philosophy of trading a short-term feeling of inadequacy in exchange for developing new competencies. Read more on your own time, attend lectures and take online courses in order to increase your knowledge base. Take any professional development programs offered at your company.

Track Your Achievements and Review Them

Often the day is so busy you forget what you’ve actually done. Take a few moments each day to document your accomplishments. They don’t have to be big things; in reality, it’s all the little things that add up to success on the job. Every time you complete a task, contribute positively to a meeting, or get praise from a co-worker, make a mental note and add it to your tally.

Create a Supportive Work Environment

Most people have to work with others on the job, so many workdays can feel outside your control. Focus on the things you know you do well, and volunteer to do them. Over time, people will see you as the person who is qualified to do certain things and trust you with those tasks. You’ll gain more confidence through other’s trust and validation that your skills are valued in the organization.

Regardless of the job you’re working, you need to show you can get it done. It may take time to overcome feelings of inadequacy, but with self-education and positive self-chat, you can feel good about what you’re paid to do.