Making It Big Monday

How To Be Confident At Work

Find direction
One thing you can do is list areas you feel you lack confidence in at work. It could include your fear of making presentations or your inability to make a quick recovery after you have made a mistake. This list will provide you with a better picture of what is dampening your confidence level.

You can also start adopting a positive attitude. Replace the "cannots" with more "cans". Do not become too pressured to effect change immediately. If you are relaxed and focused, you will accomplish more. Remember, you should only compete with yourself.

Don't be shy
Shyness results because you focus too much on yourself, your fears and your insecurities, therefore, start focusing on others instead. Show genuine interest in what your colleagues tell you instead of nodding mindlessly. Also, do not underestimate the power of a smile. A smile speaks volumes and makes you more approachable. When your peers accept you, you feel better about yourself.

Take risks
Taking risks actually boosts self-confidence. You just have to adopt the right attitude at the beginning. Assume responsibility for the risk and have clear ideas about where you are heading. Having a positive attitude towards risk-taking is a good way to make great strides forward.

Do not fear criticism
Do not be caught up in the emotions brought on by criticism and go into immediate denial or counter-attack mode. Instead, consider the source and decide if the person really has the expertise or knowledge to make his or her comments. If you decide that the words are not just empty accusations, look at it as an opportunity to improve yourself. Don't try to control what others think of you. Instead, control what you can: your own thoughts and feelings.

Dress right
If you are unsure about the colors to choose for your clothes, start safe and go with neutral and discreet tones. Wear colors that you feel suit you. Being comfortable with how you look often translates to being comfortable with who you are. And as you become more certain of yourself, you can spice up the look with a little color.

Enjoy life
How you are at work is strongly influenced by how you are outside work. Away from work, pursue your interests passionately. Even if these passions are not related to your work, your enjoyment of life will reflect on your disposition when you are at work.

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