4 ways to be more confident at work and silence your inner critic

Do you ever feel like you lack self-confidence? Feelings of low self-confidence and self-esteem at work can happen to all of us. To be more confident at work is about more than improving how you feel now; it’s also about active steps to feel confident in your role, team, community and career trajectory.

Your inner critic can damage your self-confidence and hold you back from going after what you want. That could be anything from speaking up in a meeting to going after that promotion or acing your job interview!

By combatting self-doubt and fostering self-confidence, you could be more open to new opportunities, more willing to learn and show off new skills, and more fully present in your role.We have some top tips to help you get a confidence kick and silence your inner critic.

How to build self-confidence

Decoding workplace confidence

Self-confidence at work, as well as during job searches, reflects trust in your abilities. This will affect your ability to execute tasks, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively.

It’s important to acknowledge that lost confidence at work isn’t static. It can fluctuate, impacting both job performance and general well-being. Understanding that self-confidence can vary allows you to see it as a dynamic quality. One that you have the power to develop and enhance.

This perspective is instrumental to how to be more confident at work. It will empower you to take control of your professional growth and personal fulfilment.

1. Build confidence everyday

Often, we overlook the small successes in our workday, focusing instead on what we could have done better. Did you clear your inbox, contribute an idea in a meeting, or receive positive feedback from a colleague? Acknowledging these victories, however minor they may seem, reinforces the notion that you are competent and effective.

Keeping a record of success and celebrations at work is one way to combat these negative inner thoughts. Writing down these successes can significantly shift our internal dialogue from critical to supportive.

A direct focus on creating positive activity at work reminds you of your capabilities, successes, and positive feedback, countering the inner critic’s narrative with evidence of your competence and resilience.

• Starting your day with intent; Don’t allow negativity to creep in and begin each workday by noting something positive to start the day.
  
• Celebrate small wins; Acknowledging these victories, however minor they may seem, reinforces the notion that you are competent and effective.
  
• Reflect on challenges; Instead of criticising yourself, write about what you learned from the experience. This approach helps transform perceived failures into learning opportunities, and in doing so, helps develop a growth mindset.
  
• Record positive feedback; Whenever you receive positive feedback, whether from a manager, a peer, or a client, make a note of it in your journal. These are also great reminders for building new CVs or Resumes on your points of success.

2. Leverage strengths and embrace achievements

When navigating the job market or workplace, it’s easy to dwell on your perceived shortcomings, which can gradually chip away causing lost confidence at work. Instead of fixating on weaknesses, shift your focus towards your strengths. Embrace what you bring to the table and acknowledge the value you offer.

It’s important to take stock of our accomplishments and how far we’ve progressed in our career journey. This is how to be more confident at work. Often, our memories tend to highlight setbacks rather than successes. By highlighting your strengths and past achievements, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for your talents and cultivate a stronger belief in yourself.

There are several Cognitive Behavioural Therapy exercises you can use to help prevent lost confidence at work.

• Challenge negative thoughts; Learn to recognise negative thoughts about your abilities or performance. Challenge these thoughts by asking yourself for evidence that supports or contradicts them.
  
• Set realistic goals; Break down your career goals into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate each milestone you reach along the way. This provides evidence of your competence and progress and is an effective manner to discover how to build confidence at work.
  
• Visualisation; Picture yourself confidently handling work-related challenges, receiving praise for your contributions, and achieving your goals. This can help build a sense of self-assurance and reduce anxiety.
  
• Seek feedback; Actively seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors. Constructive feedback can help you identify areas for improvement while also validating your strengths and contributions.
  
• Challenge perfectionism; Understand that perfection is unrealistic and striving for it can
  undermine your confidence. Instead, focus on doing your best and learning from
  your mistakes.
  

3. Upskill for a self-confidence boost

The path of personal and professional growth is continuous, and learning how to improve confidence at work is a great step for navigating it with assurance. The process of acquiring new skills or refining existing ones goes beyond simply staying abreast of industry trends or enhancing your CV. It represents a significant means of self-empowerment. This approach equips you with various challenges and is a concrete testament to your abilities and flexibility.

The process of upskilling itself can be a confidence booster. It’s not just about the result but also about the journey — the hours of study, practice, and sometimes even frustration, culminating in a newfound proficiency. This journey reminds you of your resilience, dedication, and capacity to grow.

Upskilling has a direct impact on your professional confidence. It enhances your value within your current role and makes you a more attractive candidate for future opportunities. Knowing you possess a relevant and in-demand skill set can boost your self-assurance in professional settings.

For more insights and tips on effectively upskilling yourself, take a look at How to upskill yourself. This comprehensive guide offers valuable advice on identifying your learning goals, choosing the right courses, and integrating new skills into your professional life, all essential to building your confidence through continuous learning.

4. Build a supportive network in the workplace

Managing imposter syndrome and avoiding burnout

If your lack of self-confidence persists and you’re struggling with negative thoughts about yourself and your abilities, this could be a symptom of burnout or imposter syndrome. It’s a common experience that can affect anyone, regardless of their achievements or position.

Seeking support to maintain well-being in the workplace

Seeking support from your manager, or HR, or utilising employee assistance programmes is vital for maintaining well-being in the workplace. These avenues provide essential resources and guidance to navigate challenges effectively. Consider joining lived experience networks tailored to your needs or Engaging in digital communities and seeking out mentors or accountability partners online can also be beneficial in maintaining positive habits and coping mechanisms.

Professional networking is equally important, particularly if you hold a unique role within your organisation. Connecting with peers who share similar roles and titles in other companies can provide valuable insights into overcoming obstacles, advancing your career, and effectively managing stress and stakeholder relationships. By expanding your professional network, you create opportunities for growth and support within and beyond your organisation.

Confidence in the workplace

Confidence is something that you have to build up. There’s no easy fix! It’s important to remember that self-confidence doesn’t develop overnight and it’s something that happens over time. By working on your self-confidence, you’ll soon feel empowered to pursue your goals and achieve your dreams.

Ready to elevate your career? Contact Salt today, and let us help you find the perfect job that aligns with your skills and aspirations.