True confidence is having your own back, no matter what. This extends to the workplace too! It takes confidence to create a career that you love, and there are so many ways for you to increase your confidence and get that dream career going!

Here are my ten tips for building your confidence at work:

Start with a positive mindset

The very first step to building, or re-building your self-confidence is to embrace a positive mindset. Take a moment and write down all the positives of where you are in life. What have you done well? What do you like about your life? Think of all the epic and awesome things you’ve achieved.

Create healthy boundaries

Make sure you have boundaries that are serving you and allowing you to feel happy at work. Don’t burn out because you’re taking on too much work and not expressing how you feel. Learn to say “no” and to also ask for help when you need it. 

Limit negativity

Another powerful tool for elevating your mindset and whole vibe is to eliminate any negative self-talk. Your words have power over your emotions. Next time you’re frustrated with yourself, try being kinder to yourself. 

Embrace your mistakes

Honestly, we all make them! Stop thinking of a mistake as a blot in your career, they’re learning opportunities! Get curious about what happened: what can you learn from it? How has this mistake improved your abilities? 

Find yourself a great mentor

A good mentor is a huge way to boost your confidence. They can help you create a path for your career and are great to bounce ideas off. 

Get curious

Trust me, it’s way better to be inquisitive- especially if you’re job hunting! Ask others how they got to where they are, what they did and learnt, etc. Be a sponge and soak up all the information.

Build on your strengths

We all have natural abilities, and most of us feel best when we get to use them! Embrace what you’re good at, grow those natural talents. 

Develop new skills

If you find that there is an area that you struggle with, be proactive to overcome it. Not only will this help boost your confidence it will also skyrocket your career. How great does it feel when you conquer something that used to make you nervous? Pretty great!

Set smaller, achievable goals

Your career is a lifelong journey, set yourself goals to guide the way. Each time you achieve a new goal not only will you mark a new career milestone, you’ll grow your self-confidence! Follow your dreams, they are yours for a reason and you CAN AND WILL get there, I promise you.

Body language counts

Last but not least, work on your body language! Seriously! Google “superhuman pose” and watch the science unfold. Amazing, isn’t it? How we hold ourselves has such a direct impact on how we feel. No more slouching!

If you’re struggling, be kind to yourself. Everyone goes through periods where we’re not at our peak and beating ourselves up just makes it worse. You have achieved amazing things, so build yourself up (tips here!). You’re doing great, honestly. The last two years have been insanely tough and you’re still going. Be proud of yourself and celebrate you!

Amie Duignan is a Career Coach, Headhunter, In-House Recruiter and Founder at A.D Connects.

This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial situation into account. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness for the information to your own circumstances and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.