There are days when you don’t feel your best at work, and you’re doubting your skills and abilities. It could be that you’re going through a rough patch at work or you’ve suffered a blow to your self-esteem, and getting your confidence back can be quite a challenge.
While others may try to get through this tough time by ignoring it altogether, some prefer to project confidence until they truly feel the real thing. And faking it ‘til you make it may have a good effect on your performance, as what you do can have an impact on the way you feel about yourself.
Here are some simple ways to boost your confidence at work.
Dress well
Nothing lifts a person’s spirits up faster than nice clothes that fit well. So go ahead and wear your favorite work outfit to the office, or treat yourself to a new blouse or a sharp-looking jacket. Pair your outfit with chic looking accessories while you’re at it, wear a small spritz of your favorite scent, and put some makeup on. When you look good, you feel good, and it’s easier for you to exude confidence even when you’re feeling low.
Have a well-organized desk
Having an organized desk says that you are in control of everything even when you’re not. Throw out or keep things that don’t belong on your desk, give it a good wipe down, and organize your supplies.
Practice good posture
According to social psychology professor Amy Cuddy (via CNBC), the way we position our bodies can affect our mood and psychology, and simply standing or sitting straighter can boost your testosterone levels and lower cortisol levels. This results in a boost of confidence right away.
Make a list of your accomplishments
Keep track of your daily accomplishments and spend a few minutes writing down all the good things that you’ve done for the day. Your list doesn’t need to be exclusively work-related—sometimes, making a note that you weren’t late today or that you did a random act of kindness for a stranger is enough to remind you that there are different ways that a person can become accomplished.
Make a playlist of songs that can make you feel powerful or happy
If there are a few songs that you always listen to to make you feel powerful, then download these to your smartphone and listen to them when you feel low. Some songs that can pump you up are Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop The Feeling,” Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” Kanye West’s “Stronger,” Daft Punk’s “One More Time,” and Katy Perry’s “Roar.”
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on simple and practical ways to improve yourself.
