If you’ve recently lost your confidence at work due to stress, anxiety, or some other factor, it can be hard to get it back on track. Confidence in the workplace can be difficult to maintain, especially when you have lost some of it and feel like you need to gain it back.
Luckily, there are ways to increase your confidence and become more confident at work again, but it may require some dedicated effort on your part. Here are some hacks that can help you regain lost confidence and become more confident in the workplace once again!
How low confidence affects your job/career?
People who have experienced depression or anxiety can also be left with low self-confidence which impacts their ability to perform their job well. You might have built your lost self-confidence after a career break but feel the need to build it again when you get back into the workforce. Don't be afraid to share your talents or talk about your successes even if they aren't as impressive as others. Boost your confidence at work by recognizing what you're good at and what you enjoy doing.
#1. With a lower sense of self-confidence, people are less likely to stand up for themselves and speak out against injustice.
#2. Fear of taking risks prevents them from advancing their careers and taking the necessary steps to get back on track.
#3. A lack of self-confidence can cause indecisiveness which is then amplified by fear.
#4. Feeling of exhaustion due to low self-esteem leads to general lethargy at work with lowered productivity levels.
#5. A poor self-image can make it hard to stand up against authority figures, especially if they might not react well. This means you need to be particularly aware of how your self-confidence is impacting your performance and deal with any issues promptly.
#6. People with low self-confidence often struggle to keep up with social relationships with colleagues who don't hesitate before speaking up about an issue that needs addressing. It's easy to fall behind when your peers seem more capable than you in front of a computer screen or in meetings.
Reasons that may have led you to lose confidence?
Maybe you left your job to pursue another career, or maybe you were laid off. Causes of low self-esteem are not always obvious but there are plenty of things that can be done to get it back on track. Here are some common reasons why people may feel a lack of self-confidence.
#1. Results at work or school
#2. Disappointment in a relationship.
#3. Physical and mental health issues
#4. Bullying or abuse
#5. Lack of opportunities for professional development.
#6. Personal relationships suffer from a lack of motivation and enthusiasm.
#7. Financial instability- Do you feel down about yourself because the bills keep piling up? Take action!
#8. Stigma or discrimination
#9. Too much pressure is being put on you
All these reasons can cause someone to lose confidence, so if you want to build lost confidence after a career break it's important to find new mentors and friends who share similar interests; start planning for the future with realistic goals; set manageable tasks; develop strategies for tackling tasks and managing time efficiently.
You might need some help from a therapist if any of this rings true for you, or just talk with close friends and family members who know what they're talking about. They might be able to offer advice that will help get you back on track and boost your confidence at work.
Ways to regain confidence at work
There are many ways to regain lost confidence at work. One way is to take small steps each day, gradually building on your previous achievements and expanding them into larger goals. Boosting your self-confidence in the workplace can also be as simple as putting together a list of qualities that you like about yourself, including things like being a hard worker or being a good friend, and reading this list aloud every morning when you wake up. Here are a few hacks that will help boost your confidence at work
Know what you do well
It's important to know what you do well to build your confidence again. Make a list of the things that make you feel confident, no matter how small they may be. For example, if you are good at marketing, mention your experience with marketing or some of the projects you've completed.
Learn from your mistakes
You may have made a career mistake and are now struggling to regain your old confidence. In the early stages of this process, it is important to learn from your mistakes and figure out how you can take what you've learned to make it better. That's not always an easy feat, but if you give yourself time to reflect on your actions and think about what went wrong, then this will help build your lost confidence after a career break.
Reassure yourself that it’s OK to make mistakes
It's OK to make mistakes. It's inevitable. The key is to not let it stop you from getting back on track and going after what you want. You need to build your confidence again by taking small steps: do a project-based task, get mentored by a coworker who seems confident, etc.
You can also try boosting your confidence at work by doing these things: giving yourself a pep talk in the mirror before an interview, scheduling positive affirmations throughout the day (e.g., I am good enough or I deserve this), or standing up straight and looking people in the eye during conversations with them. These tricks may seem simple but they're powerful ways of feeling more confident in everyday interactions.
Take small steps toward success
You can build your confidence back up by taking small steps toward success. It's worth it to start small and then see the bigger picture but don't set unrealistic goals to meet in a short time frame. Instead, focus on the smaller tasks that will lead you to accomplish your long-term goal. Once you make progress and see yourself moving forward, your confidence will grow naturally.
Celebrate even small successes
It is important to celebrate even the smallest successes to build back up your lost confidence. Whether it be a compliment from a co-worker or finishing an assignment, these successes should be acknowledged and celebrated. Remembering that you are capable of doing something right will help you regain your self-confidence.
Ask others for their opinion on how you are doing
Opinions from co-workers and bosses can be helpful. Taking an honest conversation with your boss or colleagues about what you could have done better will help build your lost confidence after a career break. The power of feedback is that it lets you know when to make improvements so the next time things go wrong, you will be better prepared!
Make an inventory of what you have accomplished
Make a list of your strengths and what you have accomplished in the past. It is important to remember that even if you are not succeeding right now, it does not mean that you won't be successful in the future. Be mindful of the things that you have done well in the past, as they will build up your confidence as time goes on. Keep doing what you are good at, while also looking for new opportunities.
Conclusion
The key to feeling confident at work is to stay true to your values and take care of yourself. Practice self-compassion, practice mindfulness, and find a way to enjoy your job. If you’re not happy in your current position, try reaching out to people who may be able to help you find new opportunities. No matter what the cause of your insecurity is, you deserve to feel confident and in control. We're here for you - book a session with one of our counselors today.
