How to Build Self-Confidence and Boost Your Career

It might not seem like it, but self-confidence is something we all have—we just need to find it within. So, here are five tips to help you find and grow your self-confidence, which will help you boost your career.

1. Know your goals and purpose

To build self-confidence, it’s essential to understand your goals and purpose. The key here is to acknowledge that your goals and purpose are ever-changing—they won’t always be the same. This makes it easier to identify what your goal and purpose are for now—not forever. Of course, it’s still going to take a lot of self-reflection to know your goals and purpose at the moment. So, take your time, but also create a deadline for yourself so that you can move on.

2. Increase your competence level 

A great way to be more confident about yourself is by working on yourself. That’s why you should strive to constantly develop new skills relevant to your career path. And it’s essential to have the mindset of a student—to be constant learning, to be a lifelong learner. Also, try not to be a perfectionist, as this mindset can get in the way of developing new skills. Remember, nobody’s an expert at the beginning; the more you work on something, the more competent you’ll be at it. And as you become more capable, the more confident you’ll be.

3. Tame your inner critic and believe in the power of "yet"

Often, our biggest critics are ourselves. If you hear your inner monologue being the first to doubt yourself, try to develop a more positive inner voice. Practice speaking back in a firmer and more optimistic tone when you talk negatively about yourself.

Also, consider improving your mindset by believing in the power of the word “yet.” Whenever you hear your inner voice say, “I can’t do this” or “I don’t know how to do this,” always add “yet” at the end. This allows you to break limiting beliefs that you can’t evolve. It doesn’t make you overly optimistic to the point of harm, but it certainly adds a more upbeat tone. Practicing this thought exercise will allow you to enjoy a growth mindset instead of one that constantly puts roadblocks where there aren’t any.

4. Hold yourself accountable

An effective way to hold yourself more accountable is to put your goals into a concrete plan. By creating a personal development plan, you can have a better picture of your professional goals and how you can achieve them. It can also help you figure out your starting point. Thinking about wanting to build your self-confidence is one thing; creating a concrete and thorough plan is another.

5. Celebrate your wins

Even when you’re on a roll, you should learn to celebrate your wins. Otherwise, you might burn out quickly. By celebrating your wins, you create a healthy ego that allows you to enjoy your achievements, no matter how small. At the same time, it validates all the hard work you’ve been through and lets you see yourself in a more positive light.

Andi Croft is a freelance writer interested in topics related to business, technology, and travel. She has a passion for meeting people from all walks of life and bringing along the latest tech device to enhance her adventures.