| I consider myself lucky - I am surrounded by | | | | 1. Stop the self-sabotaging behaviors. Every |
| amazing people. They can be described as | | | | time that you start to put yourself down, |
| smart, successful, witty, passionate, and | | | | either in conversation or in your own head, |
| more. So, I'm shocked when I listen to these | | | | stop. Replace that thought with a positive |
| very people put themselves down. How it is | | | | one. When someone compliments you, simply |
| that someone who is so great can have doubts | | | | say "thank you." Instead of asking "why me" |
| about their value? I (and most others) see | | | | ask "why not me?" |
| their accomplishments and their potential | | | | |
| while they worry about their perceived | | | | 2. Don't expect perfection from yourself. |
| failures and shortcomings. | | | | It's great to have high expectations, but |
| | | | remember that you can't be good at |
| A lack of self-confidence is dangerous to | | | | everything. Accept the fact that you have |
| your career. It can manifest itself with | | | | weaknesses - you are human. Put yourself in |
| arrogant or self-deprecating behavior. Our | | | | a position where you are building on your |
| fears and insecurities are directly linked to | | | | strengths and not overcoming your weaknesses. |
| our level of confidence. If you aren't | | | | The more successes you experience, the more |
| confident in your abilities and the value you | | | | your confidence will rise. |
| offer, how can you expect someone else to be? | | | | |
| In the end, you could very well be passed up | | | | 3. Surround yourself with friends and |
| for the promotion you want. | | | | colleagues who are supportive. Let go of |
| | | | relationships with people who feel compelled |
| What happens to people who are unsure of | | | | to point out all of your weaknesses. If you |
| their value? At the extreme, they don't take | | | | can't separate yourself from them, put it in |
| risks and they set goals that are too low for | | | | perspective and limit your interaction with |
| fear of failure. Often, they don't feel that | | | | them. People like this typically make |
| they deserve success, money, promotions, etc. | | | | themselves feel better by putting down those |
| and may settle for less than what is easily | | | | they find intimidating. |
| attainable. For people who suffer from | | | | |
| occasional declines in their confidence | | | | 4. Don't compare yourself to others. Define |
| level, they can be afraid to voice their | | | | success for yourself and create a plan to |
| opinions; focus on the disadvantages of new | | | | reach your goals. Take stock of your |
| opportunities; and have a harder time | | | | achievements by focusing on what have you |
| reaching their goals. | | | | accomplished in your personal or professional |
| | | | life. Remind yourself of this from time to |
| On the other hand, successful professionals | | | | time and be proud. |
| are dynamic, decisive, and courageous. How | | | | |
| can you possess these traits without being | | | | 5. Invest in yourself. If you don't take |
| confident? | | | | care of yourself, who is going to do it for |
| | | | you? It's amazing how much a new haircut or |
| What most people don't realize is that our | | | | a new suit can affect your self-esteem. It's |
| actions are perpetuating the problem, not | | | | not frivolous to take time out of your |
| improving it. So how do you improve your | | | | schedule to take care of yourself, especially |
| confidence (if you suffer from severe | | | | if doing so makes you feel better. Don't |
| self-esteem issues, I recommend seeing a | | | | stop there. Continue to expand your |
| mental health professional)? Check out these | | | | knowledge and skills on whatever is important |
| five tips: | | | | to you. |
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