Self-confidence is key to professional success: Here’s how to boost yours

There are few feelings as universally relatable as self-doubt. We all know what it’s like to wrestle with insecurity. While it’s certainly true that spectators are often quick to point out the flaws in others, in many cases the cruelest assessments of ourselves originate from our own inner monologues. 

This proclivity toward negative thought patterns and rumination is a distinctly human trait. Of course, the ability to evaluate ourselves in pursuit of self-improvement is both a blessing and a curse. There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of self-assessment, but no good will come from constantly putting yourself down. Like so much else in life, it’s key to find the right balance between objective self-assessment and putting a positive spin on any given situation.

Unfortunately, recent polls suggest modern professionals have never been more inclined to cast doubt on their own skills and acumen. One poll tells us the average adult feels insecure about themselves five times daily. Another survey found people nowadays need roughly 16 confidence boosters (a compliment from a stranger, for example) per month in order to feel their best.

Here’s the problem with all that: No one is going to believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself. It’s tough to hide a lowly opinion of oneself, and few employers are interested in hiring (or promoting) someone who doesn’t see themselves as capable of success. Exuding confidence can put you on the fast track for the career you’ve always wanted, but a negative attitude can throw you off course quickly.

One comprehensive study focusing on stress in the workplace even tells us that when managers and bosses have low self-esteem it can promote a toxic work environment. People who are comfortable in their own skin and self-assured of their own abilities are much more effective leaders. Meanwhile, another relevant piece of research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology suggests its advantageous to find one’s self-confidence as early as possible in life. Study authors report people who show high levels of self-esteem as teenagers and young adults tend to end up landing better jobs with higher paying salaries than other applicants. 

Cultivating more personal self-confidence comes easier to some than others. Here are just a few ways to help build up more self-esteem.

Motivational music

Sometimes, the biggest benefit of feeling self-assured and confident in one’s own abilities is the capacity to take an extra risk. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, after all. With this in mind, noteworthy research published in Frontiers in Psychology is worth mentioning. Scientists found that listening to motivational music helped athletes find the confidence to take more risks during games. To be clear, music won’t magically make you better at your job, but it can help provide that extra push so many of us need to take a chance on a new workflow or go that extra mile to reach a desired goal. 

More memberships

Remember in high school when the name of the game was racking up as many extracurricular activities as possible? Back then, afterschool sports and programs were all about building up an impressive track record for college applications. Fast forward to adulthood, and one study published in PLOS ONE indicates membership in multiple groups, associations, or organizations that are close to one’s heart is a great way of boosting personal self-esteem.

Passionate about helping others? Join a group of volunteers collecting food donations for the homeless. That being said, the groups you join don’t necessarily need to be noble in nature. Maybe you love chess; join a group of chess enthusiasts who meet a few times per month. The key factor here is that the groups should help establish a personal sense of self and identity. Scientists explain memberships in such collectives help us cultivate a sense of meaning and control over our lives, not to mention the added benefit of group support and social opportunities.

The power of posture 

Superman may be fiction, but real life is full of everyday heroes. This one may sound too easy, but simply standing up straight on a consistent basis can help you find more self-confidence. Findings published in Psychological Bulletin encompassing over 120 research projects and 10,000 people tell us that adopting a “power pose” similar to a superhero standing proudly after saving the day really may help improve perceptions of self-worth and provide a meaningful boost to self-confidence.

Self-affirmations

It’s easy to be self-confident when you’re in a position of power. Lower-level workers, however, wrestle with feelings of self-doubt far more often. Fascinating research published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin reports non-management level employees who struggle with self-esteem issues, especially during high pressure moments and tasks, can potentially improve their work performances via self-affirmations. For example, before a big assignment or pivotal interview, take a moment and write down a few of your sharpest and most sought after skills.