Self-confidence is one of the most important factors in successful work. If we trust ourselves and our abilities, we can work more efficiently, make better decisions and achieve better performance. The opposite is also true. If we don't believe in ourselves, it may happen that we don't dare to apply for higher positions because we feel 'we are not good enough'.

Why her and not me?

Perhaps we have all been in a situation where our colleague was promoted instead of us - even though deep down we felt that we might be much more suitable for the position. We just didn't dare to apply for it, because we were afraid of our colleagues' potentially negative opinion. Or we just convinced ourselves that our knowledge was not sufficient for it.

In a workplace situation, there can be many times when self-confidence and assertiveness weigh more than expertise. That is why it is just as important to develop these as it is to develop the other skills necessary for the job.

Mysterious Self-Confidence

Self-confidence is usually used as a collective term, but it is worth looking into what it actually means in more detail.

Three main components are: self-esteem, self-image and self-confidence.

Healthy self-esteem means accepting both our strengths and weaknesses and trusting that we are capable of dealing with the challenges that arise.

Our self-image is essentially the mental image we have of ourselves and it determines our self-esteem. Our self-image includes our physical appearance, abilities, skills, personality and the roles we play in society.

The formation of self-image is partly dependent on external influences, but it also depends on how we interpret and evaluate our own experiences.

The third component, self-confidence, is the inner faith and assurance that helps us face challenges and achieve our goals. That is, if we want something, we don't talk ourselves out of it by saying 'this definitely wouldn't work for me...'

Therefore, self-confidence is not only an inner feeling, but can also be seen in actions and results. The more success and positive feedback we experience, the stronger our self-confidence becomes.

How do we talk to ourselves in each situation, what is our inner monologue? Do we immediately start to blame ourselves if something doesn't work out, or do we see it as an opportunity? Positive thinking and supportive, empathetic inner monologue play a very important role in strengthening self-confidence. If we tend to blame ourselves in a less successful situation, let's try to review and question these thoughts. It is also important to learn to accept and appreciate the positive feedback and confirmation we receive from others - even small compliments can boost our self-confidence.

How can we improve our self-confidence?

Do we really know what our strengths and weaknesses are?

The basis of self-confidence is self-knowledge and the awareness of our strengths and skills. Recognize and appreciate what we are good at and what others recognize in us. This allows us to become more confident and to be able to develop and dare to use our skills in our work.

It is worth considering which of our qualities we have used frequently and successfully in our work so far, and which would be the areas to develop.

Continuous learning

Developing self-confidence is a very important part of being open to learning and personal growth. We should further develop our skills, gain new knowledge and experience.

The more skilled we become in our field of work, the more confident we will be in our work. And if we remain open to learning and developing ourselves, then we will be able to adapt more easily to the rapidly changing working conditions of today.

Bigger goals, smaller milestones

If we always have a goal to work towards, it helps a lot in maintaining motivation. And when we reach it, it strengthens our self-confidence - and every small success is a building block for our self-confidence.

It is worth to first define our bigger goals and then divide them into smaller, achievable steps. This way, when we reach a smaller milestone, it gives us a sense of success and strengthens our self-confidence for further progress.

Our Inner Monologue

How do we talk to ourselves in each situation, what is our inner monologue? Do we immediately start to blame ourselves if something doesn't work out, or do we rather take failure as an opportunity?

Positive thinking and supportive, self-compassionate inner monologue play a very important role in strengthening self-confidence.

If we are prone to blaming ourselves in less successful situations, then let's try to review and question these thoughts.

Similarly, it is important to learn to accept and appreciate the positive feedback and reinforcement we receive from others - even small compliments can boost our self-confidence.

Developing self-confidence is a process

Self-confidence is a key factor in successful work.

Self-awareness, positive thinking, setting goals, learning and positive feedback all help to increase our self-confidence.

There may be ups and downs on the way, but don't forget: self-confidence is a continuous process of development that can be achieved through practice and perseverance.