8 Tips to Boost Your Confidence at Work

We hear it all the time...Confidence is truly the sexiest accessory. If you feel like you're doing everything right, but making no progress when it comes to your career goals - chances are you need to boost your confidence. You can and will achieve your goals when you believe you can. Why? Well, because if you don't believe in yourself...why would anyone take a chance on you? 

Self-doubt and fear is a total career killer. That's why building your confidence through positive affirmation is so important. 

How can you become the assertive, badass you were born to be? Check out these 8 tips for boosting your confidence and dominating at work. 

1.    Pillowtalk.

Sometimes I'm just too tired to think properly. While the last thing I feel like I can do when my mind is racing is to calm down and rest, getting a good night's sleep and/or making time to meditate before resting to clear your mind can usually solve just anything. Sleep on an idea and chances are you'll wake up ready to tackle the idea with a clear mind. 

2.    You Better Work, B**ch. 

Flywheel CEO Sarah Robb O’Hagan outruns her doubts. How? She literally goes for a run every time she feels fearful and less confident. “When I’m really fearful of something—like a big meeting I’m prepping for or a project that’s about to launch—and I’m nervous about the outcome, going for a run really calms me down. I blast some super-inspiring music and  think to myself, What’s the worst that can happen? When you really play it out, most situations are outcomes you can confront and cope with.” A therapist once told me, think through the absolute worst case scenario of the fear that's stressing you out then start thinking through how you would adjust to make that work for you. When you break down your worst case scenario, you'll begin to work through it in your head and find ways to manage it. Sometimes our biggest fear can be easily solved when you allow yourself to truly think through the worst case scenario: 

3.    Girl, Put That Record On.

Nothing gets me in the mood to slay like some Beyoncé. A great positive song and a bit of sweat might be exactly what you need to ditch your fear. Put that music on blast and get inspired. Singing along at the top of my lungs always makes me feel better. Don't believe me? Just try. I promise you'll feel better...even if it's because you're laughing at how ridiculous you might look. 

4.    Put Some Leggings On and Handle It. 

Many say that six-inch heels are the answer to lifting your confidence. For me, a good blowout makes me feel like I'm on top of my game, polished and ready to handle anything that comes my way. Some people believe that comfortable clothes are the real answer. Bottom line? The way you dress has an effect on the way you feel about yourself. Take time to make sure you are as comfortable as you possibly can be in your own skin...you'll feel more prepared to tackle the duties of the day. 

5.    Ladies, Now Let's Get in Formation. 

The Power Pose has quite literally changed the way I live. Haven't heard about it? Listen to Amy Cuddy's Ted Talk to hear her breakdown how your body language can make an impact on who you are, how you feel and how others portray you. Well, if that's all we have to do to feel stronger...then it's worth trying right?! 

6.    Wake Up...F L A W L E S S. 

Each day brings you things you can’t control, so beauty CEO and influencer Tata Harper believes that focusing on the few things you can control is the secret to feeling confident. Her choice is her hair (y'all already know I agree with her), but for you it could be your favorite pair of jeans or that bright red lipstick. Find what works for you and shine bright. You deserve to look and feel your best. 

7.    Deep Breaths. 

Stress can affect your health, confidence, as well as productivity and that is exactly what happened to Amy Rothstein, co-founder of Dona Chai. She managed to calm her anxiety focusing on sleep and breathing. She says meditation classes and paying attention to her breathing always help her restore her system. It sounds silly, but incorporating mindful breathing exercises have helped me overcome pretty severe anxiety attacks. Dr. Emeran Mayer, author of The Mind-Gut Connection, says “Taking deep, belly breaths for five minutes is the single most effective way to calm the brain and the gut." When you feel yourself getting anxious, make time to go outside and take five minutes to take deep breaths. You'll be surprised at how much more relaxed you'll feel. 

8.    Tap it Back.

Nothing helps me boost my confidence like a pre or post sweat session. For me, Soulcycle is my drug of choice. For whatever reason, Soulcycle just gets me. While some may argue it's pricey, I still say it's cheaper than therapy. Going to a Soulcycle class by one of my favorite instructors helps me disconnect, reflect and begin feeling strong again...no matter what life has thrown my way.