Confidence

Work
By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

New responsibilities, difficult co-workers or a tough situation can trip up your self-esteem on the job just when you need to be at your best. Here are seven ways to build your confidence and help you take on your day with assurance:

1. Reframe Failure. Don't dwell on past failures or obsess over mistakes. After spending years trying to create an incandescent light bulb, Thomas Edison told a colleague, "I have not failed; I have discovered 1,200 materials that don't work." Know that setbacks are normal and reframe any failure as a learning experience.

2. Remember, It's Not All About You. According to Roger Elliott, who teaches courses and runs a Web site dedicated to building self-confidence, low self-esteem is often accompanied by too much focus on the self. Conversely, individuals who are self-confident are seldom self-conscious. If you're making a presentation, you'll be much more effective if you concentrate on the audience and your message rather than on how you look or sound. Or, if you find yourself ruminating over an unpleasant encounter, you'll feel better and be infinitely more productive if you stop worrying and engage in an activity that absorbs you and holds your attention.

3. Fake It 'Til You Make It. Adopt the posture and body language of the self-assured. Walk tall, smile and make eye contact. Appear calm and in control. Replace any doubts or negative thoughts with the mantra: "I can do this!" Convince yourself that you are self-assured, and you will start to adopt the behaviors and skills of a confident person. Before you know it, your self-image will catch up with your actions and you will no longer have to pretend.

4. Relax. One caution when it comes to step three: People who try to project confidence while still feeling tense, often come across as overly aggressive. Many people find it useful to practice yoga, however if that's not for you, you can also try deep breathing exercises, repeating affirmations such as: "I have strength, serenity and wisdom," or visualizing a peaceful scene or experience.

5. Celebrate Your Successes. If you don't give yourself credit, no one will. Taking time to savor your successes not only feels good, but will help you develop a handy mental list of self-esteem boosting memories to get you through your next confidence crisis.