If you have low self-esteem or your confidence has been threatened in some way, here’s what the experts say you can do to strengthen your backbone and boost morale.
Stay focused on you — Lynn Taylor, a national 
workplace expert and author of Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant, says you should do the best you can to stay on-task and focused, regardless of politics, rumor mills or non-productive maneuvers that are as common as the office water cooler. “Confidence emerges from time-honored good work combined with a great attitude,” she adds.
Identify your strengths and capitalize on them — “One of the best ways to build confidence is to get clear on your strengths and find ways to integrate those strengths into what you do every day,” says William Arruda, a personal branding expert and author of Ditch. Dare. Do! When you lead from your strengths, you’re engaged and energized. You’re self-assured.
Identify weaknesses, and work on them — If there are weaknesses that are affecting your confidence, make a plan to reduce or eliminate them, Arruda suggests. You shouldn’t obsess over these things—but know that addressing your weaknesses and making a diligent effort to overcome them can help boost confidence.
Believe in yourself — It may be easier said than done, but try to tell yourself “I can do this,” and believe it. Arruda suggests saying three affirmations to yourself each night before going to bed–telling yourself three things that you like about yourself or three things that went well that day.
Closely monitor your successes — Keep track of your daily accomplishments, Taylor says. Make a “to-do” list. This way, when you cross tasks off your list, you’re more aware of your constant achievements. She also suggests keeping a digital “kudos file” to record your successes. This is where you can store congratulatory e-mails, milestones reached, kudos from bosses or peers, notes to yourself on challenges overcome, thank you letters, and recognition and praise from inside and outside the company. “Refer to the file regularly for a reality check of your talents and a personal pat on the back. It’ll also come in handy when you launch a future job search.”
Read the Forbes article for more ways to be confident at work. Share your ideas or stories with the group in the comments section.
