At Realm, we often encounter legal professionals who underestimate their abilities and struggle with imposter syndrome or negative self-talk. Lack of confidence at work can hinder individuals from reaching their full potential. In some cases, it can hold people back from applying for promotions, developing new skills, making career moves (even if they’ve been made a job offer), and ultimately achieving their career goals.
If this is something you’re experiencing, here are some ways to boost your confidence at work:
Start a praise file
Make a list of your achievements and accomplishments, including nice emails you’ve received positive feedback from colleagues and clients, and make a note of moments when you felt good about your work. This will remind you of how great you are at your job and give you something positive to turn to during a confidence blip. It will also be useful for appraisals, promotion applications, and job moves.
Reflect on recent challenges you have overcome
Set aside some time to reflect on recent challenges you have overcome. This will help you remember that you are more than capable of overcoming barriers in your role and learning from the experience.
Adopt a growth mindset
Those with a growth mindset believe they are a work in progress and can develop themselves and their skills with the right mindset. Adopting a growth mindset can be powerful and help increase your confidence.
Use the word “yet”
One way to move towards a growth mindset is by using the word ‘yet’ when thinking about your abilities. For instance, if you want to do your advocacy work but lack the confidence to do so, instead of saying “I can’t do my own advocacy,” if you add the word yet and say “I can’t do my own advocacy yet,” you’re acknowledging that this is something you can and will achieve in the future with the right training and gained experience.
Consider whether your beliefs about yourself are fact or fiction
If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, write down any imposter thoughts you’re having and interrogate these. Are they rooted in fact or are they completely unfounded and the result of negative brain chatter? If the latter, remind yourself that these beliefs about yourself are untrue will help you feel more confident in your abilities.
Seek feedback and act on it
Seek feedback from your manager, colleagues, or even your clients. Getting positive feedback or constructive criticism can help you better understand your strengths and weaknesses so that you know what you need to work on to develop and ultimately become more confident.
Dedicate time to self-development
If your lack of confidence is due to a skill gap, look to close it and build your knowledge. Break down what you want to feel more confident doing and think about how you can improve in that area. Ask your team lead or manager if there’s any specific training you could do to develop this skill or behaviour, and as you do so, you will grow in confidence.
Work to push your comfort zone
Challenging yourself to move outside of your comfort zone can increase your resilience. Whether it’s leading a meeting, having a difficult conversation with a client, or taking on a complex case for the first time, having the courage to put yourself out there and try new things will help you to develop. As you make a habit of venturing outside of and stretching your comfort zone, your confidence will begin to grow with you.
Is a lack of confidence is holding you back in your career?
Our specialist consultants are here to help. We can help you reflect on your achievements and give you an objective view of the skills and experience you’ve gained in your career.
Give us a call at 03300 245 606 or reach out to the relevant recruiter for your practice area.
