Start growing your confidence today The good news is that confidence can be learned, like any career

skill. Here are 10 steps that can have you operating from a place of power: 1) When in doubt, act. t!s the difference between running and stagnant water. "hen you!re stagnant, doubt and insecurities breed like mos#uitoes. $ale %arnegie wrote that &inaction breeds doubt and fear. 'ction breeds confidence and courage.( )ear of failure can paraly*e us, as we almost always overestimate the conse#uences. +uild your confidence instead by taking action, often. 2) Do something outside your comfort zone each day. f we don!t stretch our comfort *ones, they shrink. %onstantly challenge and improve yourself, and you!ll become comfortable doing new things, and you will establish your identity -both to yourself and others. as someone who takes risks. /ach new thing you try adds to your knowledge and skill base, and provides you with a foundation of competence. This is the bedrock of any successful career. 3) Put the focus on others. %hoose to be conscious of others instead of self0conscious. 'sk people #uestions. Turn conversations into a game where you try to find a connection with the other person. 1ive compliments generously, and volunteer to help others when you can. 2ooking for the best in others will help you see it in yourself. 4) Culti ate mentors. Their advice and connections are invaluable, plus you will make better decisions about opportunities thanks to their ob3ective assessments of the pros and cons. 'nd you will be much more willing to take risks knowing you have supporters who will help you get back up on your feet if you fail. !) "ee# self$tal% #ositi e. t!s hard to feel confident if someone puts you down all the time. t!s impossible if that naysayer is you. "atch how you talk to yourself. s it how you would talk to a friend4 f not, then make a change. &) 'liminate negati e #eo#le from your net(or%. 5ou absolutely need to invite and be receptive to constructive criticism if you want to grow as a professional and as an individual. +ut recogni*e that some people will never be happy with you or with life, and it is a waste of time to try to convince them of your worth. "hat!s more, their sour outlook on life is contagious. 2earn to identify these people #uickly, and move on. )) *a%e care of your health. 6ake time for e7ercise, and get enough rest. 5our body must be physically ready to take on challenges. +) Do your home(or%. 8eep up0to0date on the news in your industry, and know your company and department inside and out. f you have a challenging task ahead, prepare and practice in your mind. 9othing builds confidence like knowledge and preparation. ,) Watch your body language. 5our posture and overall appearance affect both your mental state and how others perceive -and thus respond. to you. f you want to be a leader, you have to dress and act the part. Stand and sit up straight, make eye contact, and remember to smile. "ear the professional clothing of your industry. /liminate the telltale signs of nervousness: e7cessive twitching, closed0off posturing -crossed arms and legs, hunched shoulders., and shallow breathing. 1-) Practice gratitude daily. n a recent study of how successful people spend the first hour of each day, the 9o. 1 response was investing time in thinking about the things for which they are most grateful. Starting your day by saying &thank you( for the good in your life makes it more likely that you will approach the day!s challenges with the proper perspective.