Self Confidence and Job Performance
When we think of low self confidence, we usually think about how it affects our social life, or our ability to achieve long term goals. However, we don’t always think about the impact that it has on our day to day job performance. Whether you are working individually, or in a team within a larger company, low self esteem can have a detrimental affect on achieving your goals at work.
The Effects Of Self-Esteem On Productivity
Have you ever noticed a colleague in your office who seems to be very knowledgable and skilled, but the quality of their work falls short of what you think they are capable of? Perhaps you’ve wondered why their performance isn’t measuring up.
Well, the answer may be that because they don’t believe in themselves, they allow themselves to do less than they are capable of. Or, in some cases, they believe in their abilities but don’t feel worthy of success — so why bother even trying?
Self-esteem is defined as confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect.
When someone lacks self-esteem, it means that they believe that they are unworthy of achieving what they want, even though they may be perfectly capable of doing so. Because of this belief that they are unworthy of producing great results, they intentionally put out mediocre work so as not to stand our from there peers.
In the workplace, low self-esteem causes many problems. Workers who feel like they don’t deserve success, end up programming themselves for failure. So, how can you raise both your belief in your competency and your belief in your worth, so that you can excel in your career and become more productive in any endeavor?
Be Kind. When you actively seek out doing something kind for someone else or something good for your environment, your focus shifts from your own flaws to the benefit you’re bringing someone else.
Upgrade your wardrobe. Your outward appearance is often a reflection of how you feel on the inside. If you start dressing better, there’s a good chance that you’ll start feeling more confident.
Make a drastic change. Doing something that’s so out of your comfort zone can quickly refresh your mind and break negative thought patterns.
Track your accomplishments. Write them down and reference them often. This list can serve as a constant reminder of the value you bring.
Teach someone to a coworker. When you teach someone something, you’re reinforcing the value and knowledge that you have. Doing this any chance you get will be sure to boost confidence levels.
Invest in yourself. Take note of your spending habits. Are you spending money on self-destructive coping mechanisms? Try to move some money around in your budge to make purchases that will improve yourself. Working with a talk therapist or life coach is an example of one great investment you can make in yourself.