Women’s confidence has taken a blow because of years of oppression, discrimination, struggling for basic rights, safety issues, and other obstacles. A woman might hesitate to speak up in meetings, fearing that her contributions will be more closely scrutinized than those of her male counterparts, or she might even refrain from applying for promotions because of a lack of faith in her qualifications. Consequently, low self-confidence can hinder you from reaching your full potential professionally.

A deficit of confidence can inhibit not just your career performance and future but also your income. A recent survey by international staffing firm Robert Half revealed that 68% of men negotiated for a higher salary in 2018, versus just 45% of women. Although over time, more and more professionals have proactively sought an increase in salary, women have historically been less likely to do so.

Silencing self-doubt and embracing self-confidence are key to a truly successful career. Here are some steps you can take to increase your confidence at work.

1. Cultivate a Positive Inner Voice

We all have an inner critic, and although that voice is often what pushes us to work harder and strive for bigger and better things, it can also be very detrimental if we let it focus on what we may have done wrong or why we are not good enough. Cultivating this voice so that it is encouraging, rather than critical, is therefore essential. We must not let our criticisms get the best of us.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

We must never allow our second thoughts to deconstruct our motivation.

Try to be intentional about your mind-set. When you notice your subconscious turning negative, pause and look for ways to reframe these thoughts in a positive, constructive way. Being your own biggest cheerleader can go far in helping boost your confidence. We must accept our inner narratives and trust our instincts. No one knows us better than ourselves, and hence, we must never surrender the remote of our life to anyone. We possess the power to define our worth, and your worth should always be positive.

2. Define Your Purpose

Do you truly know what motivates you to get out of bed every morning? Being cognizant of your particular purpose—understanding who you are, what you want, and what is important to you—is an important part of building your confidence to act. So, take the time necessary to consider and identify what this driving force is for you. What gives you satisfaction in your career? What goals have you set for yourself? What impact do you want to make? Understanding your unique identity and mission and keeping them at the forefront of your mind will impel you to push past your self-imposed limitations and accomplish what you were meant to do.

3. Own Your Solutions with Confidence

Problems are a natural and unavoidable part of life. But if you come to the table focused on answers rather than problems, you will already be well on your way to propelling yourself and your business past any obstacles that may arise. Having a solutions-focused mind-set can position you to open new doors, find better opportunities, and stay on track when things become challenging.

No one is always right, of course, and no one ever likes to be wrong. But being wrong is an inevitable part of our everyday experience. And perhaps the only thing more detrimental to your long-term success than occasionally making a mistake is letting your fear of doing so prevent you from speaking up and putting yourself out there. Consider the saying “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Making a mistake is not the same as failing, and the fear of being wrong only stifles creativity and limits expression. Falling short sometimes is how we grow. The lessons you learn from such experiences are what equip you for success the next time you try. You might hesitate to call yourself a perfect individual, considering your insecurities and shortcomings, but remember that you are not defined by what you lack or what mistakes you have made, but by your perseverance.

4. Lean into Your Strengths

Identify what capabilities you bring to the table and look for opportunities to lean into them. Regularly demonstrating your talents and skills will not only help you feel more positive about yourself but will also reinforce others’ appreciation of you. Being perfect across the board is not an attainable goal but making the most of your particular strengths can bolster your value—and your self-assurance—professionally.

5. Invest in Yourself

To stay strong physically, we need to regularly replenish our resources via food and sleep. To be our best in the workplace, we must likewise replenish our resources professionally. Investing in yourself in a way that supports your long-term vision for your career can build your self-confidence by Twitter Tweet