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Stepping into the boardroom can be intimidating, especially when you’re a young woman still trying to carve out your space in the business world. However, it’s important to remember that in this world, confidence establishes credibility faster than anything else.
The way you carry and believe in yourself speaks volumes to those around you. That’s why it’s non-negotiable to cultivate that self-assurance if you want to shine. Here are seven ways to boost self-confidence and feel empowered in any professional setting.
1. Get Into the Habit of Power Dressing Daily
Clothes shape perception, not just in how other people see you, but how you feel about yourself, too. Modern-day power dressing allows you to merge respectable professionalism with your personal sense of style, all while making you feel extra confident.
Don’t be afraid to wear tailored blazers with shoulder pads or structured dresses in bold colors and textures. You can even throw some statement heels into the mix to feel even more empowered. The key is to wear pieces that will let you walk taller and naturally exude that confidence you yearn for.
2. Speak with Intention
Clear, intentional communication in meetings and even just casual conversations at work allows you to showcase your ideas and gain the respect of your colleagues. Don’t try to say too many things all at once. Sit with your thoughts first, then speak slowly and clearly. This will have people leaning forward and hanging on to your every word.
Be assertive when you need to be, especially when you know you’re in the right. However, remember that there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, so it’s important to still be kind to those you work with.
3. Invest in Your Appearance
When you feel good in your own skin, your confidence will naturally radiate. If you can, invest in your appearance so that you can get this little boost in self-esteem. It can be something as simple as buying that full-coverage foundation you’ve been eyeing, or it could be more permanent, like getting rhinoplasty surgery to make the nose smaller (if that’s something you’ve been wanting for yourself, of course). When you’re comfortable in your appearance, it translates to poise, ease, and power in a professional setting.
4. Take the Time to Do Self-Care Rituals
Self-care rituals are fantastic for nurturing your body and mind. And when you feel cared for and centered, you’ll be more than ready to step into your day with poise and power. Schedule short daily routines like stretching in the morning and doing an indulgent 10-step skincare routine at night. It can even be as simple as spritzing on some clean-smelling perfume before heading to work. A few minutes a day showing yourself some TLC can do wonders for your confidence.
5. Wear a Bold Lip Color at Work
Make a statement without saying a word by wearing a bold, daring lip color to work. It can be a deep red or a fuchsia pink, anything that will uplift you and make you feel powerful. This style choice is a subtle way to project authority and presence in meetings and work events. Plus, when you look and feel vibrant, your confidence will shine through in everything you do.
6. Practice Affirmations and Positive Self-Talk
Every morning, sit down for five minutes and give yourself positive affirmations to start your day strong and confident. Tell yourself that you’re capable, that you matter, and that you’re beautiful. This type of positive self-talk is excellent for reducing self-doubt and strengthening your belief in yourself, which are musts for young businesswomen.
There are many ways to practice positive affirmations. If you love writing, you can do it through bullet journaling each day. If you don’t have too much time to spare in the morning, you can simply say it to yourself in front of the mirror before heading out.
7. Curate a Personal “Confidence Playlist”
Music affects mood and energy. Having a playlist curated specifically to uplift and energize you in the morning is a terrific way to boost your confidence and mentally prepare you for meetings and presentations. Fill the playlist with songs that make you feel unstoppable, from upbeat anthems to empowering ballads. Don’t be afraid to blast it while you’re getting ready for work or listen on your headphones during your daily commute to pump yourself up for the day.
Endnote
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you need to cultivate every day, whether it’s by investing time and energy into your wardrobe and makeup or through positive affirmations and a hard-hitting confidence playlist.
If you want to step into every meeting and opportunity feeling poised and powerful, start incorporating these confidence-boosting strategies into your daily routine. Before you know it, your personal and professional presence will soar.
