We all know people at work who just seem to have it all together. It’s as though nothing can make them flinch or falter. They know what they want and they go after it. What makes them so successful? In a word: confidence. Confidence is a quality that will propel your career forward like nothing else. It comes down to this: If you believe in yourself, others will too. But, if you doubt yourself, the same premise holds true. The best way to bolster your confidence is to identify what’s making you feel insufficient and take action. What is keeping you from feeling confident in your career? A lack of experience? Everyone has to start somewhere. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and take risks in order to deepen your experience. Volunteer for projects and tasks that present new challenges. The more you do it, the more experience you will get and the more your confidence will grow! Fear of public speaking? This is a big one for many people, but there are plenty of tactics that can help you overcome it. When you need to present information to others, practice ahead of time with a friend or spouse. Think about something that calms your nerves and prepare well. Most importantly, smile and remember they are just people like you and me. Insufficient knowledge or training? Don’t let this hold you back—go get the knowledge and training you lack! Read a book, take a class or go to a seminar and learn what you need to confidently move forward in your career. You’ll be surprised how much more poised you will be with a little bit of learning. Feelings of inadequacy? Emotions can kill your confidence. Refuse to allow it. You are every bit as capable as the next person—you just need to believe it yourself. If you struggle with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy, just begin to act more confidently and before you know it, your feelings will follow! Don’t let a lack of assurance keep you from your full career potential. Identify what’s depleting your confidence and tackle it head on!