If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself during meetings or hesitated to speak up, you’re not alone. Confidence, like any skill, can be built—habit by habit.
Here are five simple but powerful habits that can help you feel more confident at the workplace—and actually mean it.
1. Speak Up Early in Meetings
We often wait for the "right moment" to speak—and end up staying silent. A small but effective trick? Say something within the first 10 minutes of any meeting. Even if it’s just a question or a summary, it signals your presence, boosts your engagement, and sets the tone for more participation later.
Why it works: Reduces the internal pressure of waiting too long to speak.
Try this: “That’s an interesting point—can we expand on how it applies to [X]?”
2. Practice Confident Body Language
Your body often speaks before you do. Adopting an open posture, sitting tall, making eye contact, and using purposeful hand gestures can instantly change how others perceive you—and how you feel about yourself.
Quick tip: Avoid slouching, crossing arms, or fidgeting.
Bonus boost: Try a “power pose” in private before an important meeting—it can trick your brain into feeling more in control.
3. Prepare—Then Trust Yourself
Confidence isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about knowing enough and trusting your instincts. Spend time prepping for meetings, pitches, or presentations, but don’t fall into the trap of overthinking. Once you’ve done your prep, let it go and show up fully.
Why it works: Over-preparing can sometimes lead to anxiety, not clarity.
Mantra: “I’m prepared, and I’ll handle what comes.”
4. Stop Apologising for Existing
One of the biggest confidence killers? Saying “sorry” when you mean “thank you” or unnecessarily downplaying your input. Replace phrases like “Sorry if this is a silly idea” with “Here’s a thought I’d like to explore.” The shift is small, but the impact is big.
Try this instead:
Instead of “Sorry for the delay,” say “Thanks for your patience.”
Instead of “This might be wrong,” say “Here’s what I’m thinking.”
5. Keep a “Confidence Log”
End your workday by writing down one thing you did well—big or small. It could be speaking up, solving a problem, or simply handling a stressful moment with calm. Over time, this log becomes proof that you’re growing and doing better than you think.
Why it works: Builds internal evidence of competence.
How to start: Just 2–3 bullet points a day in a notebook or notes app.
Confidence isn’t a trait you’re born with—it’s a habit you build through small, consistent actions. By shifting how you speak, move, prepare, and reflect, you’ll stop performing confidence and start living it. Remember: You deserve your seat at the table—and the room benefits when you use your voice.
