Episode 26

April 1, 2021

by Melanie Reed

Feeling kinda meh and blah about where things are at in your HR career or job search? Not exactly in the right frame of mind to market yourself or tackle that next big project? Or perhaps you are just feeling a bit defeated and deflated due to rejection or some negative feedback.

As we continue the global battle against COVID-19 so many of us are feeling tired, overwhelmed and fatigued. And honestly, one little bit of bad news is probably going to be enough to set many of us into a bit of a spiral. It’s not exactly the best frame of mind or mood for selling yourself to potential employers or feeling optimistic and positive about what lies ahead, is it?

In this episode, I share a few of my favourite confidence boosters that will help you at any point in your career journey. Because confidence in your abilities, your decisions and what you offer a potential employer or your team is so essential to how you show up and the results that you generate. Plus, a little confidence can go a long way in helping you embrace the badass HR star you are!

Here is a summary of my five Confidence Boosters:

Take an inventory of your strengths and accomplishments
Ask for a recommendation or referral from someone you trust
Dress for what you desire
Pamper or treat yourself
Do something nice for someone else.

Here is a summary of the episode:

[03:27] - My first confidence booster is the take an inventory of your strengths and accomplishments. Not only is this necessary for career clarity, but it also helps you feel better about your job search or career progression. So often we focus on what we can't do or don't know and that can be discouraging. A shift in perspective and mindset here can make a huge difference in what you will try and how you will feel.
[05:11] - One way to approach this inventory is to do this in five year increments of your life from birth to where you are today. Yes, right back to the beginning of your life! Trust me, you will be amazed at what you have learned and accomplished.
[07:19] - The next step is to look back over your accomplishments and learnings and highlight anything that surfaces as a strength you may have developed.
[10:20] - Another way to boost your confidence is to seek recommendations and referrals from people you trust. Start with people you worked or work well with and who you know were supportive of you and your work.
[15:50] - My third suggestion for boosting your confidence is to dress for what you desire. So many of us are living in sweats and pyjama bottoms, but putting on "work" clothes from time to time and making an excuse to go out for a bit can make you feel more professional and aligned with what you are doing.
[17:19] - I don't know about you, but I always feel better after a great hair cut or a massage, and taking a little time to pamper yourself can help make you feel more confident. The extra benefit to a treat or some self-care is the relaxation it can provide.
[18:56] - My final suggestion is to do something nice and/or helpful for someone else. This reminds you that you do have a lot to offer to other people or your organization.
[21:37] - One BONUS suggestion is to continue to check-in on your limiting beliefs to see if they are starting to creep in to your self-dialogue.

Here are helpful links that I mentioned in this episode:

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