It’s been a weird year and a half – to say the least! And, as it turns out, working from home, has been having an unexpected affect on our work life confidence. Now that the idea of returning back to the office is becoming more of a reality, the Sunday scaries, are becoming the everyday scaries for some.
The key to beat the fear of going back to the office, is to not stay stuck in a state of low confidence as it can leave a deeply negative impression on different elements of your life – not only those aspects that concern your work.
Here are 5 ways to restore your workplace confidence, before you get back to your desk.
1. Get in your zone
During lockdown, we all most certainly got into some kind of comfort zone. Everyone has a comfort zone, whether it’s chatting to a friend, a routine, music, art, or a favourite news site to read through in the morning. This doesn’t have to be lost now you are back in the office, you can bring elements of your ‘comfort zone’ with you to help with your confidence. Whether that’s picking up a coffee on the way to work, chatting with a friendly colleague by the printer, or making a fun playlist to work to. Whatever it is that makes you feel comfortable, get into that zone.
2. Face Your Fears
On the flip side of getting into your comfort zone, also face your fears. Face at least one of your fears about being back in the office a day. If you’re normally anxious to speak up in meetings, set a goal to do just that. Push past your normal level of participation and be confident in what you have to say. When you survive, you’ll be that much more confident. And if that doesn’t work, “fake it till you make it”. Take this cliche to heart. Tell yourself you are confident, even if you don’t truly feel it yet. Act prepared in situations you may not fully feel prepared for. And soon enough, you’ll believe it and be more confident.
3. Dress the part
Take your time to get ready in the morning, and dress in a way that makes you feel great. If you look good, it will shine through, and make you feel more confident. You can find some great ‘back to work’ outfit tips here.
4. Tidy desk – tidy mind
Being un-organised can cause a lot of stress, making you feel even more un-confident. Keep on top of your tasks, by creating achievable to-do lists daily. Keep your desk and desktop organized too. This simple act will make you feel more in-control. And a clean desk will encourage you to take control over other things in your life.
5. Write down positive affirmation goals
Don’t let your insecurities or fears of failure hold you back from reaching your full potential. You’ve worked hard to get to where you are, and your company / boss saw potential in you. You are capable and prepared, it will help to remind yourself of this every once in a while. Write down positive affirmations in a journal, or why not even say them out loud to yourself in the mirror every morning. As crazy as it sounds, it helps!
Good Luck! xx
