If you have self-confidence, you are more likely to be successful and competent in achieving your goals. Having self-confidence adds a great deal to your work environment, as you will be sure to gain the trust of your colleagues. Since diffidence and reticence can be damaging to your career, it is important to note that confidence can be learned or developed.

Confident people take risks to achieve their professional goals. If you stay in your comfort zone, you may not move on to the next level. Even the most confident people make mistakes and may have insecurities, but they admit to their problems and don't dwell on failures - instead they learn from their mistakes.

If you feel good about yourself, others will too. Highly confident people are optimistic and can transform a negative perspective into a positive one. Their focus is on what can go right, not on what can go wrong. Some people focus only on problems, but the focus should be on solutions. Problem solving skills can do wonders for your career.

To build self-confidence, you should empower yourself with knowledge. If you are more knowledgeable in your field, or more prepared before a meeting or presentation, you will certainly be more self-assured.

To show self-confidence in interviews, it is always best to speak slowly and clearly. Speaking quickly and softly will reveal that you are insecure about whether you are worth listening to. You will make a better impression if you hold your head high and answer questions in a slow and assured manner.

Developing self-confidence is a crucial career strategy. If you believe that you can achieve, you will be more competent in everything you do.

This article appeared in the Classified Post print edition as Be career confident.