Doubting your abilities, believing that somebody else is better than you, or not thinking you can do the job well, are common examples of low self esteem at work. The way you feel about yourself directly affects your productivity and job performance, which in turn affects your career success. If you are lacking self confidence in an area, there is almost always a limiting belief hidden somewhere that keeps holding you back.

Many people believe that self-confidence is an innate ability. However, this simply isn’t true. Even the most easy-going and confident people feel insecure at some point. With practice, anyone can boost their confidence levels and command the workplace. All you need to do is to figure out what causes the lack of confidence and how to treat it.

Problem 1: Insecurity

Do you constantly need the opinion of others for everything you do? If you tend to dominate a conversation by always asking for reassurance, this is a clear sign of insecurity.

Solution: One of the best ways to build confidence is to get clear on your strengths and find ways to integrate those strengths into what you do every day. When you lead from your strengths, you’re engaged and energized and become self-assured. Get feedback from colleagues, friends or even your manager about how you are doing. Ask them to identify your strengths and places where they'd like to see you do more. Sometimes other people see more talent in us than we recognize in ourselves.

Problem 2: Over justification

Are you concerned that your colleagues will judge you if you say or do something that you think you are entitled to do/say but that is not what they want?

Solution: It may be easier said than done, but try to tell yourself “I can do this,” and believe it. Confident people know that a direct and honest answer given with respect is the best option. All the excuses and justification make both parties uncomfortable and awkward.

Problem 3: Defensiveness

People who lack confidence are immediately defensive in the face of even minor criticism or questions.

Solution: Accept that you are not perfect and some things you do better than others. If someone offers constructive criticism accept that too. They are entitled to their opinion and they might be right. Use your list of qualities and see if what they have said rings true alongside the qualities you have highlighted.

Problem 4: Fear of challenges

For the naturally confident, taking chances and diving into new things is exciting. They love a good challenge.

Solution: Accomplishing things that you didn’t think possible can be a great way to boost your confidence. Find projects and assignments that give you an opportunity to use your strengths and take on projects that stretch you. Take baby steps if needed, but begin to involve yourself in the new project or activity and see how it goes. Try to refrain from judging your performance too early in the process, or comparing your performance to someone who has been doing that activity for a much longer period of time.

Confidence means that you must be able to work out of your own comfort zone, it is very easy to become comfortable with work habits and how you usually manage your working day. Remaining positive and confident can be the key to make you the individual that stands out from the crowd and put yourself on the road to a successful career. Don’t be the cowardly lion from the Wizard of Oz, believe in your strengths let them hear you roar.

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Alexa Anghel is a copywriter and social media passionate who truly believes in the power of words. She sees herself as a word stylist, creating beautiful stories for brands and companies. Today she’s the word master for Oracle’s Brand Recruitment department, where she continues to experiment with social media and improve content strategy. Her specialties include content writing, online marketing, public relations, branding and social media. Connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter.