In your personal life, self-confidence comes naturally—handling home, family, pets, friends, and hobbies without a second thought. But at work or as an entrepreneur, it's a different story. Building a career, stepping into the spotlight, delivering tough presentations, fielding hard questions, or silencing that inner critic can feel daunting. Hard work alone doesn't always lead to promotions, bold acquisitions, or successful salary negotiations. These challenges often spark self-doubt, eroding your business confidence.
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Consider that colleague who seems to know less yet snags the promotion. It stings and shakes your confidence. How do you break free and rebuild it? Jikkie Has, a speaker, author, and trainer, faced this after a miscarriage shattered her self-trust. If she couldn't rely on her body, what could she trust? She dove into scientific research, uncovering actionable insights compiled in her book Business Self-Confidence – Dare to Be Successful. Her key takeaway: self-confidence isn't innate—it's a skill you can train.
Here are 10 evidence-based tips from Jikkie to strengthen your business confidence, empowering you to make that tough call or nail the next presentation—whether you're aiming to become a VA, launch as a freelancer, or advance in your job.
Even stars like Linda de Mol, Angelina Jolie, and Carice van Houten feel insecure at times. It's a normal response to high-stakes situations. Your unflappable colleague, boss, or competitor? They feel it too—they just don't let it stop them. These tips will help you do the same.
How do you hold yourself back? Hesitating on social media posts? Perfectionism? People-pleasing? Feeling unready for the next step? Grinding away hoping to be noticed? Before chasing more courses or endless research, commit to stopping the self-minimization. Picture looking back on your career: Will you regret playing small to avoid criticism, or celebrate pursuing your dreams and inspiring others? Owning your worth is a game-changer.
When are you 'good enough'? Without clear benchmarks, we default to comparing with others—a survival instinct from prehistoric times. Today, it fuels insecurity as we fixate on others' highlights while scrutinizing our gaps.
Solution: Flip the script. Compare your today to your past self. How far have you come in two, five, or ten years? What skills and insights have you gained? You'll see real progress—and your business confidence will soar.
That inner critic acts like a persistent toddler—arguing drains your energy. Instead of battling it, counter with balance: 'What else is true?' Like, 'With my years of experience, I can already help others.' This shifts you to action, bypassing unnecessary training.
Tying self-esteem to outcomes breeds tension—every launch or goal feels make-or-break. You're human, inherently worthy regardless of success. Untether your value from results to reclaim calm confidence.
Successful people view setbacks like tennis matches—wins and losses are part of the game. Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman's research on high achievers confirms this mindset. Serena Williams lost countless matches early on; J.K. Rowling faced 12 rejections. Shake it off and play the next point.
We wait for confidence to act, but science proves the reverse: Action builds it. You learn cycling by pedaling, not reading. Steps outside your comfort zone feel scary upfront but empowering after. Don't wait—start now; confidence follows. Next tip makes it easier.
Your brain hits the panic button on big leaps, flooding you with doubts. Trick it with tiny steps—so small they're laughable. Instead of instant blogging stardom, brainstorm one post. Like feeding a baby, start with spoonfuls.
Psychologist Zachary Estes found women underperformed on spatial tests not due to ability, but leaving answers blank from uncertainty. Guessing closed the gap. Stop overthinking—your instincts are sharper than you think. Opportunities await.
Posture shapes mindset. Slouch and feel small; power pose and feel strong. Harvard's Amy Cuddy's research shows two minutes with chest out, arms raised boosts confidence hormones—even if you start insecure. Critics questioned it initially, but replicated studies confirm: It works.
Inspired by Jikkie's approach? Order her book for deeper strategies to elevate your business confidence. It's practical, not rocket science—just knowledge and action.
Recognize this? Lacking or brimming with confidence? Share in the comments!
Bonus: Grab the free digital workbook with 26 exercises for business confidence (worth €10): https://www.zakelijkzelfvertrouwen.nl/gratiswerkboek/
