Stop Selling Yourself Short

[B]elieve in yourself. This should be easy for 36-year-old Dawn Kuschewski, a Chicago-native and owner of her own website, The Rub Hub. Wrong! Sometimes juggling a career and personal life without losing confidence can be tough, she admits. “You can be your own worst critic.” But she’s not alone, nor are you. Here are 5 tips to help boost your self-esteem and keep you at the top of your game.

Go Ahead, Ask for help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Asking others for help might look like a sign of weakness, but it’s not. “We don’t ask for enough help in our home life often because we wouldn’t do so at work,” says Sue Firth, a business psychologist. While accomplishing tasks on your own feels good, try not doing everything just for the sake of proving yourself. Your family and friends and co-workers are there for a reason. So it’s ok to lean on them every now and them.

Keep positive relationships

You’re parents were right, “You are the company you keep.” Think about it this way: if the people around you aren’t adding anything positive to your life, then they’re taking something way. So, “eliminate negative relationships” says Ioanna Chaney, a life coach from Forward Alliance in Chicago. “They cause stress and deplete you of the energy you need to pursue your dreams.”

Confidence is key

A boost of confidence is a must! But don’t be snobby. Let your smarts and talents do the talking. Unlike arrogance, confidence is appealing. Self-confidence relies on the ability to believe and trust your smarts and talents. Kelly Eckert, a personal and professional coach from Pennsylvania, suggests you shouldn’t rely too heavily on others for validation. “I’m not suggesting that we blindly dismiss what everyone else says,” she says. “We just need to give priority to the wise woman voice that lives deep inside us.”

Stay Positive

A positive attitude can make the day run smoother. Stop yourself, if you’re second-guessing your choice of attire, business decisions and even your intelligence. Turn the negative energy into a good one. “Identify your values, strengths, weaknesses, and self-defeating thought,” Chaney says. “Rejoice in your successes and have a sense of humor about your failure.”

Have “Me” Time

Stop and smell the roses! Sometimes good quality “You” time is essential. Whether it’s going to a spa to get a pedicure, having a 3-course dinner at a five star restaurant, or doing yoga during your lunch break. Laurie Sheppard, a certified life coach at Creating At Will, says time off helps us feel rejuvenated and stronger for the week ahead. “Remember even little rewards are what you’re working hard for,” she says.