Excerpts from the Infijoy Confidence at Work Webinar with Aliya Rajah 

Confidence isn’t a fixed destination where you arrive and suddenly declare, "I’m confident now." Instead, it’s a tool—one you can develop, refine, and apply in various situations. Even when you’ve built confidence in certain areas, there will be moments where you feel out of your comfort zone. And that’s okay. The key is not to eliminate doubt but to be better equipped to handle it.

Confidence is a skill, something you can continuously improve. For example, someone might feel super confident in their personal life, like when it comes to dating, but may lack the same confidence in the workplace. This proves that confidence isn’t a one-size-fits-all trait—it’s a muscle you need to strengthen across different aspects of your life.

As someone who has worked with many clients across various industries, I’ve observed a few common challenges people face when it comes to building confidence at work. Here are three of the most frequent ones:

1. The Fear of Public Speaking

Public speaking is widely recognized as the number one fear—surpassing even the fear of death. In a professional setting, the ability to speak in front of an audience, whether it’s a large group or your own team, can make a huge difference in career progression. While many people dread public speaking, it’s a skill that can be developed with coaching and practice.

But public speaking isn’t just about presenting to a large crowd. Many professionals could benefit from enhancing their speaking skills, whether it’s a one-on-one meeting with a boss, a small group discussion, or networking events. The communication skills gained from public speaking training apply to so many scenarios, making it a valuable asset for anyone.

2. Lack of Boundaries

Setting boundaries is another common challenge. Many people struggle with being assertive, especially when it comes to difficult conversations at work. Whether it’s telling a colleague that you can’t take on another project or addressing issues in a team setting, establishing boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and professional relationships.

Assertiveness doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but it’s a skill worth cultivating. Being able to have those tough conversations while maintaining professionalism will make you more effective in the workplace.

3. Hesitating to Seize Opportunities

Many people I work with have a fire inside them. They know they’re capable of doing more, but something holds them back from going after opportunities. Often, it’s a lack of confidence. They feel the potential bubbling up inside but hesitate to take the leap.

Building confidence isn’t just about speaking up or setting boundaries; it’s also about learning to grab opportunities as they arise. It’s about visibility—making sure people know what you can offer and putting yourself forward in moments that matter.

4. Build Confidence Before You Need It

One thing I always advise: build confidence before you need it. Don’t wait for a big presentation or a critical meeting to start practicing public speaking or asserting yourself. The sooner you start, the more prepared you’ll be when those high-stakes moments come.

Confidence is a journey, not a one-time achievement. As you develop this skill, you’ll find yourself better equipped to handle challenges at work and in life. So, why not start today with the online 7-Day Confidence Challenge with Aliya.