Investing in confidence is committing to the truth about yourself.

If you want more confidence in your professional life, then start appreciating who you are and what you do well (or do like no one else). Investing in confidence is committing to the truth about yourself. When you commit, you expect your investment to be worthwhile. 

Confidence doesn't come from others. It comes from your wholehearted agreement with the truth that others speak about you. Confidence appears when you see for yourself the impact of your contributions in life, including your career. You boost your confidence when you:

• Accept compliments with no apologies or explanations.

• Understand and embrace people's admiration for what you do well.

• Regularly keep track of and admire your work accomplishments and achievements.

• Aren't surprised when someone asks you for your expert opinion. If you're an expert on the matter, then you already own it.

Not only does self-confidence come from abilities--it comes from outward qualities as well. The higher your outward qualities, the better you position yourself for positive experiences with others. Increase the quality of your daily interactions through obvious, tangible areas in life that affect how you get through first impressions.

• Identify what looks best on you and stick to it.

• Incorporate functional accessories (e.g. handbag, notebook, etc.) that make the right statement.

• Keep your car and work space clean and tidy--even if it's not your dream ride or it's only a desk.

Confidence doesn't come from objects either. Minimizing the superficial distractions and mood-killers that come from wearing ill-fitting clothes and carrying around raggedy items helps you focus better on your work and the people around you. Confidence comes after you remove those obstacles in order to spend more time connecting and collaborating with others on things that matter most.