No More Low-Confidence Days

Career-Boosters

Break the ice. Next time you're in the elevator with your boss or the uber-intimidating CEO, instead of staring intently at the floor, strike up a conversation. Prepare for this by keeping up on company news so you can throw out a tidbit: "I hear we're opening up an office in Chicago. I love the dinosaur exhibit at the Field Museum."

Speak Up! Get over one of the world's most common fears -- that of public speaking -- by volunteering to give a presentation at work or a toast at a wedding. Work up your nerve by practicing in front of a friend, and then throw in an even more terrifying element, like singing a verse of Madonna's "Like a Virgin" or telling an embarrassing anecdote. When you do the real thing -- without the humiliation factor -- it'll seem like a piece of cake.

Ask for bigger bucks. At your annual review, take a deep breath and request a raise that's at least 20 percent higher than what you expect. "If you're not uncomfortable asking for it, then it's not high enough," says Ursiny. Sticking your neck out is the only way to stretch outside your comfort zone and take your confidence to the next level.

Originally published in FITNESS, October 2006.