No matter how much you love your job, it can always get the best of you. You’re in an environment where you’ve got to be a bit more refined and cautious. You’ve got to consider the feelings of your co-workers. There’s so much work that has to be done in a day. These are only a few of the many things you need to be reminded of, the moment you walk in your office doors. This isn’t where you’ll want to let your guard down.

There are good days and there are certainly bad days. The truth is that many employers do appreciate it when you’re yourself. Don’t feel as if you’ve got to walk on eggshells. It’s about striking that perfect balance between who you are, being confident about yourself, and what you can contribute to the workplace, without turning a blind eye on the feelings of all the other employees around you.

That being said, you can start to feel good about yourself even in the workplace, by practicing the following habits:

1. Dress the Part

Even if you may be working in an environment where business casual is the dress code, this doesn’t mean that you’ve got to be sloppy. Dressing well can elevate the way you think about yourself and the way you imagine yourself to be. Your employer will appreciate it when you’re dressed for success.

Attuned with this tip, just make sure that the way you dress also matches the work environment you’re in. For instance, if you work in construction, then be ready with your safety gear and shoes. If you work in the hospital, you can always have new scrub pants for men (and women). Just because you’re wearing scrubs, it doesn’t mean it has to look old. If you work in the office, then perhaps you’ve mastered the best office wear.

Dressing well has tremendous effects on the way you perceive yourself and these include:

• It shows your team that you’re serious about your job and that you’re keen on paying close attention to detail.
• It helps build consistency. Routines are great and if there’s anything positive you should do in the morning to keep you excited, it should be dressing up again!
• It encourages your creativity when you think of so many other ways to improve your “work uniform.”

2. Keep A Positive Mindset

Don’t let the drawbacks you experience at work in the morning drag you even lower throughout the afternoon. There are no perfect working days and a part of the learning process is correction. There’ll surely be instances in your job wherein you’ll be corrected for an error that you made. Perhaps there’s a more efficient way to do things.

Whatever it is, don’t take it as an insult. Rather, think of it as constructive criticism. Absorb it positively as a means for you to improve yourself. You’re not a bad person, or a bad employee because of one correction.

The more positive thoughts you think about, the better you can perform in your job as you’re also better able to stay focused and motivated.

There are many benefits that a positive mindset at work can bring to your life, all leading to feeling good about yourself. The benefits are:

• Creates a happier and more positive relationship with co-workers and those around you.
• Motivates not just yourself, but even those around your work circle.
• Reduces stress.
• Improves your decision-making ability.
• Gives you more energy to carry on all the tasks you’ll have to complete at work until you sign off.

3. Embrace Your Individuality

The workplace can be an intimidating place for many. It’s here that you meet different people – from all walks of life, status, beliefs, traditions, and upbringing. These people are unlike your friends and family whom you may have gotten accustomed to or whom you’re familiar with their personality and individuality.

Hence, it’s easy to feel caged in. Perhaps, even if you’re a minority, you might feel insecure about your individuality. You’d like to be that one employee who seems to do everything correctly, all the time.

Well, the truth is that each employee has their strengths and weaknesses including you. So the next time you look at another co-worker and feel insecure about yourself, just remember that they may have been looking at you the same way.

You can feel good about yourself by embracing your individuality. This is what you can bring to the table. You’re not a robot employee. You are yourself with your own plans, ideas, mind, and heart, which – when working altogether can result in great ideas for the workplace as well. You’ve just got to learn to stop being so insecure about who you are.

Remember, your employer didn’t hire you in the first place if they didn’t think you’d be a perfect fit for the job.

4. Make Life Your Best Friend

You can never feel good about yourself if you’re the kind of person who lets your job eats you up. No matter how dedicated you are to your job, remember that this isn’t your life. Rather, your life is what’s outside the confines of your office. It’s those people that are waiting for you at home, it’s your hobbies, your passions, and your dream.

So, learn to draw the line between being an excellent employee and being a slave to your job. Make life your best friend. As excited as you are to report to work, you must be triply excited to clock out. The more you enjoy life, the better you can also contribute at work.

Conclusion

Self-love isn’t selfish. The more you love yourself, the better you can also love others. When you feel good about yourself, there’s no reason for you to be bothered by whatever negativity may be surrounding you both at your workplace and your personal life. It’s very important that you feel good about yourself. Through navigating whatever stressors you experience in your day, when you feel good about yourself, you’re better able to handle problems and relax. In the long run, it brings about tremendous benefits also for your health. So, if there’s any gift you can give yourself this year, it’s learning to feel better about yourself and loving yourself more.