Self-confidence

As a researcher, you’re often called upon to present and defend your ideas publicly, sometimes facing intense scrutiny. Having the confidence to stand by your research and communicate it convincingly is key to gaining support from funders and your professional community.

Self-confidence is built on two main elements:

• Self-efficacy: This confidence grows as you master skills and accomplish meaningful goals. Self-efficacy is the belief that hard work and learning lead to success, enabling you to take on challenges and stay resilient.
• Self-esteem: This is your overall sense of capability and self-worth, rooted in the idea that you are competent and valued. Positive feedback and supportive environments help build self-esteem, creating a foundation for confidence in handling life’s demands.

Balancing self-confidence is essential, as too little can hold you back, and too much can lead to overreach. Building self-confidence takes time, but the investment is worth it, empowering you to take calculated risks, push boundaries, and even inspire others—ultimately strengthening your career potential.

Consider your career so far and list ten major achievements. Reflect on the skills and strengths that helped you succeed. To gain further insight, try a personal SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to reinforce your strengths and identify areas for growth.

Look for opportunities to use and highlight your skills. Participate in outreach, poster competitions, or knowledge exchange programs, as well as more traditional avenues like conferences. These activities help build confidence in presenting and defending your research.

True confidence grows through setting goals and achieving them. Consider creating a Personal Development Plan (PDP) or simply setting weekly goals. Start small and celebrate your achievements along the way. These small wins accumulate into lasting confidence.

As your confidence builds, start setting more ambitious goals. Expand on the skills you’ve developed by taking on new, but related, challenges. These stretch goals are great ways to keep momentum as you progress.

Tap into available support networks. Your institution’s staff development team can provide training; supervisors can help set and review goals; peers offer feedback; and mentors (in or outside your department) can give fresh perspectives. Online forums are also excellent for exchanging ideas and career insights.

Recognising and praising your colleagues’ achievements not only motivates them but also builds a positive culture where mutual support strengthens everyone’s confidence. When you give constructive feedback, you’ll find others are more likely to do the same for you.