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Confidence. Few of us have enough of it, some of us have too much. Finding the happy-medium between being an overbearing know-it-all and exuding confidence can be the difference between being taken seriously or being taken.

Many of us, due to physical or intellectual limitations (or perceived limitations) are quite lacking in the self-esteem/confidence department. The trick to improving your self worth isn’t in fretting about the things you can’t fix, it’s about fixing the things you can:

1. If you know what you’re talking about, don’t be afraid to say so. You can have a degree in a subject, but if you don’t convey confidence in your opinion, you will not be taken seriously. Do not use words like “I think” or “I’m pretty sure” when you know something for a fact. You don’t have to jump down someones throat, just let them know that you are confident in what you have to say, and you are certain you are correct.

2. When someone compliments you, accept the compliment. You don’t have to be a jerk, and come back with an “I know”. Just accept the compliment and thank them for their kind words. If people keep complimenting your intelligence, and you keep arguing with them, they will start to believe you.

3. Take pride in your appearance. There are certain physical attributes we can do nothing about. There are, however, plenty of other things we have full control over. Maintaining a good personal hygiene regimen can make up for a lot of shortcomings. Keep yourself well-groomed, make sure you clothes match, are appropriate and are free of wrinkles or stains. Remember, you will likely never be faulted for having too frequent haircuts, or overdressing.

4. Wear clothes that compliment you. Not everyone can pull off every style. Some things look better on others. Find someone you can trust, who you would look to as a pseudo-fashion-role-model. Ask them what they think of a particuliar outfit or look. Take their advice.

5. Take pride in your work. No matter how large or small the project, take pride in everything you attach your name to. Before completion, briefly look it over and see if there are any small changes you could make to boost the quality of the work. People notice when other people take pride in what they do, and pay attention to the small things.

6. Do not compare yourself to others. You will get nowhere. You will almost always believe yourself lacking to someone in virtually every department. The trick is to focus on yourself, compare today you with yesterday you. Did you do or say anything that you regret? Did you put less effort in to a project than you wish you had? Improve on you, and nevermind what others do.

7. Remind yourself of your achievements. Everyone has something they have done that they are proud of. Remember, if you did it once, you can do it again. Don’t look at your past achievements as a ceiling, as the limit to what you can do. Shoot for higher, never be satisfied and never settle.

8. Remember that someone a lot less intelligent/schooled/learned has made it a lot further than you have. What do they have over you? Nothing. You can achieve everything they have, and more. It will take some work, but your mother was right, you can do anything you set your mind to.