I lack confidence at work, I'm not proactive, I'm boring, I'm an introvert and I don't get anywhere. What should I do?

Good day, questioner. I am Consultant Meng Lina.

You indicated that you work diligently at your job, despite a heavy workload and a lack of recognition. You expressed feelings of being unappreciated, self-blaming, and useless. It is evident that you are seeking motivation to effect change.

I would like to pose a few questions to you.

1. What are your expectations? If you could modify one aspect of the situation, what would it be?

2. Attending work daily is a challenging endeavor. What sources of strength enable you to persevere in your work?

3. What aspects of your current position contribute to your sense of satisfaction and accomplishment?

Please describe the circumstances that elicit feelings of pride.

4. What form of recognition would you like to receive from your superior? Has your superior previously offered you recognition? Please describe the circumstances.

Upon answering the aforementioned questions, it is anticipated that new perspectives will emerge.

I will now present my perspective. It should be noted that some of the assumptions I make may not be applicable to your particular situation. However, you are free to select which elements are most beneficial to you.

From the text, it can be inferred that you desire recognition from your superior and that you are striving to perform your duties to the best of your abilities. This is a common expectation and a normal aspect of the workplace. There are two perspectives to consider. First, does the nature of the job provide you with a sense of accomplishment? You can achieve this sense of accomplishment by focusing on the intrinsic value of the job itself. Second, how can you gain the recognition of your superior? Initially, it is essential to understand your superior's communication style. If he is someone who frequently offers praise, it is likely that he finds your contributions valuable. However, if he does not offer praise, it is important to recognize that this does not necessarily indicate a lack of appreciation for your work. If he does offer praise, it is crucial to identify the specific qualities or actions that he appreciates.

Additionally, you indicated that your colleague is unaware of your contributions. There are methods to demonstrate your efforts, such as through a communication or a report. It is also crucial to advocate for yourself.

2. You have expressed feelings of discontent with yourself and a tendency to blame yourself for your circumstances. This is an internalized form of criticism, potentially reflecting a broader dissatisfaction with the external world. It is, in fact, an aspect of your personality that is also a strength, representing the opposite end of your experience of boredom. It is important to recognize and embrace this strength and vitality, and to take action to improve your situation.

3. It is important to build self-confidence. Sometimes, low confidence is not necessarily a reflection of one's actual abilities but rather a result of self-doubt. Identifying one's strengths and areas of proficiency is a crucial step in developing confidence. Inviting a partner to provide constructive feedback on one's strengths can be beneficial. However, it is essential to ensure that the feedback is specific to the individual's strengths and not generalised. Additionally, setting daily goals and achieving them can be an effective way to boost confidence.

It is my hope that these modest techniques will prove beneficial to you.

Dear Question Asker, Thank you for meeting with me today.

I empathize with your situation. Many individuals have encountered comparable challenges in the workplace. Being an introvert does not preclude success. By identifying our strengths, leveraging them fully, and striving for excellence, we can carve out a niche for ourselves.

Introverts are often better at listening and thinking things through, which are all good advantages. There is no need to make significant changes immediately; we can start with small things, such as initiating communication with your leader at least once a week. This could be a work report or a request for assistance with a specific issue. This will gradually build your confidence and form a habit.

Additionally, you can record your work results and efforts and, when the appropriate opportunity arises, provide concrete examples to demonstrate your workload and effectiveness.

Seek input from trusted colleagues or friends to gain insight into their perceptions of your work and potential areas for improvement. Develop a career plan that aligns with your professional goals and assesses the extent to which your current role is contributing to their realization.

If the current work environment is not a good fit, it may be worth considering alternative options that are more suitable.

Finally, there is sufficient time to relax and recharge. Extended periods of work pressure can result in fatigue and frustration. Adequate rest is beneficial for maintaining work efficiency and a positive state of mind.

Each individual has their own unique path to growth. By consistently striving for self-improvement, we can ultimately achieve our own personal success.

I hope this has been an inspiring message for you. Best regards, [Name]