Professionals who have a great self-confidence believe that they are the master of their destiny therefore, they know that they are the only ones accountable to set the direction for their life. They have an inner conviction about who they are and what they want which makes them go and get the things they want and need in their life. Though they understand what they can control in their life and accept the things that they cannot control. They know their own value and capabilities, don't mind expressing an unpopular opinion if it is what they truly believe, and they are able to make quick decisions even in uncertain circumstances.

On the other hand, professionals who lack self-confidence lack confidence in their own judgement, and therefore have difficulty defending their ideas. They avoid challenges and confrontations with people at all costs, even if it will solve a problem, such as speaking the truth to a powerful authority. They don't know how to set personal boundaries and demand to be treated with respect from others.

How to be self-confident:

• Make a strengths list: Start a journal where you make a list of your significant achievements. You know the areas where you excel already and you can get additional areas of strengths from your feedback sessions. You can refer to this list, when you need to remind yourself of all the things you are good at. Just be sure to keep it updated.
• Make a weaknesses list: Use this list not to chastise yourself, but to track your progress in the areas you need to improve. Eventually, you can move some of these weaknesses over to your strengths list. Seeing that you have achieved something you set your mind to boosts your confidence. After finishing your honest listing of strengths and weaknesses, you are now aware of some of your emotional triggers. YES! Some of our strengths can be emotional triggers.
• Say no: How many times have you been asked to agree to something, and said "Yes" when you really wanted to say "No?" In order to stand up for yourself, to stay healthy and gain respect, you need to be able to use the right emotional intelligence techniques to say "Thank you! No."
• Be respectful: Saying "No" is not about being rude, uncaring, or aggressive; start saying "No" by first saying, "Thank you!" The ability to say "No" is a skill that can help you to look after yourself, to stop becoming overwhelmed by taking on too much, and to gain the respect of other people.
• Don't justify: When you justify your answers people pursue your reasons and wear you down on those rather than the "No." When you give reasons, people usually keep on at you for longer. Instead of saying "I'm sorry I can't, I'm busy."--you drop off the reasoning and politely say, "Thank you, no. I won't be joining you." Sometimes reasons may be needed, though you need to be able to have the choice as to when you give them and not just give them automatically.
• Use a pleasant voice: Even if you are saying "Thank you! No," keep a pleasant, warm voice tone throughout. It is easy to sound sarcastic but sarcasm can sour relationships.
• Stick to what you say: Stick to what you say and repeat it. For instance, if you say "That's confidential." Say the same thing, "That's confidential," the second time, and "That's confidential," the third time. This is better than arguing points. Usually, after about three times people stop attempting to persuade you otherwise.