Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

I'm worried I look incompetent at work, what can I do?

Profile: Nitya2014
Nitya2014 on Sep 14, 2014
...read more
I undertand you are worried. But worrying does not slove the probem right? , Can you tell me the reasons that why do you feel incompetent at work?
Struggling with Work Stress?
Find relief with 7 Cups online therapy.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Nov 8, 2014
...read more
Do you have reason to think you're actually incompetent at work, or are you just being paranoid? Work on doing your best, and consider asking your boss if there's somewhere you should improve!
Profile: PeaceTrain
PeaceTrain on Nov 10, 2014
...read more
First you have to work harder to improve your competency level. Also don't let your confidence slide easily. I suggest that you watch the following video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc
Profile: mimo29
mimo29 on Jan 7, 2015
...read more
This could be either a genuine or baseless worry. You can tell which by asking your boss honestly how you're doing at work. This person has no motivation or obligation to assure you of your competence as others might because they are your friends or your competitors. Should you find out you are lacking in some areas, you know how you can improve. You can learn from your peers, or take more courses to improve your skills. If you find out you are worrying needlessly, reflect on that discovery: it could mean you are overly self-conscious or self-critical. You can then work towards having a more healthy mental life.
Profile: Nawar
Nawar on Oct 19, 2014
...read more
Everyone has faced this worry at some point of time. So first, you need to believe that you are not incompetent.
Profile: Hermes121
Hermes121 on Dec 9, 2016
...read more
I work in the ambulance service and come face to face with all sorts of unusual illnesses, issues and sometimes very high stress situations. The funny thing is that while we get plenty of training and help at the start there's no way to be prepared for everything and even the stuff you have trained for, like delivering a baby, can result in different presentations such as twins on a strangers couch. My point is that most of the time I have no idea what I'm doing. All I can do is smile, be as confident as I can and just hope that nobody can see that I'm bluffing. I then do it again and again until the point where even if I don't feel 100% confident, I'm doing a good job. That's all that matters usually, a smile, appearing confident and not completely botching the job. Everything else is a bonus :)
Profile: Lucky
Lucky on Nov 10, 2014
...read more
The best way to overcome this is to actually become competent in whatever field you are in, also if you feel you are already competent you can do little self affirmations in the morning before going to work. Example, tell yourself "i am competent", "I deserve this Job". Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that we deserve the things we have.
Profile: Jonez
Jonez on Sep 19, 2014
...read more
Assess your work. Manage time wisely. Admit mistakes. Don't be afraid to ask your boss for feedback.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Oct 28, 2014
...read more
If you feel as though that you're not doing to well at your job, let your boss know and surely they'll be able to reassure you and help put you on the right track to do better.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Sep 22, 2016
...read more
This might be a self-fulfilling prophecy! If people can tell that you look worried, they may wonder if you have something to worry about! Build your self-confidence and stop wondering about what other people are thinking so much. People will respect you if your work is done well; focus on your work and less on them. Coworkers who disrespect you despite you being a good employee are not worth your concern.
Have a helpful insight? Don’t keep it to yourself.
Sharing helps others and its therapeutic for you.
0/150 Minimum Characters
0/75 Minimum Words