In my last corporate gig, I had a manager that just didn't understand me. He didn’t see the value that I brought to the table. I'm a top performer and I left work every day feeling horrible about my contribution. What's worse: over-time, I started to forget what I was truly capable of.

While I knew I had great work in me, the lack of appreciation, understanding, or support left me feeling uninspired, unproductive, and disengaged. My confidence at work was at an all-time low.

It's in moments like these that I'm reminded that I'm the only one responsible for my happiness and the only one capable of picking myself up. The solution had to start with me. Upping my confidence at work created an environment where I was more highly regarded, sought out by key people for my expertise, and just downright HAPPIER at work.

If you’re ready to ooze confidence in the office every day, try these 5 simple strategies:

1. Have a Vision

It’s hard to get what you want if you don’t know what it is. Develop a crystal clear vision and spend a few minutes each day thinking about it – what it looks like, what if feels like once you’ve achieved it. Spending just a few minutes each day being mindful of you vision will leave you feeling the way you want to feel today, not just after your vision is a reality.

2. Be Prepared

One of the best tidbits of career advice I ever got was to always be prepared to run any meeting, even if it’s not yours. Being prepared, in any situation, shows that you are organized, resourceful, and on top of your game. Nothing screams confidence like really wowing those around you.

3. Smile

Smiling sends a very clear message to those around you: you are happy to be in their presence and you are positive and optimistic. Smiling helps those around you feel warm and welcomed, which will help you leave any interaction feeling confident and secure.

4. Create Opportunities to Grow

Recognize that each day is a chance to grow as a person and a professional. What can you do today to be just a little better than you were yesterday? The shifts don’t need to be monumental – think about the impact that a single small change every day can make over time.

5. Build on Your Strengths

We all have things that we are naturally great at. Seek out opportunities to use your strengths. If an opportunity presents itself, ask for it. Not sure what your strengths are? Take the Top 5 Strengths Assessment to find out.

6. Put Yourself Out There

Just because one person doesn’t see your value, doesn’t mean others don’t or won’t. Create opportunities where you can contribute on a broader level.Seek out new projects, talk to other teams, ask questions, get involved! Organizational hierarchies can be tricky, so be careful navigating these waters- but that’s not an excuse not to try to put yourself out there.