Confidence in the workplace is important, but it’s also a balancing act. You want to show that you can do the job, but you don’t want to come off as a self-important know-it-all. This sweet spot is especially important to hit at a new job, but difficult as well. Your boss and your co-workers don’t know you yet, and you’re most likely anxious.

Whether you’re at this job out of necessity and don’t plan on staying, or have landed your dream job and are terrified it’s too good to be true, both situations require a different style of confidence, but confidence none-the-less.

The Dead-End Job

First, don’t assume your job is a dead-end one. All business’ have hierarchies and opportunities. We know a woman who started working at a fast food restaurant when she was young. Instead of constantly looking around for something better, she put her all into it, quickly rising through the ranks.

Today, she runs the most successful branch in the city and makes an enviable income. How did she do all of this? By being confident and setting goals. She had the right attitude and, in the end, she got out of the job what she put into it.

Try out these tips for remaining confident at your perceived dead-end job:

Start the day right

Having a routine prior to work is important. Don’t practice the I-don’t-care technique and party it up until leaving the house. Especially if your job is repetitive, being tired or hungover is deadly. You’re not going to feel awake, happy or confident, and your work will suffer.

Know where you’re going

So, there is no way you’re staying at this job. Accept that you need it and while you’re here you may as well do your best. If you know you’re heading somewhere better, let that dream show through in your actions and help to keep a smile on your face.

Lean on your co-workers

Ok, so they may not be life-long friends, but that’s no reason to stick to yourself. Being part of a team can help even the most frustrated worker. They’re going through the same thing you are. Open yourself up to some conversation and watch the time fly by!

The Dream Job

You’ve put the work in and landed your dream job. This is one of the most exciting and terrifying things that will ever happen to you!

If you’ve been working towards this goal for a long time, you might not know what it feels like to relax and be happy. In this fast-paced world it’s easy to get stuck in a rut and not allow yourself to enjoy anything. Sound too real? It is for most of us.

On your first day at the job you’ll likely feel more apprehensive than joyful—worried that you’re not meant to be here and they’ll tell you to leave. Just remember: they hired you. They want you here.

As you begin settling in, keep these points in mind to relax, be confident and keep your dream job.

Visualize

Like I said, they hired you. You are meant to be here. Picture yourself in this job for a long time. Picture this every night before you go to bed and every morning when you wake up.

Smile!

Did you know that just the act of smiling sends feedback from your face to your left frontal cortex, trigging serotonin and dopamine in your brain? Just smiling can make you feel more relaxed and happy at work.

Breathe

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t let anxiety close in around you. Close your eyes for a minute and focus on your breathing. Get up and get a breath of fresh air if you can. Allow your to-do list to disappear out of your mind and then return with a blank canvas.

Fake it ‘til You Make It

It’s been said before and I’ll say it again. Keep your spirits up and act the way you want to come across. Eventually this will come naturally and—surprise! You’ll be the confident person you’ve always dreamed of being.

You’re the Best

No matter what job you’re in right now, you’re there for a reason. You always get out of a job what you put in. Make a promise to yourself right now that you’ll put in your best efforts—for you! Now, get back to work!