Are you feeling anxious about an upcoming performance review at work? It's alright to experience some nerves when you know you're being evaluated.
But the good news is, there are some practical things you can do to help ease those pre-appraisal jitters and feel more prepared.
By taking a proactive approach and incorporating a few helpful tips and tricks, you can go into your review feeling confident and ready to showcase your skills and achievements.
So, let's dive into some actionable strategies to help you beat those pre-appraisal jitters and set yourself up for success.
Here are 15 tips to help you beat those pre-appraisal jitters:
Celebrate your achievements
Take a moment to celebrate your achievements before going into your appraisal. Think about all of the great things you have accomplished over the past year.
Celebrating your achievements can boost your confidence and help you feel more positive in the meeting.
Create a positive affirmation & journaling
Create a positive affirmation that you can repeat to yourself before and during the appraisal.
It can simply be, "I am capable and confident," or "I am ready to showcase my accomplishments." Repeat it to yourself throughout the day to help you stay focused and positive.
You can also try journaling your feelings. Writing down your thoughts can help you organize your ideas and feel more in control of the appraisal process.
Get a good night's sleep
Getting a good night's sleep is essential before your appraisal.
Lack of sleep can lead to increased anxiety and stress. Make sure you get a good night's sleep so that you wake up refreshed and energized.
Listen to music
Listening to music can be a great way to calm your nerves before the appraisal.
Create a playlist of songs that make you feel confident and empowered. Play it in the car or on your headphones before the meeting to help you feel more relaxed.
Visualize success
Visualize yourself succeeding in your appraisal. Imagine yourself presenting your accomplishments and receiving positive feedback from your supervisor.
Visualization can help reduce anxiety and improve confidence.
Take a walk
Taking a walk before your appraisal can be a great way to clear your mind and reduce stress.
Use the time to reflect on your accomplishments and think about your goals for the future. Walking can help you feel more relaxed and ready for the meeting.
Talk to a friend or mentor
Talking to a friend or mentor can be a great way to get support and perspective before your appraisal.
Share your concerns and fears and ask for advice. Getting an outside perspective can help you feel more confident and prepared.
Dress for success
Dressing for success can help you feel more confident and prepared for your appraisal. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and professional.
Dressing up can help you feel more confident and ready to tackle any challenges.
Practice your presentation
If you will be presenting your accomplishments during the appraisal, practice your presentation beforehand.
Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend. This can help you feel more prepared and confident.
Reward yourself
After the appraisal, reward yourself for a job well done. Take yourself out for lunch, buy yourself a small treat, or do something else that makes you feel good.
Celebrating your success can help you feel more positive and motivated for the future.
Prepare a list of talking points
Create a list of key points you want to discuss during your appraisal, including your accomplishments, areas for improvement, and goals for the future.
This will help you stay organized and ensure you cover all important topics during the appraisal.
Develop a pre-appraisal ritual
Create a ritual to help you relax and focus before your appraisal, such as listening to calming music, taking a short walk, or enjoying a cup of tea.
Engaging in this ritual before your appraisal can help reduce anxiety and improve focus.
Focus on your breathing
Meditation can help reduce stress as taking deep breaths can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce anxiety.
If you are a beginner in meditation, try to follow a guided session as it teaches you to focus and work on your breathing techniques.
Practice self-compassion
Being kind to yourself can help reduce stress and build resilience, even if you receive negative feedback.
Use positive body language
Non-verbal cues like posture and eye contact can impact how you're perceived and how you feel during the appraisal.
Bring a lucky charm
Having a small, meaningful object with you can serve as a positive reminder of your capabilities and strengths.
In conclusion, beating pre-appraisal jitters can be challenging, but with a bit of preparation and some unique tips, it is possible.
Celebrate your achievements, create a positive affirmation, get a good night's sleep, listen to music, visualize success, take a walk, talk to a friend or mentor, dress for success, practice your presentation, and reward yourself.
These tips can help you beat pre-appraisal jitters and help you walk into your performance review feeling confident and prepared.
Remember, your appraisal is an opportunity to showcase your accomplishments and receive feedback. With the right mindset and preparation, you can turn it into a positive and empowering experience.
