Ever found yourself caught in the whirlwind of self-doubt, questioning your decisions? Let's delve into the psychology behind second-guessing, its impact on our lives, and strategies to overcome this mental hurdle.
Summary
A certain level of self-doubt is good. It can push us to work harder. But when it manifests as imposter syndrome – that nagging voice in the back of your head, clouding your mind with doubt and insecurity – it can backfire.
- Focus on the job, give it 100%, and deliver results. Nothing more and nothing less.
Be sincere to yourself and others
It’s only after you are able to own who you are authentically who you authentically are that you can forge your unique path forward and become the kind of leader others want to follow.
- Practice being your authentic self in low-risk environments until you’re more confident
You don’t have to have all the answers
You’re in the room because of your unique expertise
- Your goal is to work together as a group to reach your organization’s goals
- This can’t be done by just one person
- Use your strengths to increase your influence and contribute to your team
Acknowledge that it’s normal to feel nervous
It counterbalances complacency and can push you to work harder
- Know that you are not the only one to feel uncomfortable
- Someone else will join the team soon and you will be one of the old hands helping them settle in
Find an ally
If you’re still feeling like an imposter, even after practicing the above tips, try and find yourself an ally or group of allies to be your support system.
- Peer-coach program that matches individuals with one another
- Everyone needs support, even leaders
- A certain level of self-doubt is good because it pushes us to work harder
Don’t harbor a fear of failing
The best people can fail, and the most unlikely people can succeed
- Push your fear aside and focus your nervous energy on learning and adding value to your new role
- Take it one day at a time
- When you identify an area of weakness, own it and use it as an opportunity to grow
