Taming the Imposter
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Owning Your Success
Self-doubt is a feeling many of us wrestle with, whether in our personal lives or at work. It creeps in quietly, making us question our abilities, second-guess decisions, and sometimes, even undermine our achievements. The good news is that overcoming self-doubt isn’t just possible—it’s essential to owning your success and moving forward with confidence.
Understanding Self-Doubt
Self-doubt often stems from fear—fear of failure, rejection, or not meeting expectations. It can be intensified by comparing ourselves to others or fixating on past mistakes. Recognising these triggers is the first step in managing self-doubt effectively.
Strategies to Overcome Self-Doubt
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
It's okay to feel uncertain at times. Instead of pushing these feelings aside, acknowledge them. This validation helps you understand where self-doubt is coming from and reduces its power over you.
2. Reflect on Your Achievements
Make a habit of listing your wins, no matter how small. Reflecting on tangible successes helps build self-esteem and counters the negative narratives that self-doubt creates.
3. Set Realistic Goals
Break larger goals into achievable steps. When goals seem manageable, it’s easier to stay motivated and track progress, which builds confidence and diminishes doubt.
4. Seek Support
Talk to mentors, colleagues, or friends who can offer encouragement and perspective. Sometimes, an outside viewpoint reminds you of your strengths when your internal critic is loudest.
5. Practice Self-Compassion
Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend. Self-compassion opens the door for growth by allowing mistakes without harsh self-judgment.
Owning Your Success
Owning your success means embracing your achievements fully and recognising your role in making them happen. It’s about shifting from “I was just lucky” or “They must have underestimated what I’m really capable of” to “I earned this and I deserve it.”
Tips to Own Your Success
Celebrate Wins: Take time to celebrate milestones and successes, big or small.
Share Your Story: Speak openly about your journey and the effort behind your achievements.
Stay Humble but Confident: Confidence doesn’t mean arrogance. It means knowing your worth without dismissing the contributions of others.
Keep Learning: Embrace a growth mindset that sees success as an ongoing journey, not a final destination.
Final Thoughts
Overcoming self-doubt takes practice, patience, and persistence. By acknowledging your feelings, reflecting on your wins, and embracing your journey, you can transform self-doubt into a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. At Cheswick Consultants, we believe that supporting your mental and emotional well-being is key to unlocking your full potential in the workplace and beyond. Own your success—you’ve earned it.
