She Strengthens

Overcoming Self-Doubt: The Impostor Syndrome

Do you often feel like you’re not good enough, despite your achievements? You’re not alone. Many high-achieving individuals, especially women, struggle with the impostor syndrome – a feeling of inadequacy that can hold you back from reaching your full potential.

The Voice of Self-Doubt

Imagine being asked to speak in front of 800 people internationally, and feeling like you’re not worthy of the opportunity. This is exactly what happened to one individual, who had to overcome her negative mentality to deliver a successful speech. The key takeaway? You’ll always have self-doubt, but it’s up to you to ignore it and push forward.

Embracing Uncertainty

Virginia Rometty, CEO of IBM, once recounted a time when she was offered a new position, but felt uncertain about her abilities. Her husband asked her if she thought a man would express similar doubts. The next day, she accepted the position, learning to take on challenges that put her outside her comfort zone. Similarly, Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo, believes in taking risks and facing challenges head-on, even when she feels unprepared.

Taking the Leap

So, what’s holding you back from pursuing an opportunity or position that scares you? Remember, you’ll never be 100% ready, but that’s when the best opportunities arise. Challenge yourself, take risks, and be comfortable with uncertainty.

Additional Tips for Overcoming Self-Doubt

• Expect to be lucky, and put yourself in situations where luck can find you.
• Focus on controlling your own response, rather than worrying about what others think.
• Give yourself credit for your achievements, and acknowledge your own brilliance.
• Develop the skill of winging it, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
• Don’t dismiss your achievements due to timing – you’ve worked hard to get where you are.

By embracing these mindset shifts, you can overcome the impostor syndrome and unlock your full potential. So, go ahead and take the leap – you never know what amazing opportunities await you.