Throughout my life, I have been no stranger to self doubt, especially in the early stages of my career. Like many of you, I’ve had those moments where I felt like I didn’t deserve my achievements and feared someone would call me out as a fraud. To be honest, up until about 8 months ago, my self-doubt was almost comical. I’d hit a major milestone and still wonder if I was just lucky. These feelings didn’t just mess with my confidence—they held back my professional growth, too. As time progressed, I realized that addressing and overcoming self-doubt was essential if I wanted to advance in my career and genuinely believe in my professional worth. So, I would like to dive into what self-doubt looks like, how it shows up in our daily work lives, and most importantly, how we can tackle self-doubt in our careers.
Self-Doubt: What Is It?
Self-doubt often manifests as an inner voice that questions our abilities and achievements. It whispers that we’re not good enough or that our success is a fluke. This can happen at any stage of our careers, whether we’re just starting out or we’ve been in the industry for years. In my own experience, self-doubt crept in during pivotal moments—like when I was given a challenging project or asked to take on more responsibility. Instead of embracing these opportunities, I found myself second-guessing my skills and wondering if I was truly up to the task. This negative self-talk can be incredibly paralyzing, making us hesitant to take risks or put ourselves out there.
However, recognizing self-doubt is the first step toward overcoming it. By acknowledging its presence, we can begin to understand its impact on our confidence and performance. It’s important to reflect on how self-doubt influences our decision-making and behavior in the workplace. For instance, self-doubt might cause us to avoid taking on new projects for fear of failure, or it might lead us to downplay our accomplishments in front of others. Understanding these patterns is crucial because it allows us to confront them head-on. Accepting that self-doubt is a natural part of the human experience can be liberating and the first step towards managing it effectively. This awareness creates a foundation upon which we can build greater self-assurance and resilience, paving the way for professional growth and success.
My Experience With Self-Doubt
As mentioned before, self-doubt has been a recurring theme throughout my life, especially in school and my professional journey. I vividly remember my first encounter with self-doubt in the workplace. I had just graduated college and confidence wise, surprisingly, I was doing great. I kicked my Account Executive career off with a huge sale. I was on the top of the world! In retrospect, I let that feeling last for too long and got complacent. I then found myself in a rut, not being able to sell a thing. When I found myself there I saw no way out and had zero faith in my capabilities as a salesman. This period of struggle was daunting; every day felt like a battle against my own doubts and fears. My self-doubt not only affected my performance but also seeped into other areas of my life, making me question my overall worth and potential. It was a humbling experience that forced me to confront my insecurities head-on.
This persisting self-doubt continued to create obstacles in my career, making me hesitant to seize opportunities and often second-guessing my decisions. There were numerous instances where I questioned my abilities, particularly during high-stakes situations or when I received constructive criticism. It only doubt not only affected my confidence but also influenced my actions and mindset, leading to missed opportunities for growth. Reflecting on these moments, I realized that self-doubt was not just a fleeting feeling but a significant barrier that needed to be addressed to move forward in my career. Acknowledging and understanding these challenges became the first step towards overcoming them and building a more resilient professional identity.