Overcoming Self-Doubt: What Helped Me Strengthen My Leadership
Self-doubt can sneak up on even the most confident leaders. It's a normal part of the journey, but it doesn't have to hold you back.
Here’s how I tackled self-doubt throughout my career journey and how I found ways to boost my leadership:
Avoid Comparisons with Others I noticed that comparing myself to others often sparked self-doubt and constantly being in performance driven environments where comparison to peers is standard from a performance perspective reinforced this! To shift my focus, I concentrated on my own unique journey and the milestones I’ve achieved. By celebrating my personal progress rather than measuring it against others, I was able to appreciate my own path and the strengths I brought to the table. This takes a real discipline to “know thyself” and be grounded in who you are and the value you contribute.
Focus on the Present and Future In the past, I found myself dwelling on past setbacks, which only deepened my self-doubt. I learned to redirect my attention towards future goals and current strengths. By creating a list of achievements and envisioning future opportunities, I found renewed motivation and clarity.
View Failures as Learning Opportunities I realized that setbacks and mistakes are valuable learning experiences. Instead of letting failures undermine my confidence, I began to see them as chances to grow and improve. Each challenge offered lessons that strengthened my leadership skills and helped me move forward with greater resilience.
Build and Utilize a Support Network Facing self-doubt alone can be tough, so I made it a point to build a network of supportive mentors, colleagues, and friends. Whenever self-doubt crept in, I reached out for encouragement and perspective. Their support helped me stay grounded and reminded me of my strengths.
Actionable Leadership Tips:
Document Your Achievements: Spend a few minutes each day listing three recent successes. This practice helps you recognize your accomplishments and boosts your self-confidence.
Affirm Your Strengths: Use positive affirmations to reinforce your self-worth. Standing in front of a mirror and affirming your strengths can help shift your mindset and keep you focused on your abilities.
Engage with Your Support Network: Connect with a trusted friend or colleague when self-doubt arises. Their support and perspective can provide the encouragement you need to stay aligned with your goals.
By integrating these strategies, I’ve managed to navigate self-doubt and enhance my leadership particularly when under stress or in challenging leadership situations. Embrace these practices to maintain your confidence and lead with authenticity.
