A Seat at The Table
So, one thing that you’re always going to get from me is 100% honesty.
I’m never going to hold back on the truth.
I think that’s why I shared in my last blog that this summer would be the “Summer of Swimsuit Confidence.” I would never in a million years list “Being Confident in a Swimsuit” as one of my strengths.
But I’m working on it.
And I hope you are, too.
Insecurities
This week I wanted to share with you a bit about my career – because I truly consider myself to be successful at what I do. I’m good at my job. Heck, I’m damn good at my job. And I’m confident in my abilities to do it well.
Until I’m not.
Yes, you heard that correctly.
Occasionally, those nagging insecurities still pop into my mind about my capabilities at work.
Am I good enough?
Do I deserve to be in the position I’m in?
Do I really belong at this table with all of these incredibly smart and capable people?
While my gut is screaming, “YES!! You belong there!” – there’s still a teeny tiny part of me that has doubts.
Imposter Syndrome
Nowadays, it’s often referred to as Impostor Syndrome.
VeryWellMind says:
Impostor syndrome (IS) refers to an internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. While this definition is usually narrowly applied to intelligence and achievement, it has links to perfectionism and the social context.
To put it simply, imposter syndrome is the experience of feeling like a phony—you feel as though at any moment you are going to be found out as a fraud—like you don’t belong where you are, and you only got there through dumb luck. It can affect anyone no matter their social status, work background, skill level, or degree of expertise.
And in the spirit of being completely transparent with you – I had to share that this occasionally still plagues me.
Because we’re all works in progress.
7 Things to Do For Imposter Syndrome
And 98% of the time, I know I’m a badass and have no problem pulling up my chair to the proverbial table and contributing to the best of my ability.
But on those days where I’m just not feeling “it,” – I have to dig deep and pull out all of my tricks to boost my confidence and get my head in the game!
So…I’m sharing those with you!
On those days where Impostor Syndrome tries to sneak in:
I Make Eye Contact With Those Around Me
On those days when the doubts are creeping in, I always make sure I’m making good eye contact. Good eye contact puts you in a position of power – and, trust me, nobody knows that your confidence is just a little shaken at the moment.
I Practice Positive Self-Talk
We’re all good at boosting others with positive self-talk, but we need to make sure we practice this skill on ourselves – and there’s no better time to do it than when you are at work.
I Know My Strengths – and My Weaknesses
It’s a must to know your strengths – so you can bring them to the table to better serve your team. And equally important is knowing your weaknesses – so that you don’t get yourself into a situation that’s above your scope.
I Understand That We All Makes Mistake
Yes, none of us are perfect, and mistakes are going to happen – to all of us. I remind myself of this all the time.
I Offer Encouragement and Seek Encouragement
Offering encouragement to others goes a long way to boosting someone else’s self-confidence. And, when you spend time doing this, you will find that people do the same for you – even in difficult situations.
I Find Some Supporters
Let’s be real, we’re not buddy-buddy with everyone we work with. But I know who supports me and my role in the company, and I seek them out – especially on my less confident days.
I Recognize My Successes
Guess what? Celebrating your successes is not bragging – it’s a vital part of building your self-confidence. Celebrate away!
I Know That There’s Always More to Learn
I don’t have all of the answers – and I don’t pretend to – because that gets me in trouble. But I’m always eager to learn more – and I make that known.
You're a Badass
We can’t let those nagging insecurities linger.
So, the next time you feel them creeping in, use these tips to get rid of them. Walk into that room, make eye contact with those around you, and give 110% of yourself – because you’re a badass, too!
And we all deserve a seat at the table.
Don't Miss Out
Stay up to date on all of my blogs and adventures!