No matter how much experience and skill you have, imposter syndrome can strike at any given moment (and normally rears its ugly head right before *that* important client call). So this week I spoke with the talented AllBright team to find out how they overcome low self-confidence. From pep talks and playlists to Polish proverbs, the results are in…
“I remind myself that no one really knows what they're doing all the time - everyone else is winging it too.”
Dulcie, brand copywriter
“One of my main things I try to do is challenge myself. Getting involved with projects or tasks that play to my strengths but also stretch myself at the same time helps gradually build confidence. It’s that classic saying, ‘the inches make the mile’. Each time you stretch yourself that little bit further, you’ll be one step closer to embracing the uncomfortable. I often look back on experiences I would’ve found incredibly daunting a year ago, even a couple of months ago, and can see the impact taking all those small steps can have.”
Holly, community & programmes manager
“If you’re having a bad day, remember that everything is temporary.”
Sher, management accountant
“It's important for me to have someone I trust who I can talk to about not feeling confident, and if that's at work then ideally someone I work with. It helps get perspective, and their reassurance often counts for more than someone slightly removed from the situation who might not understand what I'm worried about.”
Jack, product engineer
“When I'm not feeling confident I try to remember a time that I felt the same way but still managed to achieve something or what I learned from that experience - most of the time things are never as bad as they seem and you know more than you think!”
Laura, CRM manager
“I always put on music that makes me feel like everything is possible - for me that is music with dramatic build-ups and powerful resolutions. It could be classical, rock, pop, or dance, but the intention is always the same – if I feel like I've lost confidence with something, the music will reassure me that I can do it. Probably because I used to listen to that type of music when I felt on top of the world, so it is nostalgic for that feeling, and has the power to bring it back.”
Natalie, lead product designer
“Ask yourself: If you’re true to yourself, what's the worst that could happen? Plus, you can’t beat going for a power-walk to clear your head.”
Daisy, social media manager
Pour moi? I’m partial to a good old proverb to set me in good stead for the day. My current favourite is a Polish saying: Not my circus, not my monkeys. Not only does it make me chuckle, but it also reminds me that if I am feeling uncomfortable or out of my depth, it’s often nothing to do with me, and everything to do with the person on the other end.
We’d love to hear your go-to advice, or top tip, for regaining inner confidence at work. Comment below and let us know!
Enjoyed this read? You’ll love this course: How To Find And Use Your Voice To Achieve Your Goals, available to all AllBright Plus subscribers.