Last year, I coached a highly successful Operations Manager who doubted he was CEO material. Despite knowing the business inside out and being highly respected and loved by colleagues and clients, he focused on others’ qualifications and attributes rather than his own strengths. These inner voices of self-doubt made him hesitant in the Exco and uncertain about his future. Unknowingly, he stepped on the brakes more than the accelerator.
I’ve seen this pattern in many leaders—CEOs, managers, and even in myself at times. I know what it feels like to question whether I am truly qualified or the right person for a challenge. Fact is that un-managed self-doubt undermines your self-image, steals opportunities we are more than capable of handling, and can even make you tired and depressed. I also discovered that ego-strategies do not silence this undermining voice in ourselves. That might include getting an MBA or doctorate, bigger car or better house, higher position and more income, accolades, and praises, having your own successful business – just to overcome inferiority and to look better.
The Imposter Syndrome Trap
Imposter Syndrome is that nagging feeling of being a fraud, despite clear success. Symptoms include:
- Feeling undeserving of my achievements
- Attributing my success to luck, not skill
- Comparing myself to others and feeling inadequate
- Fear of being “found out”
Ironically, the more we accomplish, the more we sometimes question whether we truly deserve it. Strange, isn’t it?
The Inner Critic’s Lies
The inner critic magnifies weaknesses and dismisses strengths, whispering thoughts like:
- I’m not qualified enough.
- I’m too young—or too old.
- Others are better than me.
- I’ve made too many mistakes.
- It’s too late.
Left unchecked, these thoughts keep us in survival mode—always proving ourselves but never truly thriving.
How to Overcome Self-Doubt
- Be Honest and Kind to Yourself – Acknowledge your real strengths and achievements.
- Own Your Success – Stop dismissing accomplishments as luck; they result from your skills and effort.
- Challenge Your Inner Critic – When doubt creeps in, ask, Says who? Where’s the evidence? and replace it with facts.
- Embrace Growth – Mistakes are part of learning, not proof of failure.
- Seek Honest Feedback – Ask trusted mentors or friends what they see in you.
- Focus on Your Strengths – Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about bringing your unique strengths to the table.
At the end of the day, being “good enough” isn’t about ticking every box—it’s about embracing who you are and stepping forward with confidence. You are more capable than you think… Yes you are!!
So, next time self-doubt creeps in, ask yourself: What if I actually am good enough? Take your foot off the brake, press the accelerator, and move forward with confidence!
To your confidence and thriving!
