Am I Good Enough?

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

  1. Be Honest and Kind to Yourself – Acknowledge your real strengths and achievements.
  2. Own Your Success – Stop dismissing accomplishments as luck; they result from your skills and effort.
  3. Challenge Your Inner Critic – When doubt creeps in, ask, Says who? Where’s the evidence? and replace it with facts.
  4. Embrace Growth – Mistakes are part of learning, not proof of failure.
  5. Seek Honest Feedback – Ask trusted mentors or friends what they see in you.
  6. 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!

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Managing Your Emotional Bank Account

As we approach the end of 2023, I hope this message finds you well, blessed, and ready to be a blessing to others. The holiday season, with its festivities and celebrations, often puts a strain on our financial bank accounts. From parties and presents to vacations, the expenses can add up, leaving many starting the new year with financial challenges.

However, there’s another account that we need to pay attention to – our emotional bank account. Similar to a financial account, we make deposits and withdrawals in our emotional bank account through our words and actions. Making someone feel accepted, appreciated, and important contributes to a positive balance, while disappointment, hurt, and selfishness lead to withdrawals. Continue reading Managing Your Emotional Bank Account

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Why a Team Culture Trumps a Family Culture in the Workplace

We all spend a significant portion of our lives at work. It’s where we invest our time, energy, and talent. So, when a once-great company with fantastic people turns toxic due to a harmful company culture, it can feel like a betrayal. People become unhappy, tensions rise, and finger-pointing begins. “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” as the renowned consultant and writer, Peter Drucker, wisely said. This isn’t to downplay the importance of strategy, but to emphasize that, no matter how brilliant your strategy may be, a toxic culture can undermine your results. Continue reading Why a Team Culture Trumps a Family Culture in the Workplace

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Pause for empathy to unleash strength

Giving friends and colleagues “air time” and allowing them to blow off steam, by just listening and validating, can help them to find their own voice, their own strength and insight to self-correct. You most often don’t have to motivate or correct them. Somehow, when we get listened to and get validated as humans, an inner strength and beautiful hope get unleashed. Continue reading Pause for empathy to unleash strength

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Relating Freely, Loving Wisely

Relationships can really complicate one’s life, can’t they? I recently got an email from a dear friend of mine explaining how complex his relational life has become. That lead me to writing this newsletter, with a more generic focus. I am going to address three general challenges that, if not managed well, can keep you (and perhaps others) trapped in a toxic and unhappy environment. I write this, not in a dogmatic, I-know-it-all kind of way, but as a student of life, still learning while inviting you to reflect and learn with me. Continue reading Relating Freely, Loving Wisely

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