“It sounds great, my pay would increase, I’d have more flexibility with my time and there’s still the option to progress from there” My client was explaining a new role she had been invited to apply for.
“But there is a part of the role that I haven’t really done before.”
“At all?” I asked.
“Well I have, but it’s not the focus of what I do now, so I don’t know if I’d be any good for this role.”
Hello imposter syndrome my old friend.
Did you see how quickly she went from excited and motivated to I probably can’t do this?
I’m familiar with her industry, so it was hard for me in that moment to keep my curious coaching hat on, I have to say, I went into pep-talk mode. Because I know for a fact that she is overqualified for this new role, I couldn’t help myself.
We worked through a couple of things and by the end of our session, she was thinking less about “Can I do this?” and more:
- Do I want to?
- Will this make me happy?
- Which role will give me a greater sense of fulfilment, considering both work and life?
These are much more constructive questions to ask when you’re considering change.
Has this ever happened to you?
You’ve seen an opportunity that will support your goals, but you talk yourself out of it before even applying? Or you push past that hurdle and take the opportunity, but sit in the room silent, not contributing your ideas? Or you frantically work on it, second guessing decisions asking everyone else’s opinions instead of going with your gut?
Exhausting, isn’t it?
And here’s the thing, if you’ve been here, or if you’re currently here, it doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It means you’ve been running a survival pattern your brain thinks is keeping you safe. Which also means you can learn a different way.
When imposter syndrome takes the wheel, we’re stuck in this paradoxical state:
We’re constantly hustling to prove our worth, to prove that we deserve a seat at the table, we’re overpreparing, overanalysing, overdoing… BUT at the same time, we’re not advocating for ourselves, not putting our names forward for opportunities and not focusing on our strengths, which holds us back and slows down our progression.
It’s like you’re sprinting, but somehow slowing down at the same time…
Which isn’t fair on you at all, you deserve to be living the life and career you want. The reason you want it means it’s meant for you. I know that sounds a little woo woo but hear me out. That spark of excitement you feel when you see a new opportunity? That’s your intuition telling you to take a closer look. When we’ve practiced over-riding that intuitive voice for so many years, it becomes harder to hear it, but the good news is you can tune back in.
And it’s not just about you. Holding yourself back robs your projects, your team, the business you work for and the industry you're in of the contributions you could make. Imagine what becomes possible when you stop holding yourself back.
This isn’t meant to be a guilt-trip by the way. It’s a reminder that your ideas, your leadership, and your perspective matter. And when you choose to back yourself, everyone benefits.
You are meant to do amazing things in this world, the first step is getting out of your own way.
I know what it’s like though, and the fears feel real. So, I want to recognise how challenging this can be and help you through it. 🎧 Start here with this week’s podcast episode:
If this topic resonates with you, listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
You deserve to live a life aligned with your dreams and what success truly means for you. You already have the capability to operate at that level, and the ability to keep learning and growing. There is no limit to how far you could go.
And remember, you are capable of more than you realise and when you choose to back yourself, you don't just change your own trajectory, you expand what's possible for everyone around you.
– Nat
PS I’m hosting a workshop next month on overcoming imposter syndrome. If this topic resonates with you, I would love to support you in this workshop by giving you practical tools to shift that limiting self-talk into empowering beliefs to support your growth. Here is the link for more information Imposter No More: Own Your Worth.
PPS If you were nodding along while reading, hit reply or book in a free clarity call, let’s chat about how you can shift out of this pattern and into the career you deserve.
