How To Truly Believe That You Deserve Your Success

“I don’t truly believe that I deserve my success”

Words spoken by a client this week, an incredible woman who was working at the top of her game, managing large teams and hefty budgets for a major brand.

We were exploring why she found it so difficult to influence a particular stakeholder. With some insightful questioning (on my part) and some internal reflection (on hers) – this is what it all boiled down to:

It wasn’t that she lacked influencing skills.

It was because she didn’t truly believe that she deserved to be in the room.

This “imposter syndrome” or limiting belief that you are not good enough or smart enough or that you simply achieved your success by ‘chance’ is incredibly common amongst high-achieving professionals.

I see it week in week out.

You may hear it in your head, week in week out. ?

I’m so passionate to ensure that these beliefs don’t steal self-belief and stop anyone from being the best they can. If you can identify, I recorded a short video on this a few months ago that you may like to watch: ?Kerry Jones ACC-ICF, ILM’s Services | LinkedIn

So, what can you do?

1.????? Pay attention to the triggers. Does this kind of thinking pop up for you when you start a new project, face a challenge or perhaps compare yourself to others? Recognise your triggers as it’ll help you to identify your inner critic when it kicks in!

2.????? Seek Evidence: Thoughts like "I don't belong here", "I'm not good enough", "I got lucky", or "I will be exposed" are often not based on facts but distorted beliefs & assumptions. Ask yourself if they are factually true or is it possible there is an alternative explanation? What’s stopping you accepting this alternative?

3.????? Constantly Reaffirm and Celebrate Your Successes: Imposter syndrome can make you minimise or dismiss your successes and focus on your mistakes. Combat this by celebrating your successes- keep a record of all of your accomplishments and read them often!

4.????? Seek Support: Imposter syndrome can result in you feeling alone & not asking for help. Surround yourself with positive influences you can trust - identify your allies, mentors or role models and reach out for advice, guidance or inspiration.

The overriding message that I want to convey here is that thoughts are incredibly powerful. They can make or break careers and they can also steal your joy. So, let’s be those who are paying attention to our thoughts and living by truth.

??I’m Kerry, an Executive & Career Development Coach who supports business owners and their teams to be happier and more productive in their careers.

Want to work with me? Shoot me a DM and let’s chat.