Stop Wasting Time Chasing Success

Are You Underselling Your Own Influence? Recognizing and Amplifying Your Impact

I’ve recently come to a realization: I’ve been working toward a goal I’ve already achieved.

For a long time, my personal branding efforts were focused on establishing influence, credibility, and leadership in cybersecurity and behavioral science. But as I took a step back and assessed where I am today, I recognized that I’m already having the impact I set out to achieve.

Now, instead of continuing to frame my journey as “working toward” influence, I’m shifting my focus to amplification. It’s not about reaching a destination anymore—it’s about maximizing the reach and depth of my work.

This shift in perspective isn’t just about me; it’s something many professionals struggle with. We get so caught up in the pursuit that we don’t recognize when we’ve already arrived. And behavioral science helps explain why.

Why Do We Struggle to Acknowledge Our Own Achievements?

1. We Keep Moving the Goalpost

As high achievers, we are wired to set goals, accomplish them, and then immediately set new ones. This continuous cycle of growth is valuable, but it also means we rarely take the time to acknowledge when we’ve already achieved something significant.

I see this happening in my own career. I’ve spent years developing expertise, building thought leadership, and influencing cybersecurity culture. But instead of recognizing that I’ve already established myself as a leader in this space, my instinct has been to keep pushing forward—without fully embracing where I already am.

2. Impostor Syndrome in Disguise

Sometimes, we think of impostor syndrome as doubting our abilities. But another version of it happens when we downplay our success—when we assume we still have more to prove, even when others already recognize our influence.

I’m actively challenging this mindset. I recognize that my contributions to cybersecurity leadership and behavioral risk management are not just aspirations; they are real, measurable, and impactful today.

3. We Normalize Our Own Success

The concept of hedonic adaptation explains that once we achieve a goal, it quickly becomes our new baseline. What once felt like an ambitious target now feels “normal,” so we assume it’s not as significant as it really is.

That’s why I’m making a conscious effort to recognize the work I’m doing right now—leading industry conversations, mentoring cybersecurity professionals, and influencing leadership behaviors in security culture. I no longer see these as things I’m “building toward.” They are things I am actively doing.

Shifting from Growth to Amplification

1. Recognizing Success in the Present

I am no longer looking at my work as something that will eventually have an impact—I see the influence I have right now. That means shifting my mindset from aspiration to action and acknowledging the reach and effectiveness of my work.

2. Amplifying the Impact

Rather than focusing on “what’s next,” I am focused on:

1. Expanding the reach of my thought leadership.
2. Scaling my influence to shape the future of cybersecurity leadership.
3. Ensuring my message is reaching the right decision-makers.

This isn’t about proving myself anymore—it’s about making the most of the impact I already have.

3. Owning the Leadership Role

I am embracing my role as a leader, not just a contributor. That means stepping up in bigger ways, ensuring my voice is heard where it matters most, and using my platform to drive meaningful change in the cybersecurity industry.