The Upside of Self-Doubt and How It Fuels YOUR Career Growth

When you think of self-doubt, the immediate reaction might be to view it as a negative, something that hurts more than it helps. Yet, in leadership and personal development, embracing your self-doubt can push you toward significant growth and new opportunities to make a bigger impact. For emerging leaders, new managers, and supervisors, understanding and harnessing the power of self-doubt can be a mindset shift you want to embrace.

Why is there an upside to self-doubt?

Self-doubt surfaces when we're on the brink of stepping into new roles or taking on challenges that stretch our abilities. It’s a natural response to unfamiliar territory. However, recognizing this feeling as a sign that you're pushing beyond your comfort zone is important. If you're experiencing self-doubt, it's because you're in a position to grow – you just need to navigate through these feelings. This perspective shifts self-doubt from a stumbling block to a stepping stone. Remember, the fact that you're even contemplating your potential to achieve higher goals means that such achievements are within your reach. Your task now is to map out the journey.

What exactly is self-doubt?

Self-doubt is the internal dialogue that questions your capabilities and worthiness to achieve success. It often manifests as thoughts like "Am I really good enough?" or "What if I fail?" At its core, self-doubt is a protective mechanism that aims to keep us from making potentially costly mistakes. But when channeled correctly, it can also be a powerful motivator to turn your vision into action.

How can you overcome self-doubt?

1. Acknowledge and Normalize It: Start by acknowledging that self-doubt is a normal part of the leadership journey. Understanding that even the most successful leaders have experienced similar feelings can normalize your experiences and reduce the stigma around these emotions.
2. Reframe Your Thinking: Transform self-doubt into a signal that you're on the verge of growth. Use it as a cue to evaluate your current skills and identify areas for development rather than a reason to back down.
3. Seek Feedback: Often, our self-doubts are not reflections of reality. They are a reflection of what is going on in our own head. Instead, engage with mentors, trusted colleagues, or coaches who can provide honest feedback. Understanding how others see your strengths and areas for improvement can provide a more balanced view of your abilities.
4. Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break down your larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. Each accomplishment will build your confidence and reduce feelings of overwhelm, reinforcing your belief in your ability to succeed.
5. Celebrate Wins: Take time to celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Celebrating wins reinforces positive self-perception and builds resilience against future self-doubt.

Every leader has moments of self-doubt, but not every leader knows how to use them as fuel for growth. Start today by identifying one area where uncertainty resides, and take one small step towards mastering it. Remember, the path to leadership is not about eliminating self-doubt but learning how to harness it for personal and professional development.

If you or your organization want more resources to transform self-doubt into a powerful leadership tool, visit DebbiePetersonSpeaks.com . There, you will find programming and other resources to make a bigger impact in your career, leadership, and organization without sacrificing yourself to achieve it.