Overcoming self-doubt
boosting self-esteem in the workplace building resilience in leadership developing positive mindset habits effective self-reflection practices growth mindset strategies improving decision-making confidence leadership coaching for confidence managing fear of failure overcoming self-doubt reducing imposter syndrome
- by janehirst
- on June 6, 2025
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It can create such a fear of failure, damage our self-esteem, impair our decision making and, of course, limit our potential.
But how about we turn it on its head and look at it as a double-edged sword?
Let’s see it instead as a way to encourage our growth, boost our resilience, and be more thoughtful about what we’re doing?
When we question ourselves we can often refine our skills in the process, making whatever we’ve set out to do even better. This in turn can lead to more careful decision making. In that questioning, we also challenge ourselves to look at things from a different perspective with lots of ‘what ifs’, which provides us with alternative solutions when something goes wrong.
I suppose the key is always balance. Healthy self-reflection is good, but chronic self-doubt can become a roadblock, so shifting our mindset and building our confidence needs to be a step-by-step process.
Here are some things that help me when my inner Eeyore starts to take over.
💜 Ask yourself, ‘What would you do if you weren’t afraid? This question from James Clear always gets me back on track.
💜 In a coaching session a few years ago I was asked to list 100 things that I’m proud of. It was a great reminder of the things that I do well.
💜 Break things down into bitesize chunks. Success in small wins builds confidence over time.
💜 Remind yourself that no-one gets everything right all the time. As Elizabeth Day says, ‘We learn more from our mistakes’.
💜 Spend time with supportive people who encourage and believe in you. Their confidence in you can help reinforce your own.
💜 Remove the comparisons. Everyone has their own journey. Focus on your progress, not someone else’s highlight reel.
💜 Always take action. Confidence grows through action. Even when you feel uncertain, take steps forward; you’ll often realise you were more capable than you thought.
💜 Seek the support of a coach. Working with a coach can provide the valuable guidance and enable you to reveal some of the blind spots that are getting in your way.
Which of these strategies feels most helpful to you right now?