I would like to rebuild my work confidence and resume my professional experience, but struggle with imposter syndrome and doubts about my abilities and expertise.

5 Comments

1. Jessica Karl RiceJune 6,2023 at 1:35PM UTC

   Hello Dear. First off, I want to say it is common to experience these feelings and emotions around work. Women do not often talk about it publicly, but in my 1:1 calls these discussions often come up from even the most seasoned executives. Why? As women, we are positioned to second guess ourselves early on through comparison, fitting in, acting “pleasant”, etc. This coupled with changes in circumstances (ie. transitioning locations) brings a sense of uncertainty, because these are unknowns and your brain is basing thoughts and decisions on it thinks is “known” but not necessarily true.

   As an exercise, create a list of your skills, experience (where applied certain skills), passions (what do you live doing), and examples of when you demonstrated certain skills (this can include soft skills: communication, influence, leadership) and start to see where these interconnect. Do not question what you write down, just write it down.

   Use this as jumping off point for proof of your abilities and the value you bring with your unique combination of skills, interests, and expertise. You have everything you need, it’s a matter of changing the script.

   If you would like to chat more, please reach out. I believe in supporting women to fulfill their greatest achievements and it starts by being there for each other.

2. Jeannette SeiblyJune 6,2023 at 4:02PM UTC

   Get your brag on! Seriously! Do the work in the book, "It's Time to Brag!" It builds confidence and helps you stop struggling with the imposter syndrome. https://SeibCo.com/books/

   As Walt Whitman once said, "It ain't bragging if you've done it." Sadly, too many of us are not present to the positive impact we've made.

3. AnonymousJune 6,2023 at 7:08PM UTC

   I sought therapy for a fast (took about 12 sessions to make strides and 24 sessions to develop the tools to overcome. It still raises its ugly head from time to time but I now have the ability and self discipline to to nip it in the bud. I use the mental exercises to this day. Very effective.

   I had a great therapist who was very clear and structured. It was the best $ I ever spent.

4. AnonymousJune 8,2023 at 4:36PM UTC

   Hi, you're not alone in this. Very far from it. I have been shaking off the lack of confidence and severe self-doubt after working with a complete bully for 10 years. It is not you and you have to power and tools within you to go get what you want. Therapy is a great idea to explore this and get trusted advice to face the demons. A career coach may also be a great resource. There are free/group resources out there too and any coach or therapist should give you a consultation. Sort yourself out and see how far you can go.

5. AnonymousJune 8,2023 at 7:32PM UTC

   You could spend your whole career as many women do in doubt of your skills and abilities. Try to take on one thing that scares the heck out of you and makes you completely uncomfortable and try to achieve that one thing and then review with yourself or a mentor how well you did and what you would change or do differently if you had to do it again. Do things in stages, pace yourself and if you need to therapize and speak to someone do that! Even the most outwardly confident people experience this same thing, don't feel you are alone here.