Step right up for a ride on the confidence rollercoaster
If you've ever had imposter syndrome or your confidence has taken a random nose dive, these tips could be for you...
Ever have days where you think you can take on the world, followed by one where you feel like one great big imposter who doesn’t have a clue?
Welcome to the confidence rollercoaster.
We all have days when our confidence doesn’t register very high on the scale.
Perhaps you….
are juggling too much and don’t feel like you are doing a great job at any task.
have recently taken on a new role, maybe in leadership, and are now doubting your credentials.
have signed up to learn a new skill or go back to study, and are wondering if your brain is up to it.
have been comparing yourself to others or those wonderful lives you see people having on social media too often.
Your confidence rebuild kit
Here are some ways to rebuild your confidence so you can get back on track
#1 Build an "I'm Actually Awesome" file
You are awesome, and you need to collect evidence that reaffirms this! Each time you get a glowing email, verbal feedback, or a compliment - screenshot it, save it, write it down on a post-it note or in a notebook, and create a brag folder bursting at the seams that makes you smile and feel great.
Then every time you feel like your confidence is nose-diving, look at your “I’m actually awesome file!” The power of celebrating victories, big and small, can’t be ignored. All these small things give you a mega boost and a reminder that you are on the right track.
#2 Reframe that inner narrative
That nasty Nancy in your head is often holding you back. When they pop up, challenge the negative thoughts with evidence of past successes (for example, this is when you need to go and look at #1 - your “I’m actually awesome” folder above!)
Remember: Your inner critic is just trying to protect you (but 99% of the time, it just needs to chill). Remind yourself that you are smart and intelligent and can figure this out.
#3 The reality check squad
There is nothing like finding your cheerleaders. Connect with fellow humans who feed your positivity. Every time you need someone to vent to or get support and ideas from, go to your squad.
#4 Have a bounce-back plan
When confidence takes a nose-dive, allow yourself some time to think "this is terrible". Allow yourself complete freedom to be down about it, but put a time limit on that wallowing period.
Then do what you need to switch your energy around. Maybe that’s blasting your power song and dancing it out, maybe it’s getting a plan down on paper, or maybe it’s treating yourself to something that makes you feel good.
Remember, confidence is a muscle!
Confidence is like a muscle: the more you work it, the stronger it gets. You can’t expect a six-pack after one sit-up. So stick with it. Flex that confidence muscle daily, and you’ll be surprised at the progress over time.
A version of this article first appeared on the Do Good Jobs blog with tips from For Impact Coach Julia Capon.