Overcome Self Doubt

Dear reader

You’ve earned your seat at the table. Your experience speaks volumes, your team respects you, and yet... there’s that persistent voice of doubt.

Sounds familiar?
You’re not alone.

Nearly 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some stage in their careers—even among the most successful leaders. Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role for the first time or you're already well-established, self-doubt can be a stubborn companion that makes you question your abilities.

Today, we’ll explore why self-doubt happens, how to manage it, and most importantly, how you can reclaim your confidence and fully embrace your leadership potential.

EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU AS A SUBSCRIBER

Have You Met Maria?
Meet Maria (name changed for privacy), a high achiever in the tech industry. When she was promoted to a senior leadership role, Maria’s excitement was quickly overshadowed by feelings of imposter syndrome. Despite a solid track record and consistent praise from her peers, she found herself doubting her capacity to lead. She worried that every decision she made would be scrutinised, and feared being "found out" as unqualified.

But Maria did not let self-doubt hold her back. We worked together to reflect on her achievements, confront her negative thoughts, and recognise the unique value she brought to the team.

By actively shifting her mindset, she started to embrace her strengths and trust her judgement. Today, Maria leads her department with confidence and purpose, having transformed self-doubt into a tool for self-awareness and growth.

You can too.

Here’s how:

Like Maria, many women in leadership battle self-doubt, but there are effective ways to overcome it. Here are four techniques to help you improve your self-perception and lead with greater confidence:

1. Challenge Your Inner Critic & Identify the Source of Doubt
   Notice the negative self-talk that creeps into your mind. Instead of accepting it, challenge it. Ask yourself, "What evidence do I have for this thought?" Replace self-doubt with a positive affirmation like, "I’ve earned my place and my contributions are valuable."

   
   Take time to consider where your self-doubt stems from. Is it rooted in past experiences, societal expectations, or internal perfectionism? Recognising the cause is the first step towards addressing it.

2. Recognise and Celebrate Your Wins & Reframe Your Failures
   Take time to reflect on your achievements, no matter how small. It’s easy to focus on what we haven’t done, but each success is a step forward. Log your wins! This will remind you of the progress you’ve made and reinforce your sense of accomplishment.
   

   Fear of failure is a common source of doubt, but mistakes are often the greatest teachers. Shift your mindset—view failures as opportunities to learn and grow, not as proof of inadequacy.
   

3. Seek Constructive Feedback
   Honest feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors can give you an external perspective when you’re feeling unsure. Often, we are harder on ourselves than others are, so hearing from someone else can provide a more balanced view of your capabilities.
   

4. Own Your Strengths
   Reflect on what you do well and how you bring value to your role. Confidence grows when you lean into your strengths. Instead of fixating on perceived weaknesses, focus on the unique skills that make you an effective leader.

Try this!

1. Visualise Success
   Spend a few minutes each day imagining yourself excelling in your leadership role. Picture yourself leading meetings with confidence, making clear decisions, and contributing to the success of your team. This practice helps reinforce a positive self-image.

2. Practice Self-Compassion
   Be kind to yourself. You’re bound to have moments of doubt, but don’t let them define you. Treat yourself with the same understanding and encouragement that you’d offer to a friend.

Take Action this week: Create a "Success Log"

This week, start a "Success Log." Every day, write down one thing you accomplished or did well, no matter how small. Over time, this log will become a powerful reminder of your capabilities and progress. When self-doubt creeps in, revisit your log to reinforce your confidence and remind yourself of your achievements. Small steps lead to big change—start today. Confidence is about taking action despite doubt.

Self-doubt is an inevitable part of the leadership journey, and by challenging negative thoughts, celebrating your strengths, and embracing growth, you can build the confidence needed to claim your Seat At The Table.

Together, we can make a difference with your Seat At The Table.

I'm rooting for your success,

Nina Devouge

CEO & Founder,
ELLEUMINATE