Alright, let's get real. My journey from a self-doubting manager to a confident leader was one heck of a ride.
The Ugly Struggle:
Here I am, in my 30s, landed what I thought was my dream job. But leading a team while drowning in self-doubt? It felt like walking on a tightrope without a safety net below. Sleep was elusive, and every meeting felt like a trial by fire.
The Turning Point:
I kept wondering, "Why am I so damn scared?" Was it fear of flopping big time? Letting my kickass team down? The impostor syndrome of feeling like a fraud in my position? It was a cocktail of all these doubts.
The Game Changers:
- Embracing the Ugly:
Confronting my insecurities head-on was nothing short of terrifying. I first admitted to myself that I was knee-deep in doubt, then shared with a close circle, and ultimately with my team. And guess what? The world didn’t end; in fact, I found unexpected allies and support
- Digging Deep:
I got super introspective, reflecting on my values and how they tied into my professional life. I turned to journaling as a release valve, allowing me to unpack my feelings, fears, and ambitions. And man, did it unearth some profound stuff.
- Kissing Failure on the Cheek:
Newsflash: every leader screws up. When I did, I learned to embrace it. Each stumble became an opportunity to grow, reshape, and refine. The process was slow, sprinkled with a good deal of mindfulness meditation to keep my sanity in check.
Throughout this journey, I leaned heavily on tech, with the help of apps like Wave AI, HabitBull, and Coachme. Insights, strategies, and accountability to my goals? These were my lifelines.
Chin Up, Boys:
Struggling with self-confidence as a leader is no joke. You won't always find answers in a shiny self-help book or overpriced seminar. Often, the solutions lie deep within, waiting for you to dig them out. So chin up, take a deep breath, and dive in. You've got this.