Have you ever found yourself hesitating to speak up in a meeting or second-guessing every decision you make? Maybe you’re worried about being seen as incompetent or not belonging in the room. That’s self-doubt, and it can show up in all sorts of ways—low confidence, Imposter Syndrome, not presenting your authentic self at work, struggling to command a room, or even delaying important decisions because you’re unsure of your own judgment. When left unchecked, self-doubt becomes a major roadblock to career growth, holding you back from opportunities and preventing you from showcasing what you truly bring to the table.
Today, I’m spotlighting Racheal, the founder of a small media company who found herself wrestling with self-doubt. Despite her creative vision and passion for storytelling, she often felt like she was “just winging it,” worried that she didn’t have the “it factor” to lead her team confidently. Over time, this self-doubt eroded her motivation and caused her to shy away from high-impact opportunities. Let’s talk about the three mindset shifts that helped Racheal overcome these feelings—and that can help you too.
1. Shift from “I’m Not Ready” to “I Have Something to Offer”
Racheal’s Challenge:
Racheal frequently passed on big pitches, telling herself she needed more time to prep or more experience under her belt before putting herself out there. In reality, she had a wealth of ideas and experience already—she just couldn’t see it.
Why This Mindset Helps:
When you remind yourself that you have something valuable to bring to the table, you focus on what you can do, rather than what you can’t. This isn’t about pretending to be someone else; it’s about recognizing the skills and perspectives you already possess.
How You Can Apply It:
· Make a list of your recent wins or positive feedback you’ve received.
· Before any big meeting or pitch, review these notes to ground yourself in what you’re capable of.
· Instead of waiting for perfection, challenge yourself to share one bold idea or take one new risk this week.
2. Shift from “I’m an Imposter” to “I’m Learning as I Go”
Racheal’s Challenge:
She felt like a fraud leading her team—constantly wondering if she was making the right calls or if she was just “lucky” in her successes so far.
Why This Mindset Helps:
No one, even the most seasoned pros, has all the answers. Embracing a learning mindset recognizes that growth is a continuous journey. This can dissolve the fear of being “found out” because you’re openly acknowledging you’re always evolving.
How You Can Apply It:
· Adopt a mantra like, “I’m a work in progress, and that’s okay.”
· Reframe any mistakes or failures as learning opportunities. Ask yourself, “What lesson can I take from this?”
· Keep a journal of what you learn each week—new skills, insights, or even small lessons from day-to-day experiences.
3. Shift from “I Should Stay Quiet” to “I Deserve to Be Heard”
Racheal’s Challenge:
In meetings with potential clients or partners, Racheal often stayed silent, fearing she might say the wrong thing. Her self-doubt silenced her own ideas, which in turn made her less visible as a leader.
Why This Mindset Helps:
When you recognize that your thoughts, expertise, and questions are valid, you not only show up more confidently but also create more opportunities to influence and innovate.
How You Can Apply It:
· In your next team meeting, commit to sharing at least one idea or thought. It doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be yours.
· Before a conversation where you might feel intimidated, remind yourself that you’ve done the work to be in that room.
· Practice small moments of speaking up, even outside work—like placing your order first at a restaurant or initiating casual conversations. These small actions build your confidence muscle over time.
Self-doubt doesn’t have to keep you playing small. By shifting your mindset—from hesitating to offering your ideas, from feeling like an imposter to embracing a learning journey, and from staying quiet to recognizing you deserve to speak up—you can open doors to new opportunities and elevate your career growth. Racheal made these shifts and saw a ripple effect: her team responded more enthusiastically, new partnerships opened up, and she started feeling more at home in her role as founder.
Now it’s your turn. What’s one shift you can make today to push past self-doubt and lean into your full potential?
Join my Goodbye Imposter Syndrome Coaching Program—tailored for mid to senior-level professionals. In this high-impact program, we’ll quiet self-doubt, amplify your core strengths, and develop a confident mindset so you can lead with authenticity and clarity.
Register by January 24th to receive a free session—seven sessions for the price of six.
Investment: $1,200
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About Executive/Leadership Coach, Imposter Syndrome & Confidence Expert Phyllis Reagin
I am a seasoned Executive/Leadership Coach and Imposter Syndrome expert with a proven track record of helping professionals overcome self-doubt and build unshakable confidence.
As the founder of At the Coach’s Table, I have coached trailblazers at renowned companies like Atlantic Records, Netflix, Spotify, Warner Bros., Paramount Global, and more.
I specialize in empowering professionals to unlock their unique strengths, embrace their authentic selves, and achieve lasting success in their careers.
With a compassionate yet results-driven approach, I have become a trusted partner for high-achieving professionals striving to lead with confidence and purpose.