Whether the pressure originates from external demands or internal compulsion, there is no ceiling to how much work there is to do. While there are systemic issues that need to be addressed here, the focus of this post is not on changing the system, but rather, on how to protect yourself and thrive within systems that will always ask for more.
About 6 months ago I started my weight lifting journey. If you’ve ever pushed a very large boulder up a very steep hill, this is a bit what starting out feels like
She felt stuck, pigeon-holed, and frustrated; and she had no idea if or how she could move forward. On paper things looked great, but if she was being honest, she dreaded Monday mornings, felt guilty not giving more to her kids, and resented not being promoted.
Self-doubt, playing smaller than you know you’re capable of, and imposter syndrome all tend to be constant, confusing companions to career growth and greater impact. It’s a topic that comes up frequently in coaching. If you’ve been afflicted with any of these, you’re in surprisingly good company. Sonia Sotomayor , Howard Schultz, Jody Foster, Maya Angelou, Tom Hanks, and Michelle Obama are just a few of the amazing, accomplished individuals who have confessed to fears of being ‘found out.’ Studies suggest that over 70% of people experience feeling like a fraud it various points in their career. As we start to unravel this confidence conundrum (and unravel it you must if you want to grow your career and impact), it can be helpful to consider two types of confidence: