“I think as human beings we can get caught up in our heads, and we start to create limitations for ourselves, and we’re the only ones who can break through those limitations” -Sara Blakely
Leaders, high-potential employees, and managers often struggle with self-doubt in their quest for personal and professional development. Self-doubt can stifle decision-making, limit innovation, and hinder progress. But here’s the paradox: we are usually the architects of these self-imposed constraints. Therefore, we are the key contributors to breaking through to the next level of achievement.
This blog will provide the rationale to tackle these limitations head-on and practical applications for transforming these false beliefs into positive outcomes. Through the work of introspection and actionable strategies, your possibilities can become endless.
The Rationale
It is expected that 70% of everyone will likely experience the feeling of self-doubt or the context of imposter syndrome at some point in their lives (HBR: Eruteya, 2022). It can most commonly arise when people are transitioning or trying new things. Examples could be when starting a new (or first) job, in high-pressure situations, in environments with constant change, receiving a promotion, or receiving achievement accolades. High achievers, women, and minority groups are confirmed to be more inclined to encounter these feelings. It’s established by the perceived outcomes of a person’s positive and negative life experiences. Positive experiences can cause a person to feel like they will always have to live up to their current or past level accomplishments. Negative experiences conceptualize failure or happenings as defining the person, not the circumstance. Societal norms can influence and reinforce these dated or unrealistic standards as well.
These perceived realities stop us from accomplishing certain life goals, behaviors, or challenges. It can distort our sense of “reality,” which then becomes self-reality. If these limitations are not recognized, and awareness brought to them, it can potentially hinder career advancement. It can prevent a person from reaching their full potential. A LinkedIn survey states that 80% of employees currently experience this. (LinkedIn: Barrows, 2023). Therefore, it’s imperative to identify and tackle how to lessen these limiting perceptions.
The Benefit
Confronting self-limiting beliefs isn’t just about dispelling negativity; it’s about unlocking a world of possibilities. Below are key benefits to actively minimizing limiting beliefs:
- Enhance Career: Overcoming self-limiting beliefs opens doors to new career opportunities, promotions, and leadership roles.
- Improved Personal Growth and Innovation: The journey to conquer self-doubt exceeds the professional realm; it leads to personal growth, increased resilience, and overall well-being. You are better positioned to think creatively and solve complex problems without mental constraints.
- Leadership Effectiveness: Leaders who embrace vulnerability and authenticity foster stronger team connections, culture, and collaboration. Leaders who shed self-doubt and embrace self-confidence empower teams and build trust.
The Application
Addressing self-limiting beliefs is a personal triumph and a strategic step. Below, we’ll delve into six actionable steps for overcoming these limitations. Start small; first, start with one or two to strategically apply that would yield a greater outcome. Each step brings you closer to unlocking your full potential.
1. Self-Awareness: Identify & Acknowledge
The journey to overcoming self-limiting beliefs begins with self-awareness. It’s about recognizing those frustrating doubts and thoughts that often operate subconsciously. Here’s how to get started:
STRATEGY: Start by recognizing and acknowledging your self-limiting beliefs. This step is about becoming aware of the thoughts and doubts that hold you back.
EXAMPLE: If you’re hesitant to lead a high-influence project due to a fear of failure, acknowledge that fear and identify the specific beliefs causing it. Ask yourself: What reason(s) do I think I will fail? What experience is causing me to believe this? How’s that experience different than now?
2. Challenge and Reframe: Question Validity
Self-limiting beliefs often appear as absolute truths. However, they are often based on assumptions rather than facts. Challenge them to regain control.
STRATEGY: Challenge the validity of your self-limiting beliefs. Are they based on facts, or are they assumptions? Reframe them with more constructive thoughts.
EXAMPLE: Instead of thinking, “I’m not qualified for this promotion,” reframe it as, “I have the skills and experience required, and I’m ready for this challenge.” Coaching question to ask yourself: What did I learn in my former experiences that will now make me valuable?
3. Seek Support: Mentors, Peers & Coaches
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Seeking support from mentors, coaches, or trusted peers can provide constructive insights and encouragement:
STRATEGY: Seek guidance, share your challenges, and encouragement from mentors, coaches, or trusted peers. You can have a person from each category because each will provide a different perspective for you to learn. Mentors are experienced and can offer counsel and support, providing wisdom from their life journey. Peers will have shared experiences and challenges; they will provide a sense of camaraderie and encouragement. Professional coaches have proven coaching methodologies that will tailor objective support and accountability.
EXAMPLE: When assigned to lead a new project, proactively connect with a mentor and discuss your self-doubts. They can provide valuable insights and advice on how to start and common pitfalls.
4. Visualize Success: Use Visualization
Visualization is a powerful tool to build confidence and overcome self-limiting beliefs. It allows you to rehearse success mentally. Neuroscientist and Executive Coach Tara Swart states, “You would be surprised how many high-powered executives have action or vision boards.” Visualization reduces stress and makes new things seem less limiting because repeatedly visualizing your aspirations will trick your brain into thinking it’s no longer new. (CNBC: Scipoini, 2019).
STRATEGY: Practice visualization to imagine yourself succeeding and breaking through your limitations. Visualize the steps you’ll take to achieve your goals. Research shows that visualizing the outcomes and the work it takes to get there yields a higher success rate than just visualizing the outcomes.
EXAMPLE: Before a critical presentation, visualize yourself having the time to write it, hone it, confidently deliver it, receive positive feedback, and achieve the desired outcomes.
5. Set Realistic Goals: Break Them Down
Setting achievable goals is a key step toward dispelling self-doubt and building confidence. Break these goals into manageable steps. Thirty-five percent of people don’t accomplish their goals because they are not realistically set (Bramework: Shahid, 2023.)
STRATEGY: Set realistic, achievable goals and break them down into manageable steps. This approach builds little wins and momentum with each small accomplishment.
EXAMPLE: If you aspire to become a manager, set specific milestones such as acquiring new skills, gaining leadership experience, and seeking mentorship.
6. Embrace Failure: Learn and Adapt
Failure is not the end; it’s a steppingstone to growth. Embrace it as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and refine your approach. Every process of reaching a goal will encounter challenges; there will be failure within those challenges.
STRATEGY: Understand that setbacks are part of the journey. Embrace failures as opportunities to learn, grow, and refine your approach. Truly believe that failure is part of the process; keep refining until you reach the goal.
EXAMPLE: If a project you led faced challenges, reflect on what went wrong, learn from it, and apply those lessons to your next endeavor.
Imagine a future where self-doubt no longer dictates your decisions, where the weight of limitations no longer holds you back. Picture yourself leading with unshakable confidence, making bold decisions, and inspiring those around you. When you conquer self-limiting beliefs, you’ll experience a profound shift in your professional life and well-being. You’ll feel liberated, empowered, and more resilient. Each day will bring new opportunities, and you’ll approach challenges with a sense of purpose and possibility. As you shed the shackles of doubt, your journey toward authentic leadership and limitless potential will be met with your unwavering belief in your capabilities.
The Conclusion
Through practical strategies and real-life examples, I’ve equipped you with the tools needed to break free from self-doubt and embrace self-confidence.
As you move forward, remember that this path isn’t a one-time effort; it’s a commitment to ongoing growth. It’s about challenging your limitations and leading with unwavering authenticity. Your journey to personal and professional growth starts now; realistically, tackle your self-imposed boundaries by starting with just one application and progress from there.