Experiences Shape Beliefs

I am yet to coach anyone who has not experienced some form of Imposter Syndrome; the inner voice of self-doubt and fear. The solution? Leaning into new opportunities, expansive experiences, and the call toward positive change.

Personal experiences are pivotal in shaping and reshaping our beliefs. A transformative event, such as taking on a new job with bigger, broader, or different scope, can lead to a re-evaluation of what we hold to be true about ourselves. New experiences create the opportunity to collect new evidence (what I like to call ‘proof points’) as to our true capability. Our true capability is potentially limitless, but our capability must be tested, to be proven. 

I will share a personal example to demonstrate the power of experiences changing our beliefs. In my twenties, despite being outwardly successful, I experienced significant Imposter Syndrome. This was not helped by the fact that at my very core, I knew my career and I were entirely misaligned. After spending a good decade over-working to maintain my standard of perfection, I took a role very much within my comfort zone. I enjoyed this for a period of time, however it provided little challenge, and as a result, over time my confidence and belief in my true capability, began to decline.

A series of events subsequently led to an incredible career opportunity, one well outside my comfort zone, leading a team of innovative technologists. As with any new job, my confidence initially took a hit, and Imposter Syndrome reared its head as I worked hard to understand this new and complex environment. Six months in, I started to experience significant success, both at a leadership and a delivery level. My self-belief regarding what I was capable of entirely changed. Forever.

Through this experience, I collected multiple proof points of my true potential, including evidence I was capable of learning a new and complex area of work, leading technical experts, and holding my place at a male-dominated leadership table.

Had I let my preference for staying safe, outweigh my courage for trying something new, I would have never taken the opportunity. I would have never experienced this level of personal growth and increase in self-belief. I would not be sharing this with you today, and supporting individuals to design careers they love, transcend imposter syndrome, and re-shape their self-belief, through saying yes to empowering and expansive career experiences. 

If you are curious about how Career Coaching can support you to cultivate greater self-belief, courage, and career experiences that feel aligned to your strengths, potential, and personal capacity, reach out today to schedule a chat. Your future self will thank you.