What if you’re doing better than you think?
Recently, I took on a mudrun race with friends from my business circle, and it didn’t go as planned. I signed up thinking it would inspire me to uplevel my training. However, life got busy, and my enthusiasm dwindled. As the event drew near, doubts and insecurities crept in.
I found myself listing all the reasons why I wasn't ready: I hadn't trained as much as I had planned, I had been sick for weeks, and I was afraid I was going to be the worst, least qualified and slowest person on the course. Despite these doubts, I couldn't back out because of my commitment to my friends. (Way to go peer pressure)
The atmosphere on the day of the mudrun was electric! It was filled with excitement, camaraderie, and positivity. When it was my turn to run, something unexpected happened—I surprised myself. The experience was much easier than I had imagined. I pushed myself harder, jogging between obstacles, and I was ready for the challenge. All the training I had done over the years had prepared me more than I realized. It was an exhilarating feeling to discover all that my body was capable of as it was.
This made me reflect on how often we hold ourselves back in various aspects of life. The persistent notion of not being ready, not being good enough, or not being adequately prepared hinders us from embracing opportunities. Especially for women!
It’s not just you! The workplace, in particular, can be a challenging environment for women to advance. It's disheartening to know that the "broken rung" still exists, limiting opportunities for women to rise through the ranks. According to leanin.org, for every 100 men promoted from entry-level to manager, only 87 women are promoted, and for women of color, this number drops even further to 82.
So, what do we do about it?
I've learned a few strategies to combat self-doubt, and I'd like to share them with you:
Acknowledge Your Qualifications: When self-doubt creeps in, take a moment to write down a list of your qualifications. Recognize and celebrate all the reasons why you are ready for the opportunities that come your way. Trust in your capabilities and knowledge.
Recall Past Wins: We all have instances in our lives where we felt uncertain, unprepared, or doubted ourselves, but we still succeeded. Reflect on those past victories and use them as a reminder of your resilience and strength. You've conquered challenges before, and you can do it again.
Seek Insight from Your Community: Reach out to your trusted colleagues, friends, or mentors who can offer valuable perspectives. Sometimes, we underestimate ourselves, but others can see our potential more clearly. Embrace the support and encouragement they provide.
Remember, the journey may seem daunting, but you are more capable than you think. Embrace the opportunities that come your way, and confront self-doubt with confidence. Just like in my mudrun, you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve.
So, the next time those doubts creep in, remember your experience, and don’t let your hesitations stop you. You are truly awesome and qualified. It's time to embrace your potential and show the world what you're made of!