Your perspective can be either your prison or your passport.
How you speak to yourself matters. In this blog I share an easy exercise to shift your self-talk to one of confidence and empowerment.
New situations can be intimidating and make us question our abilities.
I recently started a new job. Transitioning from a career in government to higher education was a big change for me, and I'll admit it...
I doubted myself.
I questioned my experiences and abilities, and I worried that my colleagues would be disappointed with my performance. My new role is director-level, and I was so afraid of appearing unknowledgable.
As a coach and ACS career consultant, I know I'm not alone in feeling this way. We tend to be harder on ourselves than others, and the best way to begin combatting imposter syndrome is to conquer our limiting beliefs.
A limiting belief is negative self-talk that you falsely believe to be true. Limiting beliefs can be about you, how you interact with other people, or how you think others perceive you.
We all have limiting beliefs sometimes, and they can be devastating to our self-esteem and how we engage with the world.
The good news is you have the power to change your perspective and free yourself from limiting beliefs! I design simple exercises for my clients to conquer their limiting beliefs and feel more confident and empowered. Here's an easy one that you can try right now:
Write down a limiting belief that is holding you back. Underneath, write at least three facts that prove this limiting belief is wrong. Each of these facts can be used as custom affirmations.
Here's an example inspired by my new job:
Limiting belief
I am not smart enough to be in this new role.
Affirmations
1) I am confident in my abilities to do this job. I confidently applied for and interviewed for this job.
I know I am capable.
2) The hiring team is confident in my abilities to do this job. They hired me.
3) I am a college graduate - this is tangible evidence that I am smart!
Cross out each limiting belief as you prove it wrong. Compile a list of only the affirmations.
Keep this list close to you (perhaps on your phone) and read every morning to start your day in a positive and confident mindset. Read it every night before bed and before stress-inducing events like meetings with your new colleagues or presentations. Set reminders on your phone so you receive affirmations throughout the day. Record yourself saying them and listen to them. Write them on post-it notes and post them in your workspace. Put them in your planner. Get creative with how you engage with them.
And don't forget to keep adding to the list!
The more you engage with these affirmations, the quicker your brain will recall them and positive self-talk will become a healthy new habit.
If you need more guidance on imposter syndrome or any other challenges, please don't hesitate to email me directly here to schedule a free consultation.
Dr. Lori Ana Valentín is an analytical chemist who holds doctorate and master’s degrees in chemistry from Binghamton University as well as a bachelor of science in biochemistry from SUNY Fredonia.