Self-doubt can feel like a heavy shroud, dimming the brilliance of our unique contributions in the workplace.

In a society that often glorifies perfection and comparison, it’s easy to let self-doubt creep in and stifle our voices. However, with the right tools and approaches, we can reclaim our authenticity and thrive professionally.

Here are three common examples of self-doubt in the workplace:

Withholding Ideas in Meetings: You might have valuable insights or ideas to share but hesitate to voice them during meetings. This can stem from a fear of sounding unqualified or "stupid." You may worry about how others will perceive your contributions, leading to a lack of participation and missed opportunities to showcase your expertise. This behavior can create a cycle of self-doubt, where the more you hold back, the more uncertain you feel about your abilities.
Avoiding Leadership Roles: If you're offered a chance to lead a project or a team, you might decline out of fear that you won't meet expectations. This hesitation can be rooted in the belief that you lack the necessary skills or experience, causing you to overlook your potential and previous successes. This avoidance not only limits your career growth but also reinforces feelings of inadequacy.
Overly Critical of Your Work: After completing a task or project, you may find yourself focusing solely on perceived flaws or mistakes, rather than acknowledging your accomplishments. This self-critical lens can lead to excessive perfectionism, where you feel your work is never good enough. As a result, you might constantly seek validation from colleagues or supervisors, feeling that their approval is necessary to affirm your worth.

These patterns of self-doubt can be addressed through various techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies to challenge negative thoughts, mindfulness practices to cultivate self-compassion, and somatic therapy approaches to reconnect with your body and emotions.