Unleash Your Potential and Conquer Self-Doubt & Imposter Syndrome!
(Part 2) Embracing Your Achievements: The Empowerment Series for Mid-Career Professional Women
Welcome back to the empowering journey of "Unleashing Your Potential: The Empowerment Series for Mid-Career Professional Women." In Part 1, we took a significant step by seeking guidance to ignite your career.
Now, in Part 2, we'll delve into the transformative process of "Embracing Your Achievements." I know I spoke on this is a recent blog post in reference to women stepping into their power and embracing their greatness in my Career Empowerment Post you can read HERE.
We’re going a little deeper and from another lens here, where the focus is in the subconscious self-talk of not being worthy to be where you are… better known as imposter syndrome which shows up differently for us. Let’s talk about it.
Let’s talk about controlling the narrative with your Adult voice taking the lead!
Step 2: Embracing Your Achievements
In the midst of our bustling careers, we often overlook the milestones we've achieved. It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily tasks and forget the significance of our accomplishments.
But here's the thing – your achievements aren't mere moments to acknowledge; they're the cornerstones of your empowerment.
Why It Matters: Taking Control of Your Narrative
Recognizing your achievements is like fuel for your self-confidence. When you embrace your accomplishments, you remind yourself of your capabilities, resilience, and the incredible journey you've embarked on. I know this first hand. That’s why when I’m asked about nerves or having a seat at the table, my response always is, “I know who I am, whose I am, and what I bring.” I had to learn to step into that and envelope all of it. I had to look back on all of my trials, lessons, and accomplishments AND all that was stacked against me because NOTHING came easy.
I had to turn away from the little girl energy that says, be humble, be quiet, don’t brag, just do your best and hope that it’s recognized as it is. NO. I will not. I will take the reins as the woman that I am and control the narrative of my successes and ‘lessons’ that make up my achievements.
So… Embracing your achievements is not just about patting yourself on the back. It's about taking control of YOUR narrative, especially crucial for women in the professional world. Here's why this step is of paramount importance and why it holds us back and keeps us stuck, feeling unempowered:
Overcoming the Humility Trap
Women, in particular, often find themselves caught in the humility trap. Society has conditioned many of us to be humble, passive, and not to 'brag' about our accomplishments. As a result, we downplay our successes, attributing them to luck or external factors. Embracing your achievements is a rebellion against this stereotype. It's about stepping into your own light, unapologetically celebrating your successes, and showing that humility doesn't mean self-erasure.
Building Confidence
Confidence is a precious asset for any professional. By recognizing your achievements, you're reinforcing your self-belief. You're telling yourself, "I did this, and I can do more." This confidence radiates in your professional life. You'll find it easier to voice your opinions, seize opportunities, and navigate challenging situations. When your confidence is top tier, you assert, you enter a room with your head held high, and you don’t match the energy that’s coming at you… You rise above it and stand in your knowing. You KNOW who you are and no one can take that away from you.
Side note: My coach imparted this on us today:
“Stop borrowing other people’s beliefs about you.”
Changing the Narrative
By embracing your achievements, you're also changing the narrative for future generations of women. You're becoming a role model, showcasing that women can excel, be proud of their accomplishments, and lead with confidence. You're rewriting the story of what it means to be a successful professional, and in doing so, you're creating more space for women in leadership roles. If you listened to Episode [XX] of BenchTalk podcast, you hear me speak directly to this… creating a legacy, being a role model for other women, other generations. I am proud to say that I have done this with my own daughter and if it all is taken away from me today, I am at peace knowing that SHE has the knowing not by words I’ve spoken TO her but by the actions she has seen demonstrated by me.
Fending Off Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome thrives on self-doubt and minimizing your achievements. It also thrives when your beliefs and expectations haven’t caught up to your desires. You may have the desire to be in certain spaces, at certain tables, in certain rooms, but until you believe you belong there and expect to be there, you’ll have the internal dissonance and struggle with your qualifications of being there.
So, when you consistently acknowledge and celebrate your successes, you're building a robust defense against imposter syndrome. You're reminding yourself of your competence and worthiness, reducing the chances of self-doubt creeping in.
How to Embrace Your Achievements
1. Create an Achievement Journal: Start an "Achievement Journal" where you document your significant milestones. These can be professional or personal triumphs. Every time you feel the grip of imposter syndrome, flip through your journal and witness your journey of success.
2. Celebrate Your Wins: You deserve to celebrate your victories. Whether it's a small win like completing a project or a significant achievement like a promotion, find ways to acknowledge and reward yourself. Celebration reinforces your sense of achievement and builds your confidence.
3. Share Your Successes: Often, we're modest about our accomplishments. Start sharing your achievements with a close friend or mentor. Not only does it validate your success, but it also reminds you that you are making a substantial impact. Let’s take it a step further… document all of your achievements in your particular role and use that as leverage for your next promotion. Ensure that those with influence and the power to help your career, are aware of your contributions and impact.
By embracing your achievements, you're not just enhancing your self-worth; you're making a powerful statement about the importance of recognizing and celebrating women's accomplishments in the workplace. It's time to control your narrative, and it begins with your achievements.
This self-acceptance is a powerful tool in your journey to empowerment. As you recognize the unique value you bring to your organization, you'll be better equipped to propel your career forward.
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we'll delve into "Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone." It's a significant step in your empowerment journey, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.
Remember, you've got the potential, and we're here to help you unleash it.
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Your empowered career journey begins now, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.
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Jackie Mitchell
Career Strategist
JMCC