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Q: Why do I feel less confident now than I did earlier in my career?
A: Many professionals are surprised when confidence becomes more difficult as their careers advance. Early in our careers, we often have less responsibility, fewer expectations, and less awareness of everything that could go wrong. As we gain experience, we also gain a deeper understanding of complexity, risk, and uncertainty. Confidence can also take a hit after setbacks such as layoffs, difficult managers, missed promotions, career pivots, or extended job searches. These experiences can cause even highly accomplished professionals to question themselves. The good news is that confidence is not something you either have or don’t have. Confidence is built through action. It grows when you prepare, practice, take risks, and keep showing up even when you’re uncertain. When your confidence feels low, spend time reflecting on what you’ve already accomplished. Review positive feedback you’ve received. Make a list of challenges you’ve overcome. Talk to people who know your strengths. Most importantly, don’t wait until you feel confident to take action. Often, confidence comes after action, not before it. Your confidence may look different today than it did ten years ago. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Mature confidence is often quieter, steadier, and rooted in experience rather than certainty.
Q: Why do I feel less confident now than I did earlier in my career?
A: Many professionals are surprised when confidence becomes more difficult as their careers advance. Early in our careers, we often have less responsibility, fewer expectations, and less awareness of everything that could go wrong. As we gain experience, we also gain a deeper understanding of complexity, risk, and uncertainty. Confidence can also take a hit after setbacks such as layoffs, difficult managers, missed promotions, career pivots, or extended job searches. These experiences can cause even highly accomplished professionals to question themselves. The good news is that confidence is not something you either have or don’t have. Confidence is built through action. It grows when you prepare, practice, take risks, and keep showing up even when you’re uncertain. When your confidence feels low, spend time reflecting on what you’ve already accomplished. Review positive feedback you’ve received. Make a list of challenges you’ve overcome. Talk to people who know your strengths. Most importantly, don’t wait until you feel confident to take action. Often, confidence comes after action, not before it. Your confidence may look different today than it did ten years ago. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Mature confidence is often quieter, steadier, and rooted in experience rather than certainty.
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