I am about to take a leap, quite a massive one from my perspective, into an industry I don’t yet know.
There has always been self-doubt, it will never go away, no matter how much I am assured, encouraged or supported. Doubt about me, my ability, my potential and my capacity to understand will always be present.
I know why I’m in my field of work. I know I’m good at what I do and how I do it. So why, after all these years, and great success, do I still lack belief in me?
I think I know the answer. I’m just not sure how to accept it. I ask myself often if I even want to?
It’s fear. I’m scared that if I acknowledge the reasons why I do my job, I will become complacent. I worry that if I accept that I’m pretty good at what I do and how I do it, I will become less focused, less determined to be the best I can be.
So do I want to?
In the sector I know, a sector I adore, I definitely could but I don’t want to; I know how it works, what great looks like, what people need to be successful.
In a sector I don’t know, doubt pops up for a chat: “Hello, remember me? Are you REALLY thinking about doing that? Seriously? #ROFL”.
I think it’s almost irrespective how much I believe in myself. That doubt keeps me focused on the job in hand and on what I need to achieve. That doubt will ensure that the person who entrusted me with their business, their people, will have full confidence that I will deliver.
Will I be as successful in an industry I don’t yet know and love? Whilst self-doubt remains, you can bet your house on it.
You may think I’m crazy; why not stay with what I know. Where a known passion lies. Where success is evident.
Why did I take the leap into the unknown? Because it feels right. What happens next is down to me.
Fear is fundamental to making good decisions and stops us from doing daft things (unless we want to) – https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-science-willpower/201012/why-we-need-little-fear. I have every confidence in your ability to shine and enjoy your next challenge.
I totally agree. This article is ace and it sums up how I feel perfectly: “When it comes to self-control, that instinctive feeling is going to help you make a wise decision.” Thank you.