Why Looking After Yourself Is One of the Smartest Career Strategies You Can Have
There’s a phrase you’ve probably heard many times before: “Put your own oxygen mask on first.” It’s simple advice, but surprisingly difficult to follow! Many of our clients are brilliant at looking after everyone else. They support their teams, meet deadlines, solve problems, manage clients, and keep projects moving forward. Somewhere in the middle of all that, their own wellbeing quietly slips to the bottom of the list. In this article, we look at how to nurture yourself.
Summary
Looking after yourself gives you the energy, clarity, and resilience to lead and perform at your best.
Don’t wait for burnout. Focus on regular replenishment instead of trying to recover after you’ve run yourself into the ground.
Schedule yourself into your diary. Protect time for lunch, movement, reflection and rest just as you would any important meeting.
Small moments matter. Micro-rest breaks throughout the day can improve your focus, productivity and emotional wellbeing.
Healthy boundaries make you a stronger leader. Saying no, delegating and protecting your personal time helps you show up consistently.
Embrace life’s natural rhythms. Work with busy and quieter seasons, using slower periods to recharge, reflect, and prepare for what’s next.
When we talk about self-care, we’re not talking about escaping responsibility. Self-care means giving yourself the energy, clarity, and resilience to meet all of your responsibilities well. The most effective leaders understand that looking after themselves means they can continue performing at their best.
Don’t dismiss the cliches!
You can’t pour from an empty cup; fit your oxygen mask; keep filling your tank. They have all been said for a reason, but the impact lessens over time, and we ignore the cliches at our peril!
Think about those glorious days when you’ve had enough sleep, eaten well, moved your body, and taken a few moments to reset. Everything seems to run smoothly, your team are happy, and life feels easier somehow.
Now compare those days to the ones where you’ve skipped lunch, answered emails late into the evening, rushed from meeting to meeting, and convinced yourself you’ll rest next week, when things quieten down.
Which version of you makes better decisions?
Which version listens more patiently?
Which version has the creativity to solve problems or the confidence to lead others?
Your wellbeing directly influences your thinking, emotional resilience, communication and confidence. Your clients, team and family benefit from this, so looking after yourself isn’t selfish – it’s sustainable.
Stop Waiting Until You’re Exhausted
One of the biggest myths about self-care is that it requires large blocks of free time and potentially a bubble bath! Yes, a spa weekend sounds lovely, but most of us don’t have the luxury of disappearing every time life becomes busy. Instead, think about replenishment rather than recovery.
Recovery happens after you’ve reached burnout.
Replenishment happens before you get there.
Small, consistent acts of care often make the biggest difference.
Schedule Yourself Like You Schedule Everyone Else
If your calendar is filled with meetings but has no space for you, you’ve unintentionally told yourself that everyone else’s priorities matter more than your own. What if you treated your own wellbeing with the same importance?
What might that look like?
Blocking out thirty minutes for lunch instead of eating at your desk.
Taking a walk between meetings instead of checking another email.
Booking 50 minute meetings to give you a 10 minute break inbetween.
Finishing work on time one evening each week without apologising for it.
Protecting an hour for learning, reflection or simply thinking.
The key to nurturing yourself is deciding that you’re worth scheduling.
The Power of Micro-Rest
How do you start to nurture yourself, especially if you haven’t built a strategy for this yet?
First of all, it’s worth remembering that rest doesn’t always mean stopping completely. Sometimes it can be helpful to interrupt the constant pace before your brain becomes overloaded.
Here are a few micro-rest tasks you can add to your day:
Taking five slow breaths before your next meeting.
Standing outside with a cup of tea instead of scrolling on your phone.
Stretching for two minutes between tasks.
Closing every tab and giving yourself five minutes of complete silence.
Looking away from your screen and noticing what’s happening around you.
These tiny pauses create space for your nervous system to reset, helping you return with greater focus and clarity. Can you think of any more?
Boundaries Create Better Leadership
Most people worry that saying no makes them appear less committed, but in reality, healthy boundaries help you show up consistently rather than constantly.
Boundaries might include:
Not checking emails late every evening.
Protecting family time or personal commitments.
Saying no to work that doesn’t align with your priorities.
Saying no to tasks or people that don’t bring you great energy.
Delegating instead of carrying everything yourself.
Asking for support when your workload becomes unrealistic.
Strong leaders know what deserves their energy.
Work With the Seasons, Not Against Them
Nature doesn’t operate at full speed all year round, so neither do we. There will be seasons when you’re working on something exciting, managing change, or stepping into new opportunities, and these periods will naturally require more energy.
On the flip side, there will be quieter seasons.
I used to panic when my diary was clear. Now, I treat periods like this as a time to reset, recharge, reflect, and prepare for what’s next.
Giving yourself permission to slow down occasionally doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. Think of those slower moments as you creating the conditions to work with more purpose.
Ready to Put Yourself Back on Your Priority List?
Success is all about creating a career and life you have the energy to enjoy, and when you choose to nurture yourself, everything (and everyone) else benefits too. Coaching can help you build practical, sustainable habits that strengthen your wellbeing, boost your confidence and support your personal and professional growth.
That best version of you isn’t the busiest one, but the version that is supported and able to thrive. If you’ve been giving your energy to everyone else, perhaps it’s time to invest some of it back into yourself…I promise everyone else benefits in the long run anyway!
If you’re looking for a simple place to begin, get in touch to hear about our Open Bounce Mindset Programme or, if you simply want ongoing online personal and professional support then download 3 Steps to Career Confidence for access to FREE content!
If you’d like support understanding how to nurture yourself, sign up for our monthly newsletter packed with coaching advice and tips, or book a FREE consultation call with Rebecca to learn how we can support you, or connect with her on LinkedIn.
February is often associated with ideas of love and connection with others, but there’s another kind of love that deserves your attention, and that’s the relationship you have with yourself. Understanding how to own your strengths changes everything.
TL;DR
Downplaying your strengths quietly erodes confidence, clarity, and belief in what you bring to the table.
Strength awareness is about knowing what you’re genuinely good at and using that knowledge to build confidence and resilience.
Confidence doesn’t remove uncertainty, but helps you stay grounded in who you are, even when the wobbles show up.
When you recognise your strengths, you make better decisions, recover faster from setbacks, and stop chasing things that don’t suit you.
You can identify your strengths gently by noticing patterns, energy, and feedback, without cringing or self-dismissal.
Loving yourself is a strategic choice that allows you to stop waiting for permission and start showing up with intention.
We’re not talking about the loud, self-promotional kind of relationship here or the forced affirmations and pretending you feel confident when you don’t. No, I’m talking about understanding what you’re genuinely good at, valuing it, and allowing it to support your personal and professional success.
Why We Struggle to Own Our Strengths
It’s a brutal reality, especially in the UK, that many of us were practically raised on deflection. Any compliments we receive are met with:
“Oh, it was nothing.”
“I just got lucky.”
“Anyone could’ve done it.”
Add a layer of that classic Brit self-deprecating humour, and suddenly downplaying yourself feels polite, relatable, even expected. What you don’t realise is the quiet cost of running this habit.
Your belief in what you bring to the table disappears
If this feels relatable, you need to stop ignoring the evidence and start building a plan to recognise your strengths.
Strength Awareness Builds Confidence and Resilience
When you understand what you’re good at, you make better decisions with more confidence and recover from setbacks faster. It helps you step into the room with authority and make your voice heard.
Strength awareness gives you something solid to stand on when those imposter doubts creep in, and we know they always do!
Confidence isn’t about preventing that uncertainty because this is part of being human, but it is about knowing who you are, even when the wobbles happen.
Emma has been in her role for three years, consistently delivers strong work, and is now considering applying for a promotion. On paper, she’s a strong candidate, but internally, the wobbles have arrived. Emma’s thoughts start creeping in:
‘What if I’m not ready yet?’
‘What if they think I’m overreaching?’
She still feels uncertain walking into the room, but she’s rehearsed what she wants to say more than once, and she also knows who she is.
She has led two major projects successfully
She’s the go-to person when problems need solving
She regularly mentors newer team members
Her appraisals emphasise her reliability and calm leadership, so when she speaks to her manager, she feels grounded.
In this example, Emma might say to her boss, “Putting myself forward for this role has stretched me, but the work I’m already doing aligns with what’s required. I know my strengths are problem-solving, consistency, and supporting the team, and I’d love to talk about how I could step into this role and grow further.”
She hasn’t eliminated her uncertainty, apologised for wanting a promotion, or pretended she’s ready, but she has owned her strengths.
How to Identify Your Strengths (Without Cringing)
Have you ever attended a workshop where the host asks you to ‘list your strengths’? Does this make you recoil in horror? You’re not alone. Here’s a gentler approach you can try instead (without activating your cringe setting):
Look for patterns, not praise – where do people consistently come to you for help? What do you do that feels natural but makes a real difference to others?
Notice energy, not perfection – what activities leave you feeling satisfied or quietly proud, even if they’re challenging?
Reframe compliments – instead of deflecting, simply say: “Thank you. I’m glad it helped.” No justification required
Borrow perspective – sometimes others see our strengths more clearly than we do. Ask trusted people in your network what they notice you do well, and then resist the urge to argue!
Strength awareness is about finding the truth and learning to believe in yourself.
Loving Yourself Is a Strategic Choice
When you know your strengths, you stop outsourcing your confidence. There’s no more waiting for permission or staying small in the meeting rooms. This kind of self-belief helps you build resilience, allowing you to work intentionally and more effectively.
That’s exactly the work we go deeper into inside the Bounce Mindset Method.
Loving yourself is one of the most powerful success strategies you have.
Ready to Build on This Work?
If this blog has sparked reflection, curiosity, or even a quiet ‘Maybe I’ve been underselling myself’ moment, then this is your personal invitation to our Unseen to Unstoppable Challenge.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter packed with coaching advice and tips, or book a FREE consultation call with Rebecca to learn how we can support you.
“Wow, wow, wow! A course like nothing else I have ever been on before. Truly life changing!” Wesleyan employee
What do people say about you when you’re not in the room?
That’s not just a juicy question; it’s the heart of your personal brand and helps you define your leadership identity.
Leaders aren’t defined by their job titles or LinkedIn bios. True leadership identity is built on a foundation of core values, those deeply held beliefs that guide your decisions, behaviours, and relationships. When your personal brand aligns with those values, you become more authentic, more consistent, and far more impactful.
“My definition of success: When your core values and self-concept are in harmony with your daily actions and behaviours.” John Spence
In this blog, I’ll guide you through the process of identifying your core values and show you how to use them to shape a personal brand that positions you as a confident and credible leader.
What Are Core Values (and Why Do They Matter)?
Your core values are the non-negotiable beliefs that influence how you lead, connect, think, and make decisions. They’re not just buzzwords or traits you aspire to. They’re the qualities you live by.
Examples of core values might include:
Integrity
Curiosity
Empowerment
Fairness
Innovation
Compassion
When your actions align with your values, you develop a leadership style that feels authentic, and people trust leaders who know who they are!
Step 1: Identify Your Core Values
To define your leadership identity, you need to figure out your top 3-5 core values. Start by reflecting on moments of pride. When did you feel most proud of yourself in your career or personal life? What values were you honouring in those moments?
It’s also essential to think about what frustrates you. When have you felt really uncomfortable or angry in a situation? Most of the time, it’s because one of your values was being compromised.
Make a list of values that resonate with you (search “core values list” for inspiration). Narrow it down to five, then ask yourself the following questions:
Which of these do I live every day?
What drives the way I lead and work with others?
“Forget about willpower. It’s time for why-power. Your choices are only meaningful when you connect them to your desires and dreams. The wisest and most motivating choices are the ones aligned with that which you identify as your purpose, your core self, and your highest values. You’ve got to want something, and know why you want it, or you’ll end up giving up too easily.” Darren Hardy (The Compound Effect: Jumpstart Your Income, Your Life, Your Success)
Step 2: Align Your Brand with Your Values
Your personal brand is what people think of you based on your communication, behaviour, presence, and reputation. A strong personal brand should consistently reflect your values across all platforms, both online and offline, in meetings, presentations, and networking events.
Are you stepping up when it comes to your personal brand? Ask yourself if your emails, social posts, and presentations reflect your values. Are you consistent in how you show up as a leader? Would your colleagues or clients describe you using the values you’ve listed?
If not, don’t panic! This is your opportunity to realign and build a more authentic leadership identity.
It’s also essential that you align your core values with your HUGG (Huge Unbelievably Great Goal). Once you’ve identified your values, you can consider how your HUGG aligns with them. This may require some adjustments to your goal or values, but it’s an exercise worth doing.
Step 3: Communicate Your Brand with Confidence
Once your brand and values are in sync, it’s time to confidently share them with the world. That doesn’t mean shouting about your values; it means living them.
Here’s a great way to get started:
Update your bios and website to include values-led language.
Use storytelling to share your experiences and what matters to you.
Be intentional with your leadership presence and how you speak, listen, and lead meetings.
Say no to work that doesn’t align with your values and say yes to what does.
Why This Matters for Your Leadership Growth
Having a clear and values-driven personal brand builds trust and credibility while helping you attract aligned opportunities and clients. It positions you as a role model for your team and enhances clarity and confidence in your leadership style.
You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to lead effectively. You just need to be YOU – aligned, intentional, and values-driven!
At GuruYou Coaching, we believe that knowing your core values isn’t just an exercise in self-awareness but an essential power move for leadership. It’s how you step into your full potential as a leader, communicator, and changemaker.
If you’re ready to define or refine your personal brand and leadership identity, we’re here to help. Book a discovery call today and start building the brand that aligns with your values and ambitions.
Do You Need Help Understanding Your Core Values?
Using The Bounce Mindset® Framework, you can turn your career ambitions into reality with a clear vision, understanding how your core values can help you thrive. Get in touch here if you need more assistance overcoming life’s challenges.
“Working with you was a dream, you are so passionate and that came across. It really has helped me and turned me in a new direction, knowing what I want to do in my career. There are challenges in life and I am not saying I won’t have them in the future but I have tools and techniques now I can go back to! Thank you!” Melanie Trowers and Hamlins
Sign up for our monthly newsletter packed with coaching advice and tips, or book a FREE consultation call with Rebecca to learn how we can support you.
“Without Rebecca’s support it would have taken so much longer to achieve our target and to raise the profile of the project and build a committed Advisory Board.” CJ – The Black Pounds Project
How many deadlines, meetings, emails, and high-pressure decisions are you juggling right now? It’s common in the corporate world to keep going until you hit burnout. It’s no wonder that stress and mental fatigue are on the rise! But what if there was a simple, science-backed solution to help you stay focused, build resilience, and find the clarity you crave?
Enter mindfulness! This powerful practice might sound woo-woo, but it’s no longer just for wellness retreats. It’s becoming an essential tool for leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs who want to show up and thrive in their careers.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, aware of your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings without judgment. It’s about pressing pause on the mental overwhelm, noticing what’s happening inside and around you, and responding with intention rather than simply reacting.
Why Mindfulness Matters in the Workplace
Mindfulness isn’t just a personal well-being tool. Think of it as your professional superpower! In business, it can often feel like the stakes are high and everything is moving a million miles an hour. Mindfulness allows you to stop, review, reflect, and regroup. Practising mindfulness regularly can transform how you work, lead, and interact with others.
So, how does mindfulness support peak performance in a corporate setting?
Improve concentration and decision-making
When your mind is scattered, you can’t fully focus, and your brain becomes disjointed, which leads to poor decision-making. Mindfulness strengthens your ability to stay present with a task, eliminate distractions, and process information more clearly. This amplified level of focus sharpens your judgment, allowing you to weigh options calmly and respond, rather than react, to complex situations.
Reduce stress and anxiety
Workplace stress is inevitable, but how you respond to it can change everything. Mindfulness activates the body’s relaxation response, lowering cortisol levels and creating a sense of calm even during the most challenging times. By grounding yourself in the present moment, you can reduce the spiral of overthinking and manage stress in healthier, more sustainable ways.
Boost emotional intelligence and communication
Self-awareness is key to your emotional intelligence. Through mindfulness, you become more attuned to your thoughts and emotions, which also helps you tune into the needs and cues of others. This improves relationship dynamics, supports empathetic leadership, and helps you handle conflict or feedback gracefully and clearly.
Enhance creativity and problem-solving
Constant busyness can suffocate innovation. Mindfulness creates mental space, allowing your brain to shift from reactive to more reflective. This nurtures divergent thinking, sparking fresh ideas, unconventional solutions, and out-of-the-box strategies essential for business growth.
Increase resilience during high-pressure situations
Resilience isn’t about being unaffected by pressure; it’s about staying steady despite it. Mindfulness builds your capacity to remain calm, focused, and emotionally grounded in challenging moments. It helps you recover from setbacks more easily, adapt to change more smoothly, and lead others with steadiness and confidence.
In a corporate setting, these benefits turn into clearer thinking, stronger leadership, healthier team dynamics, and better performance – all while maintaining your well-being.
Practical Mindfulness Techniques for Busy Professionals
You don’t need an hour-long meditation session to feel the benefits. Here are five practical ways to integrate mindfulness into your working day:
The One-Minute Reset
Take sixty seconds between meetings to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and tune in to your body. Notice any tension, soften your shoulders, and let your mind settle. This simple pause can dramatically reset your energy and focus.
Mindful Emailing
Before replying to that difficult email, pause. Take a breath. Ask yourself: “Am I responding or reacting?” Practising mindfulness here helps you communicate with clarity and emotional intelligence.
Desk-Based Grounding
Place your feet flat on the floor and your hands on your lap. Take three deep breaths. Notice how your body feels supported. This mini-grounding technique is great for moments of overwhelm.
Mindful Listening
In your next meeting or conversation, give your full attention to the speaker. Don’t interrupt or plan your response. Just listen. This builds stronger relationships and creates space for more thoughtful collaboration.
Digital Mindfulness
Set scheduled breaks from your devices. Use the time to stretch, take a walk, or breathe. Even five minutes of unplugged time can help you return to your work with renewed clarity.
Mindfulness Builds Corporate Resilience
Resilience isn’t just about ‘bouncing forward’, it’s about growing through challenges and staying steady in uncertainty. Mindfulness helps you maintain a healthier perspective when the pressure is on.
By making mindfulness a part of your working life, you’re improving your focus and building the emotional endurance that supports long-term success.
At GuruYou Coaching, we believe leadership begins with self-awareness. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine doesn’t require a lifestyle overhaul. It just needs a commitment to be present. When you carve out even small moments of mindfulness, you create space for better decisions, calmer reactions, and a more resilient version of yourself.
Ready to bring more clarity and balance to your career? Let’s talk about how we can integrate mindfulness into your personal leadership toolkit.
Moving Forward
Using The Bounce Mindset® Framework, you can turn your career ambitions into reality with a clear vision, understanding how mindfulness fits into your strategy, and having the tools to show up and smash your goals.
“I found goal setting the most useful part of the course! I am just a few days away from achieving my goal. The small, seemingly insignificant steps compounded over time to reach the Huge, Unbelievably Great Goal. Ignore this at your peril!” Scott Wilson, Wesleyan
Get in touch here if you need more assistance in overcoming life’s challenges.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter packed with coaching advice and tips, or book a FREE consultation call with Rebecca to learn how we can support you.
Choosing a victor over victim mindset can turn adversity into empowerment. This approach was the theme of my recent conversation with Amit Ghose, a remarkable advocate and social media influencer who has inspired thousands with his story. Born with neurofibromatosis, a condition that causes tumours to grow on nerve tissue, Amit has undergone countless surgeries and faced unimaginable trials. But through it all, he has chosen to rise above his challenges, transforming his pain into purpose.
Control the Controllable
Amit’s journey to the UK at the age of two marked the beginning of a lifelong fight with neurofibromatosis. His early school years were especially challenging. Amit spoke candidly about being excluded by his peers due to his facial differences, often left out of games and subjected to unkind comments. But rather than succumb to the sadness, Amit focused on what he could control: his passion for cricket. Despite the initial rejections, Amit’s persistence won him the respect of his classmates and a spot on his school cricket team, shifting the narrative from ‘Amit with the funny face’ to ‘Amit, the cricketer.’ This turning point showed him the power of self-acceptance and resilience.
The Role of Family and Acceptance
Amit attributes much of his confidence to his family’s unwavering support. His father, who normalised his condition at home, played a pivotal role in teaching Amit that his condition did not define him. Surrounded by siblings who treated him no differently, Amit grew up with a strong sense of inclusion within his family, even if it wasn’t always reflected in the outside world. This sense of belonging was essential in cultivating his self-worth.
In our conversation, Amit described another pivotal moment in self-acceptance after meeting his wife, Piyali. Her persistence that she was marrying all of him – not just the ‘good’ side – set his journey toward self-acceptance. With her encouragement, Amit began to embrace his full self, letting go of his habit of hiding one side of his face in photos. Her acceptance allowed him to accept himself fully and unconditionally.
Finding Purpose in Adversity
Over the years, Amit’s experiences with rejection and judgment have shaped his life’s mission: to foster diversity, inclusion, and self-acceptance for others. Inspired by Simon Sinek’s concept of finding your ‘why,’ Amit realised his purpose lay in sharing his story to inspire others and promote acceptance for people with visible differences. His journey from being a sales professional to an advocate for inclusion has led him to roles like Diversity Inclusion Business Partner at the NHS, where he now creates substantial change in work environments.
Amit’s Four Steps to Confidence
Amit shared his four-step confidence-building framework, a guide that he has developed based on his personal experiences:
Embrace Your Personality – Find your passion and integrate it into your identity. For Amit, cricket was the hobby that helped him reframe how others viewed him, showing him that embracing a passion could change others’ perceptions.
Accept Yourself First – Acceptance has to come from within. Amit’s journey with self-acceptance reached a turning point thanks to his wife, but his choice to fully embrace himself completed the transformation.
Believe – Amit believes that setting and manifesting goals through small actions creates powerful results. His TikTok journey began with a simple, heartfelt video about living with a visible difference, which resonated deeply with viewers. Today, his message reaches over 122,000 followers.
Communicate – Amit emphasises that our impact often lies in communicating effectively. He has connected with individuals globally by focusing on his storytelling skills and learning how to engage an audience, helping change perceptions and open minds.
“If somebody’s ability is 90%, but their communication level is 40 or 50, they’ll always be perceived at that 40 or 50 because of the way they’re articulating their skill. However, the other way around, if your skill level’s 50 or 60, but your communication is at 90%, then you can articulate your message in the right way.”
Transforming Pain into Purpose
Amit’s story is a powerful reminder that while we can’t control all aspects of our lives, we can choose how we respond to them. His approach to life embodies the victor over victim mindset, demonstrating that even the most challenging circumstances can lead to growth and purpose. By embracing who he is, believing in his purpose, and courageously sharing his story, Amit has turned his visible difference into a beacon of hope and resilience for others.
Get Inspired
Amit’s journey inspires us all to find strength in our challenges and redefine what it means to be resilient. Follow him on TikTok and LinkedIn for more insights and stories. If you’re interested in creating a more inclusive environment at work, reach out to him for a lunch and learn session on diversity and inclusion.
Let Amit’s story remind you that no matter where you are, you can choose to be a victor over a victim. LISTEN to the full interview on the Bounce Mindset Podcast.
Stepping into any leadership role means digging deeper into your self-awareness and boosting your confidence. These two traits have the ability to fast-track your journey to success, but only if you focus on developing them.
When you are better equipped with confidence and self-awareness, you can make decisions, impact your team, inspire others, and navigate challenges effectively.
Why does confidence and self-awareness matter?
The definition of confidence is the feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something. Leaders who exude confidence create trust in their team and inspire action. While this is admirable, confidence without self-awareness can create problems and frustration (surely I’m not the only one who has worked with a muppet who thinks they are awesome!?)
Self-awareness allows you to understand your strengths and recognise areas for growth, which helps you avoid overconfidence and muppetry J. These traits are a powerful foundation for your purpose and personal brand when used together.
“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticise?” Marcus Aurelius
How can you begin to build that all-important confidence and self-awareness?
One of the easiest ways is to reflect on your past achievements. Create a list of moments when you succeeded in something, big or small. This exercise allows you to revisit how you overcame any challenges and the skills you used. Resilience is a key element of leadership development, and this exercise helps you see where that resilience has been evident. It reinforces the mindset that you are capable of overcoming obstacles and boosts your self-belief.
Self-belief is essential, but don’t overlook self-compassion! Building confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s more about accepting and learning from your mistakes. When you practice self-compassion, you acknowledge that everyone has setbacks and imperfections.
If you follow me on LinkedIn or are a member of my Career Confidence and Clarity Facebook Group, you will have heard me talk about the Imposter Phenomenon and imperfection. Reframing negative self-talk and celebrating progress is the key to building a solid leadership mentality and feeling more confident.
“I still have a little impostor syndrome… It doesn’t go away, that feeling that you shouldn’t take me that seriously. What do I know? I share that with you because we all have doubts in our abilities, about our power and what that power is.” Michelle Obama.
More strategies for building confidence and self-awareness
What else can you do to help yourself when it comes to confidence and career success?
Consider seeking constructive feedback – did you know that self-awareness thrives when you seek feedback from others? I mentioned the Imposter Phenomenon earlier; this is an excellent example of how feedback can help thwart those feelings of being an imposter.
Swap feedback with a peer after a meeting, ask someone you admire to give you an honest critique, or, in the absence of others, why not look for your repeats and refines after a high-value meeting or project?
Be warned: Comparing yourself to others can harm your self-esteem and self-awareness. To avoid feelings of inferiority, ask for constructive feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends who can provide a broad perspective on how you and your actions are perceived and relevant evidence that the observer has witnessed. This can help you learn more about yourself, your strengths, and your behaviours.
Identify your strengths and weaknesses – once you have honest feedback, you can begin to assess your strengths and areas for development. A SOAR analysis (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results) can be a helpful exercise. When you focus on your strengths, you can play to them in your career and address any weaknesses that might be holding you back from leadership roles.
Set stretch goals – confidence is built through action. Setting stretch goals (challenges that are slightly beyond your comfort zone) will push you to grow. These types of goals help you expand your skills and achieve things you didn’t think were possible. Set your goal, check your resources, monitor your progress, and celebrate your successes. I have been amazed at the times I have tried something I thought wouldn’t work, and it did. Nothing exciting ever happens inside your comfort zone.
The more you achieve, the greater your confidence becomes.
Enhance your confidence and self-awareness
Reflect on your success. This means regularly reviewing your achievements to reinforce a positive mindset and recognise your potential. By understanding your strengths and using them as a foundation, you can build on your leadership capabilities.
Stepping outside your comfort zone also provides opportunities to build the confidence you need to take on more responsibilities but remember to practice self-compassion as you learn from your experiences.
Building confidence and self-awareness takes time, but it is a rewarding journey. Continue to reflect on your strengths, seek honest feedback, and venture beyond what is familiar.
Take these steps today to start your transformation into a more confident and self-aware leader.
Working with a coach is the perfect way to build confidence. In our 6-week Bounce Forward programme, we include:
Goal setting without fear
Overcoming imposter phenomenon
Resilience and mindfulness
Purpose and personal brand
Increasing visibility within the organisation
Coaching skills
And much more.
“Rebecca’s style is warm and affable. She quickly secured the trust of the group meaning we could “get to work”. Always impeccably prepared, she quickly sussed each of us out and we benefitted greatly from Rebecca’s knack of knowing exactly what to ask and how to guide the discussion to really crack the key issues. The real triumph though is that she has left us equipped with a new skill set that we are confident to deploy to support one another as a group and our other colleagues going forward.” Fiona Teague -Shoosmiths
Find out more about Bounce Forward and take the first step to gaining confidence, coping with life, and achieving your goals.
Are you ready to become more confident and set yourself on a clear path to leadership and career advancement?
Your leadership journey starts today. If you’re ready to shape your career, reduce stress, and improve your wellbeing and resilience then join the GuruYou community.
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