Ask Lisa: Answering Your Questions from Imposter Syndrome to Building Confidence
lisatarkingtonWelcome back to The Confident Podcast!
Confidence is a journey, not a destination—and along the way, it’s only natural to encounter challenges like imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the fear of stepping out of your comfort zone. In this week’s episode of The Confident Podcast, I teamed up with Kelsey to answer some of your most pressing questions about confidence, leadership, and overcoming those inner obstacles that hold us back.
This special Q&A episode is all about getting real, tackling your struggles head-on, and equipping you with actionable tools to build the confidence you deserve.
Breaking Down Imposter Syndrome
One of the top questions we received was about dealing with imposter syndrome—the feeling that you’re not as capable or qualified as others think you are. It’s something so many of us face, yet rarely talk about openly.
Here’s what I shared:
Recognize the Voice: Imposter syndrome often shows up as a negative inner dialogue. Instead of letting it take over, recognize it as just that—a voice, not the truth.
Focus on Facts: List your accomplishments, skills, and positive feedback you’ve received. Seeing it written down helps to challenge those nagging feelings of inadequacy.
Lean on Your Circle: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and reflect your strengths back to you when you forget.
As Kelsey put it so perfectly, “You’re not alone in feeling like this—but the truth is, you’ve earned your place at the table.”
Another popular question revolved around how to “become” confident. The truth? Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you practice and build over time.
Here’s how to start:
Take Small, Consistent Steps: Confidence grows through action. Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting or trying something new, every small step adds up.
Embrace Vulnerability: Confidence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up as your authentic self, flaws and all.
Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge even the smallest victories. Every time you take a step forward, you’re reinforcing your belief in yourself.
Kelsey added a great point here: “Confidence isn’t a box you check—it’s the result of showing up for yourself every single day.”
Here’s the truth: Confidence isn’t built overnight. It’s the result of small, consistent actions over time. We also tackled a big question: How do I build confidence as a leader, especially when I feel like I’m not ready? Our answer? Leadership confidence starts with trust:
- Trust Yourself: Know that you don’t need all the answers to lead effectively. Leadership is about learning and growing along the way.
- Trust Your Team: Confidence in leadership also means letting go of the need to control everything. Empower your team to step into their strengths.
- Trust the Process: Leadership is a journey. Confidence comes from navigating challenges and showing up consistently, not from being perfect.
Throughout the episode, Kelsey and I shared tools and strategies to silence self-doubt when it rears its head:
- Affirmations: Start your day with affirmations that remind you of your strengths and capabilities.
- Reflection: Take time to journal about your wins and the lessons you’ve learned. This helps you focus on progress instead of perfection.
- Mindset Shifts: Reframe mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. Confidence isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about embracing it as part of the process.
This episode wouldn’t have been possible without your amazing questions. They remind us that we’re all on this journey together, navigating the ups and downs of confidence, self-awareness, and growth.
If there’s one takeaway I hope you gain from this episode, it’s this: You are more capable than you think. Whether you’re tackling imposter syndrome, stepping into a leadership role, or simply trying to believe in yourself, remember that confidence is built through action and reflection.
Confidence doesn’t come from having all the answers—it comes from being willing to ask the right questions and take action. Whether you’re facing imposter syndrome, struggling to trust yourself, or feeling stuck in your growth, this episode offers tools and insights to help you move forward.
Start small. Identify one step you can take today, whether it’s reflecting on your strengths, practicing self-compassion, or tackling a task outside your comfort zone. The path to confidence isn’t perfect, but with consistency and intention, it’s one you can absolutely conquer.
Ready to dive deeper? Listen to this episode and let’s build your confidence together.
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Guest, Kelsey Snyder's Info to Connect
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