Confidence

Every single one of us should be asking the question am I good enough? If you never ask yourself this you cannot improve. However, what do you do if the answer is no?

First is to reflect on your practice to determine if this is true or simply low self-confidence. It may help to ask for lots of feedback from your colleagues to help you determine this. You will likely find that you are your own worst critic and if not strategies can be agreed early to get you back on track. 

It is only natural after a career break, illness or set back for whatever reason that confidence can be reduced. Imposter syndrome is ubiquitous and your work mates (male & female, parents or not) will likely feel it too.

Self confidence is an entirely internal thing and thus only you change the way you see yourself. It is vital to surround yourself with positive and supportive colleagues, but you need to put your game face on.

Reflection is a key practice for improving confidence. We all have a tendency to focus on the negatives so it is important remember what you did well. At the end of each day take time to think about:

• One thing you can improve
• Three goods things and your role in bringing them about

Must be in this order and ideally within two hours of sleep. It is nicely discussed by Dr Bryan Sexton in this YouTube video:

More advice can be found here - How to gain self-confidence... – Mumma Pod (Blog)