Women, more so than men, often feel they need more experience, knowledge, or recognition before becoming a business owner, expert, artist, etc. Studies show men are more likely than women to apply for jobs at a level higher than their experience supports. Even friends and family can be hard on us, especially if our success threatens them somehow.
We need learn to trust in our abilities. We can research answers as well as anyone else, so we can find any answers we need, even if we don’t have them right now. We also need to trust that our processes may be beneficial to others if they help us. Our unique approach may be what someone needs.
We are our worst critics and shouldn’t rely on our internal beliefs about ourselves. Instead, we should network with others in the same field of interest, make trustworthy contacts, and ask for feedback on our ideas and work. In most areas, we must only be a few steps ahead of those we want to teach or help. We should be careful in fields where credentials are required (i.e., medical, some financial, etc.), but it depends on the information being shared or taught. There are plenty of opportunities to share processes that have helped us so long as we indicate we are not credentialed and avoid false or outlandish claims.
Give yourself a chance. Connect with others in your field and trust that you have what it takes to succeed.
Action steps:
- Identify three or more groups or organizations in your field, online or off.
- Join three that resonate with you.
- Start interacting with others and find three to five people you trust and start building a relationship.
- Make at least two of them at a higher level of experience or success than you.
- Once the relationship is solid, share your ideas and ask for feedback.