Coping with Self-Doubt and imposter syndrome: our experience at Glued

Self-doubt and imposter syndrome are struggles that many of us face at various stages of our careers. These feelings of inadequacy or the belief that one’s success is undeserved can creep in and create barriers to professional growth and satisfaction. Over 21 years of running Glued I’ve realised it’s just a fact of life and can be managed. For many years I didn’t either understand it or recognise the impact it had on me.

It’s important to recognise these feelings are often unfounded and can be managed by reflecting on past successes and understanding that self-doubt is a universal experience. In this post, Rob and I will share our personal insights into how we cope with self-doubt and imposter syndrome while maintaining motivation and energy at Glued.

Recognising imposter syndrome

One of the key aspects of managing self-doubt is acknowledging when it occurs. For a long time, I didn’t realise I suffered from imposter syndrome. I consistently felt that I was not good enough, despite evidence to the contrary. Reflecting on the success of my business, which has been thriving for over 20 years, helped me combat these feelings. I’ve received positive feedback from clients, yet I would still question my competence.

In some ways I think my business partner Rob has had more success coping focusing on specific achievements. For instance, Rob recalls a charity that he worked with years ago still using a document he created for them over five years ago. It’s incredibly satisfying to see that the work we did continues to provide value. It’s moments like these that remind me that our efforts have had a significant impact on the organisations we’ve helped. This realisation helps counteract the nagging voice of self-doubt.

Everyone experiences self-doubt

Imposter syndrome is not unique to us. In fact, most people, unless they suffer from a particular psychological disorder, experience self-doubt at some point in their lives. Realising this universal truth has helped us cope with these feelings. Walking into a room full of people who may seem intimidating can be daunting, but it helps to remind ourself that others in the room are likely feeling the same way. Understanding that self-doubt is shared by many can make it easier to overcome.

Facing fear head-on

One strategy that has helped Rob manage imposter syndrome is facing his fears head-on. When entering a room filled with people who intimidate him, he make a point to approach the person who ‘scares’ him the most and start a conversation. Once he’s tackled what feels like the hardest task, everything else seems more manageable. I must say it’s not an approach I’ve tried though!

It’s also important to challenge the assumptions we make about how others perceive us. We never truly know what someone is thinking. If someone looks critical or disinterested, it may have nothing to do with us. They could be dealing with personal problems or workplace challenges. Assuming negative perceptions without evidence is unfair and can amplify feelings of inadequacy unnecessarily.

Overcoming lethargy and staying motivated

Another consistent challenge that can exacerbate self-doubt is lethargy or lack of energy. There are times when we simply don’t feel motivated to tackle the tasks at hand. In these moments, we find it helpful to reconnect with our core values, vision, mission, and “why.” Revisiting the reasons we started Glued and reflecting on what we’ve already achieved helps us push through these low-energy periods.

A prime example that boosts our confidence is the branding work we did for Northampton College nearly 18 years ago. The brand is still going strong today and continues to look fresh. This is a source of great pride for us, and it serves as a reminder of the value we’ve delivered over the years. Recognising the longevity of our work and its ongoing impact on high-profile brands like Northampton College reinforces that we are making a difference.

Celebrating long-term relationships and impact

In addition to these reflections, we take pride in the long-term relationships we’ve built with various organisations. For over 10 years, we’ve worked with Business Ready and the University of Warwick Science Park, helping to shape their brands. We’ve also contributed to business support organisations like the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, The Chamber, and Creative Springboard. Knowing that we’ve played a part in supporting these organisations as they help businesses in the area is incredibly fulfilling.

Embrace success and challenge self-doubt

In conclusion, self-doubt and imposter syndrome are common experiences that most professionals face. The key to managing these feelings is to recognise them, reflect on past successes, and approach challenges head-on. Whether it’s recalling the long-lasting impact of our work or understanding that everyone has moments of insecurity, these insights help me continue moving forward with confidence. By acknowledging our contributions and embracing our successes, we can quiet the voice of doubt and focus on making a meaningful impact in our professional journeys.