Hey, it's Rachel Cook, your modern mentor. Has something been holding you back from chasing

that professional outcome you want most right now? It may be that your confidence is in need of a little

boost. So let's talk about some strategies you can use right away to dial that confidence

way up. Is there something professionally speaking that you've

been afraid to chase? Maybe you keep putting off applying for that big job, or pitching the idea,

or asking that leader to be your mentor. What's holding you back? It may be imposter syndrome,

that false belief that you just aren't worthy of an opportunity, or it may be that

you're battling a confidence problem, which is a belief about what you can do or what you're

capable of. So how do you know which one is holding you back? My suggestion is give your inner

voice a listen. It may be saying something like, you should never apply for that job.

You're not worthy of it or smart enough or as good as the other applicants.

Or its point of view may be you can't apply for it until you have X experience or certification or practice under your belt.

Can you hear the difference?

That first voice is an assessment of you.

You simply aren't enough. That is what imposter syndrome sounds like, and it's pretty nasty.

It's also wrong. The second voice is conditional. The obstacle isn't who you are, but what

capability or experience you currently have. That's a confidence

issue. At times, you may battle both, but today we're focusing on what to do when voice

number two chimes in. What actions can you take to dial up your sense of confidence?

First, note the cost. When our confidence is low, it's easier just not to do the thing.

But the question is, what is that inaction costing you?

I am not the world's best driver.

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