The "Imposter" Feeling and the Anchor of Inner Belief

Hello, courageous strivers and unwavering spirits!

Alycia here, and as we navigate the bustling mid-week rhythm here in vibrant Accra, our walk today leads us to a feeling many of us know all too well: How to Stay Confident Even When You Feel Unprepared. You know that sinking sensation? The one that hits just before a big presentation, an important meeting, or a new challenge, whispering, "You're not ready. You don't know enough." It's the impostor feeling, and it can be incredibly unsettling, even for the most seasoned professionals.

I recall a particularly vivid experience early in my career. I was given a significant opportunity, a project that was a big step up for me. I had a general understanding of what needed to be done, but the specifics felt daunting. As the presentation date loomed, that feeling of unpreparedness grew into a roar. I’d spend hours researching, trying to learn every single detail, convinced that only perfect knowledge would quell my anxiety. The more I tried to cram, the more inadequate I felt.

My attempts at feigning confidence were, in hindsight, quite humorous. I’d try to overcompensate by speaking louder, using overly technical jargon, or even (once!) bringing an excessive number of charts and graphs, hoping the sheer volume of information would mask my internal tremor. I remember sweating through a shirt during a particularly intense Q&A session, convinced my lack of preparedness was physically manifesting. It was like trying to bluff my way through a poker game with a really bad hand; my internal panic was probably visible to everyone.

The reality was, my focus on "being prepared" meant I was fixated on external validation and absolute knowledge, which is rarely achievable. I was overlooking my inherent strengths and the value I did bring.

The profound life lesson that eventually brought me calm was this: Confidence, especially when feeling unprepared, isn't about knowing every single answer; it's about trusting your core abilities, focusing on what you do know, and embracing your capacity to learn and adapt. It's about shifting from a fear of exposure to a belief in your fundamental competence.

So, how do we anchor our confidence even when we feel the ground shifting beneath our feet?

1. Acknowledge the Feeling, Don't Fight It: It's okay to feel unprepared or nervous. Recognise it, but don't let it consume you. "Okay, I feel a bit unsure, and that's normal."
2. Focus on Your Core Strengths: Instead of fixating on what you don't know, remind yourself of your established skills, experiences, and past successes that are relevant. What can you bring to the table?
3. Prioritise "Need-to-Know" vs. "Nice-to-Know": If time is limited, identify the absolute critical information you need. Master that. Let go of the pressure to know everything. It's about being strategically prepared.
4. Embrace the Growth Mindset: View the situation as a learning opportunity, not a pass/fail test of your worth. "I might not know this yet, but I can figure it out." This shifts your internal dialogue from self-doubt to curiosity.
5. Prepare Your Opening & Closing: Even if the middle feels shaky, nailing your introduction and conclusion can give you a strong sense of control and leave a powerful impression.
6. Lean on Your Network: If appropriate, reach out to a trusted colleague or mentor for quick advice or a fresh perspective. You don't have to carry the burden alone.
7. Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative self-talk with affirmations that reflect your capabilities. "I am capable. I can learn. I will do my best."

This isn't about faking it until you make it in an irresponsible way; it's about recognising that true confidence isn't the absence of fear or uncertainty, but the willingness to show up, learn, and contribute, even when the path isn't perfectly clear. It's about trusting your inner compass, even when the map feels incomplete.

To unwavering inner belief and graceful adaptability,

Alycia

"Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong." – Peter H. Reynolds (and often attributed to others)

Walk with Alycia: WALK, LEARN, INSPIRE

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