Discover how self-promotion and overcoming imposter syndrome can propel your career to new heights. Learn to value and assert your worth.
Years ago, I sneered at people whose bragging and confidence outweighed their actual skill level. In my mind, I felt like, do these people not know that they’re not as great/talented/skilled as they present themselves to be? They strutted around with an air of superiority, seemingly oblivious to the mediocrity of their actual performance. Meanwhile, I, with my keen self-awareness and relentless pursuit of perfection, stayed humble, assuming my dedication would naturally lead me to success.
Anyway, I’m happy to announce that most of those people have moved way ahead of me in terms of personal achievements. No, they didn’t become much better. They just didn’t have the self-awareness to see that they weren’t as “all that” as they thought they were. They didn’t let the reality of their skill level hold them back. Instead, they leveraged their confidence as a tool, a driving force that propelled them into opportunities and situations where they could thrive and advance.
I realized that I don’t notice how good I am at whatever I do because every time I get better, I set new standards for myself. This is a classic case of the “moving goalpost” phenomenon.
As soon as I achieve a milestone, I immediately shift my focus to the next challenge, often without taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate my progress. The consequence of this is that mentally, I may never get to the point where I feel like I’m good enough to reach for certain goals. It’s a cycle of perpetual inadequacy, where each accomplishment is overshadowed by the next benchmark I set for myself.
But now my eyes are open…
Because I see people getting paid triple what I earn for doing shit that I could have done better. It’s a harsh reality check but an invaluable one.
Seeing less skilled individuals earning more for work I know I can surpass in quality has been both enlightening and frustrating. It’s not that they are undeserving; it’s that I’ve been undervaluing myself all along. I’ve been hiding behind a veil of humility and self-doubt, while others unabashedly seize opportunities and reap the rewards.
I know there are other people who feel the same way about me; who are more skilled than I am (in my field of work) and yet, are earning way below me. To those people, and to myself, I have one message: wake the fuck up. The world doesn’t reward skill alone. It rewards visibility, confidence, and the audacity to claim one’s worth.
The Dunning-Kruger effect, a cognitive bias where people with low ability at a task overestimate their ability, explains why so many less skilled individuals project confidence. They simply don’t possess the metacognitive skills to recognize their limitations. On the flip side, those who are highly skilled often underestimate their abilities, trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and perfectionism.
Harvard Business Review emphasises…
the importance of self-promotion and visibility in career advancement. It’s not enough to be good at what you do; people need to know you’re good.
This requires stepping out of the comfort zone, networking, and sometimes, yes, a bit of bragging. Learning to balance humility with self-promotion is crucial. Confidence, as it turns out, can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you believe in your worth and assert it, others are more likely to recognise and reward it.
Moreover, the concept of “Imposter Syndrome” frequently haunts high achievers, causing them to doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a “fraud.” This can lead to missed opportunities and a reluctance to pursue ambitious goals. Studies suggest that acknowledging and addressing these feelings can significantly impact one’s career trajectory.
So, how do we break free from this cycle?
First, recognise and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they seem. Reflect on your journey and give yourself credit for how far you’ve come. Second, embrace self-promotion. This doesn’t mean boasting incessantly, but rather sharing your successes and skills with the right audience. Third, set realistic goals and allow yourself to pursue them with confidence, even if you don’t feel 100% ready.
Finally, seek feedback and mentorship. Surround yourself with people who can provide constructive criticism and encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. Mentors, in particular, can offer invaluable insights and help you navigate your career path more strategically.
It’s time to stop underestimating ourselves.
The world is full of opportunities waiting for those who dare to claim them. Let’s embrace our skills, assert our worth, and unapologetically pursue the success we deserve. To those who have been holding back on self-promotion, like I did for so long, I have a message for you: Wake the fuck up!
In Case You Missed It…. Check out Our Latest Stories!
- Lanre Vigo: Kicking It With The Most Bankable Sports Agent in Nigeria: What makes Lanre Vigo the most bankable sports agent in Nigeria? Find out in Part 1 of our exciting one-on-one with the CEO of Interlagos.
- Lanre Vigo: The Playmaker’s Playbook (Part 2): Part 2 of our chat with Lanre Vigo shares his experiences managing top Nigerian athletes, meeting football legends, and personal interests beyond the pitch.
