Track Record

Next time you are doubting your abilities, I invite you to reflect upon your track record. I would bet that there is more evidence of success in your past than of failures. We easily forget the wins and so often obsess over the losses...the one B on the transcript, or the one bad review, or the one mistake. How many A's, great reviews, and smart decisions along the way have you forgotten about?

Your track record is better than you think it is. 

Many of us have imposter syndrome (thinking it is just a matter of time before they find out I can't really do this) and doubt our abilities. Look at the evidence to date. You've done well. You figured it out. You pressed on. You achieved success.

You are more capable, smart, and equipped than you think you are. 

Make a list of your past achievements - these can be anything ranging from raising kind human beings to workplace successes.
Pause to reflect on things like:

• degrees and academic achievements

• roles in leadership

• great moments in athletics or performing arts

• things you have created

• groups you brought together

• gatherings you hosted

• people you helped

• classes you've taught

• new places you moved to

• things you have that you never thought you would

• trips you have taken

• friendships you have formed

• invitations you have received

Likely these things went better than you thought they would.

Of course, we have setbacks and challenges in our lives. That is part of the human experience. However, in my conversations with people, I notice we often forget our track record of success. When I ask someone to name a time in their life that went better than they thought it would, they often light up with shining eyes as they tell me the story. They forgot what they had overcome, accomplished, or discovered and it felt good to them to remember the success, thus the shining eyes. To have confidence for the next thing ahead, it helps to revisit the track record behind us.

To date, you have figured it out. I trust that you will this time too.

You've got this! 

Sending you lots of summer success,
Ginger

P.S. This idea can also be flipped into helping you in overcoming imagined fears. I have a friend who is growing her business and posting more often on social media. She was feeling afraid that people would say she was posting too often, or that she was bragging, or didn't really know her stuff. Then she realized that has never actually been said to her. She is imagining what people might say, but there is no evidence to support that to be true. She became aware that her worries are just her fearful imagination making her brain feel like it might happen, but no data supports that. Look for the data. Your track record is data. Evidence helps give us perspective. Press on my friends!