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Loved this Naush!

My latest podcast guests talks about imposter syndrome - and actually I have 2 more episodes to go live with people who are experts on the topic too - it must be a sign of the times. Anyway, he suggests that imposter syndrome isn't 'real', it's simply part of the human condition of awareness, acknowledgment and therefore a learning opportunity. I think you've demonstrated exactly that: you can't know everything in the world, you can feel nervous about doing something you've never done before, and you can give yourself a learning framework (with help from a friend) to capitalise on the new opportunity!

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Jul 28Liked by Nausherwan Ghaffar

A topic that haunts us all! The points you make are great- self compassion, setting realistic goals and knowing that even if you make a mistake, the world doesn't stop. I like to add that as long as you do the pre-work need and truly give your best, you can't have regrets because you focus on what you can control vs what you can't control (the outcome-which can be tied to other people's opinions, moods, etc).

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author

Thank you so much!

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Jul 27Liked by Nausherwan Ghaffar

Great work! Self-doubt is definitely something we all struggle with but it's always important to understand that just like any other obstacle, it can be tackled. Lovely tips!

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Hi Naush, I hear you; here's a slight reframe - When the Jitters come, it's completely natural to be nervous about the unknown, especially if someone is asking you to take on a larger role with more responsibility. Someone has seen your potential and, given past performance, is empowering you to stretch your wings - This is when you're stepping from your comfort zone to your Learning Zone! As many mentors will tell you, if you're very comfortable, you may not be expanding your knowledge/capabilities. The key is to feel some discomfort without burning out. It's not always going to feel 'positive', but that's okay! Being nervous, excited, and challenged with some self-doubt is disturbing, but with self-compassion, it can work FOR you.

I think you already saw this article by Carol Dweck on growth mindset: https://www.carermentor.com/p/embracing-the-power-of-not-yet.

As Susan David says 'A growth mindset puts you in the driver’s seat of your own life and empowers you to take the wheel. We all deserve the chance to learn.'

The learnings that you're sharing here demonstrate your self-awareness and dare I say it, your potential and capacity to grow even more..with self-doubt!

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author

Thank you so much Victoria!

Yeap... completely agree. I think I have seen the Carol Dweck article but I'll go over it again.

Thanks again!

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Welcome, Naush! Sometimes, what we think is making us weak is catalysing us for more incredible things—and I don't mean money or 'bigger titles', I mean realising more of our capabilities! Keep going!

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