We asked industry experts to share an example of a time when they had to overcome fear or self-doubt to pursue a career opportunity. Here are the steps they took to build confidence and take the leap. Discover practical steps and strategic advice for embracing change and overcoming uncertainties.
- Craft a Clear Narrative
- Immerse Yourself in SEO Fundamentals
- Create a Fear Budget
- Take Small, Calculated Steps
- Expand Expertise Through Study and Mentorship
- Offer Free Trials to Build Confidence
- Channel Uncertainty into Innovation
- Leverage Expertise to Design Interventions
- Focus on Small Wins for Confidence
- Reframe Failure as Growth Opportunity
- Ground Yourself in Research
- Invest in Personal Branding
- Prepare Diligently and Embrace Fear
- Develop New Skills Through Exploratory Initiatives
- Engage with Seasoned Industry Leaders
- Research and Prepare Extensively
16 Stories of Overcoming Self-Doubt from Experts
Craft a Clear Narrative
Many people feel impostor syndrome when determining next steps in their career, and therefore may question whether or not to apply for a particular role. A time in my career when I had to overcome this was when I came across a position that was adjacent to my background—I was really excited about the opportunity and in reading the qualifications, I felt underqualified (i.e. it wanted more experience than I had at the time). With that said, I still decided to apply.
Something that helped to enhance my confidence throughout the interview process was crafting a clear narrative as to why I was interested, how my applicable skills would be beneficial, as well as figuring out how to clearly explain to the hiring manager why I wanted to go this direction in my career. This took time to thoughtfully prepare to demonstrate confidence in the ability to verbally describe my strengths and value-add, which did result in the job offer.
Megan Dias
Career Services Coach, Parsity
Immerse Yourself in SEO Fundamentals
When I first stepped into a full-time SEO role, I felt like a fraud. Staring at complex audit reports and analytics dashboards, I couldn’t shake the thought: What if I mess up and everyone realizes I’m not really an expert? Impostor syndrome had me doubting my abilities, even though I had the knowledge and skills to succeed.
My turning point came when I was asked to lead my first major SEO project—an on-site overhaul for a high-profile client. The stakes were high, and the fear of failure was real. But instead of letting self-doubt paralyze me, I took deliberate steps to build confidence.
How I Overcame Fear and Took the Leap?
- Turned Fear into Preparation – Instead of dwelling on what ifs, I immersed myself in SEO fundamentals. I studied Google’s algorithm updates, read case studies, and followed industry leaders. Understanding that even experts constantly adapt made the uncertainty feel normal.
- Gained Hands-On Experience – To build confidence, I launched a personal blog and treated it like an SEO testing ground. Seeing small wins—ranking for keywords, improving site speed—proved I knew what I was doing.
- Sought Out a Support System – Joining SEO communities and networking with experienced professionals helped me realize even industry veterans face challenges. I also found a mentor who provided guidance and reassured me that no one ever “masters” SEO completely—it’s a field of continuous learning.
- Built Technical Skills – I enrolled in a technical SEO course to strengthen my weaker areas. Tackling structured data, page speed optimization, and log file analysis gave me confidence in aspects I once found intimidating.
- Reframed Self-Doubt as Growth – The biggest shift was recognizing that discomfort meant I was pushing myself forward. Instead of seeing fear as a stop sign, I treated it as proof I was stepping up.
A year later, I co-led an SEO strategy for an e-commerce client. Self-doubt crept in, but this time, I had proof of my skills. Instead of second-guessing, I focused on execution. The result? A 40% increase in organic traffic and recognition from leadership.
That experience taught me that confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about learning, adapting, and taking the leap despite uncertainty. Fear never fully disappears, but overcoming challenges makes it quieter. If you’re feeling impostor syndrome, remember: caring enough to worry means you’re already ahead.
Ahmed Yousuf
Financial Author & SEO Expert Manager, CoinTime
Create a Fear Budget
A few years ago, I hit a crossroads where I could either stay in a stable, well-paying corporate job or leap into building my own startup. My biggest fear was losing financial security and professional credibility. The notion of failing publicly—or burning through savings—kept me awake at night.
To push past the self-doubt, I created a “fear budget.” Instead of letting my anxieties spiral, I quantified them. I set aside six months of living expenses and gave myself full permission to fail during that window. If the company didn’t gain traction, I’d pivot or return to full-time employment with a clear conscience, knowing I had tried. By treating fear as a resource I could allocate rather than an abstract threat, I gained control over my nerves instead of letting them control me.
What also helped was applying a practical lens to the worst-case scenario—would I still be employable? Could I handle the short-term financial hit? It turns out the intangible benefits of going for it, like rapid growth in leadership and problem-solving skills, far outweighed the possible downsides. Once I realized I could walk away with new expertise (even if the business never took off), the decision became less intimidating.
Key Steps That Boosted My Confidence:
- Quantify Your Fears: Calculate how much runway or time you can afford to experiment. Turn the vague fear of failure into something measurable.
- Embrace “Fail Forward”: Reframe failure as accelerated learning. If you gain new skills or insights, you haven’t truly lost.
- Plot the Exit Ramp: Create a personal fallback plan—this safety net can dissolve much of the anxiety around big career leaps.
By the end of that six-month experiment, not only had my company started to grow, but I also discovered a deep well of resilience I never knew existed.
Derek Pankaew
CEO & Founder, Listening.com
Take Small, Calculated Steps
When I decided to leave my stable job to start my own company, self-doubt hit hard. I had a solid career in IT, but stepping out on my own meant uncertainty, financial risk, and the pressure of building something from the ground up. The fear of failure was real. I thought, what if clients didn’t come? What if I couldn’t sustain the business? To push through, I focused on small, calculated steps rather than the overwhelming big picture. I started networking aggressively, taking on consulting work to test the waters, and mapping out a clear but adaptable plan.
What ultimately helped me take the leap was realizing that confidence doesn’t come before action, it comes because of action. I surrounded myself with mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and a strong support system who had been through the same journey. I also reminded myself that my technical expertise and experience were real assets, I wasn’t starting from scratch. By securing a few initial projects and seeing early wins, I built momentum, and that momentum turned into confidence. Looking back, taking that risk was the best decision I ever made. Fear doesn’t go away, but moving forward despite it is what makes the difference.
Antony Marceles
Founder, Pumex Computing
Expand Expertise Through Study and Mentorship
I had to face self-doubt when I transitioned from commercial litigation to probate and estate planning law. The shift was significant, moving from a more adversarial legal environment to one focused on helping families. The idea of managing the emotional aspects of probate law was daunting, but it felt necessary for both personal and professional growth.
To tackle these fears, I focused on expanding my expertise through rigorous study and collaboration with experienced mentors in estate planning. I immersed myself in case studies related to will contests and trust litigation, which helped me gain confidence in navigating complex family dynamics and legal challenges. Additionally, I took mediation courses to better handle sensitive conversations with clients, ensuring their needs were met with empathy and precision.
One standout experience was when I successfully mediated a highly contentious family dispute over a deceased loved one’s will. By applying what I learned, I managed to foster an environment of understanding among family members, resulting in a swift resolution without court intervention. Overcoming these initial fears taught me that the combination of technical expertise and compassionate communication is essential in my area of practice.
Keith Morris
Texas Probate Attorney, Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law
Offer Free Trials to Build Confidence
One of the biggest moments of self-doubt I faced was transitioning from a traditional career path to launching my own social media management company. I had years of experience in marketing, but the idea of running my own business—without the security of a paycheck—terrified me.
At first, I let imposter syndrome creep in, questioning if I was “qualified enough” or if clients would take me seriously. But instead of staying paralyzed by doubt, I took small but intentional steps to build my confidence:
- I started before I felt ready. I landed my first client by offering a free trial month, proving my skills before expecting full compensation. This gave me a confidence boost and testimonials to attract paying clients.
- I invested in learning. I took online courses, read case studies, and stayed on top of trends so I could position myself as an expert.
- I surrounded myself with the right people. I joined entrepreneur communities and networked with other freelancers who had been in my shoes. Hearing their success stories made the leap feel possible.
The result? I landed multiple long-term clients and grew my business beyond what I initially thought was possible. Fear didn’t disappear—it just got quieter as action took over. My advice? Confidence comes from experience, not perfection. Start now, and your belief in yourself will follow.
Tansha Casarez
Founder & Lead Visionary, HER BALANCED WORLD
Channel Uncertainty into Innovation
After being laid off from my consulting career, I faced a pivotal moment filled with fear and self-doubt about starting over. I had built my reputation on analytical rigor and strategic insight, but suddenly, I questioned whether I could reinvent myself. The uncertainty was daunting, yet I realized that my unique background—shaped by years in consulting and the creative energy I absorbed as a fashion model in New York and Paris—gave me a distinct advantage in PR and branding. Instead of clinging to the familiar, I decided to leap and channel my uncertainty into something transformative.
To build my confidence, I immersed myself in storytelling and brand positioning fundamentals, developing proprietary frameworks like PRISM Ascend™ and Dual Catalyst Branding™. I sought out mentors and surrounded myself with supportive peers, continuously testing and refining my ideas until I saw tangible results—like securing key media placements and witnessing a surge in client engagement. Each small victory reinforced that taking risks and trusting my instincts were essential to growth. This journey taught me that overcoming self-doubt isn’t about eliminating fear but transforming it into a powerful catalyst for innovation and success.
Kristin Marquet
Founder & Creative Director, Marquet Media
Leverage Expertise to Design Interventions
When I started my business, I faced significant self-doubt, especially because I was transitioning from my role in the NHS after experiencing severe pregnancy sickness. Despite my background as a Clinical Psychologist, the entrepreneurial aspect was daunting. I focused on evidence-based approaches, leveraging my experience to design interventions that reduce burnout and improve mental health for parents in the workplace. This strategy was validated by our client companies, showing improvements in retention and employee satisfaction.
A pivotal moment was overcoming my fear of public speaking. I had to present our packages and outcomes to HR directors who were skeptical of typical, ineffective wellness programs. I honed my confidence by practicing with peers, refining my message based on feedback, and linking it to concrete data and case studies illustrating the cost-effectiveness of investing in parental mental health. Over time, this not only bolstered my confidence but also positioned me as a trusted advisor, ensuring our clients saw tangible benefits like reduced turnover rates.
For those looking to overcome self-doubt, I recommend identifying areas where your expertise can uniquely impact and leveraging evidence to back your claims. Building confidence often involves tying personal experiences with professional goals, ensuring authenticity while adapting to new roles or challenges.
Dr. Rosanna Gilderthorp
Clinical Psychologist & Director, Know Your Mind Consulting
Focus on Small Wins for Confidence
Starting my own business was one giant leap into the unknown. No safety net, no guarantee of success—just a whole lot of self-doubt whispering, “What if this flops?” The turning point? Realizing that waiting to feel “ready” was a trap. I focused on small wins—securing the first client, delivering great work, stacking proof that I could do this. Confidence isn’t something you magically get; it’s built through action. Every risk that didn’t end in disaster made the next one easier. Fear never fully goes away, but if you let it call the shots, you’ll never get anywhere worth going.
Justin Belmont
Founder & CEO, Prose
Reframe Failure as Growth Opportunity
I vividly remember when I was invited to lead a high-stakes client presentation, and my first instinct was to doubt whether I was truly ready. Instead of letting fear dictate my decision, I chose to reframe failure as a chance to grow rather than something to avoid.
I prepared relentlessly, practicing my delivery, refining my message, and seeking feedback from mentors who had been in my shoes. With each round of preparation, my confidence grew, and I started seeing the opportunity as an exciting challenge instead of a potential misstep.
When the day arrived, I delivered the presentation with clarity and conviction, and the client’s positive response reinforced the power of pushing past self-doubt. That moment shaped my belief that the biggest career breakthroughs often come from the risks we almost didn’t take.
David Haskins
CEO, WrongfulDeathLawyer.com
Ground Yourself in Research
Early in my career, I faced a moment of intense self-doubt when I decided to transition from helping service providers with online marketing to launching my own investment migration consultancy. At the time, the market was crowded with firms focused on sales-driven tactics, and I questioned whether I could truly carve out a space for a more client-centric, unbiased approach. The fear of failure was real—what if clients didn’t see the value in my vision? What if I couldn’t build enough trust to compete with more established players?
To overcome these doubts, I took a structured approach. First, I grounded myself in research, analyzing the gaps in the industry and validating the demand for a more transparent, education-focused service. I then sought mentorship from experienced professionals who had built businesses with integrity. Their insights reassured me that my approach wasn’t just different—it was necessary.
Most importantly, I took calculated risks, starting small and growing gradually. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment, I launched my company as an informational platform, letting its organic growth prove the model’s viability. As positive client feedback rolled in, my confidence solidified.
That experience taught me that fear is often a sign that you’re stepping into something worthwhile. If you prepare well, trust your expertise, and stay adaptable, self-doubt becomes just another hurdle to clear on the path to success.
Mark Damsgaard
Founder, Global Residence Index
Invest in Personal Branding
Early in my journey, I faced self-doubt when deciding to shift from traditional business models to a more digital-first, PR-driven approach. I worried about failing, about whether I was making the right move, and about stepping into an industry where I had to build credibility from scratch.
What helped me overcome this fear was taking small, consistent steps, networking with industry leaders, testing different PR strategies, and refining my brand message. I also invested in personal branding, which helped me establish authority and attract opportunities. Over time, these efforts paid off, and today, I help others overcome their fears and amplify their presence.
The key lesson? Action kills fear. Once you take that first step, you realize that every challenge is just another stepping stone to success.
Sahil Sachdeva
CEO & Founder, Level Up PR
Prepare Diligently and Embrace Fear
Early in my career at BGR, I was assigned my first jury trial just two weeks after starting, a daunting task for a new attorney—many attorneys who have been practicing litigators for years have never tried a single jury case. Naturally, I was terrified. However, I took several key steps to build my confidence. First, I reminded myself that the firm trusted my abilities. Second, I focused on my duty to my client, recognizing that stepping back wasn’t an option. Finally, I prepared diligently and embraced the fear, knowing I had to advocate for my client. Ultimately, I tried the case and despite my fear, I won!
Cristina M. Kerr
Trial Attorney / Partner, Bye, Goff & Rohde
Develop New Skills Through Exploratory Initiatives
I was originally hesitant to take on a leadership role because I wasn’t sure if I had the necessary background. I began taking on exploratory initiatives that challenged me to go beyond my typical responsibilities rather than allowing fear to stop me. These smaller commitments allowed me to develop new skills, gain hands-on experience, and make mistakes in a low-pressure setting. Seeking feedback from mentors and colleagues further reinforced my confidence, showing me that my contributions were valuable.
As my comfort with leadership grew, so did my willingness to take the leap—proving that small, intentional steps can lead to career-defining moments.
Grant Aldrich
CEO, Preppy
Engage with Seasoned Industry Leaders
Stepping into a leadership role at Invensis was both an exciting and daunting transition. The fear wasn’t just about making the right strategic decisions but about leading a team through uncertainty and ensuring long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry. Instead of letting self-doubt take over, the focus shifted to three key areas: learning, mentorship, and resilience.
Engaging with seasoned industry leaders provided invaluable perspectives, while breaking down complex challenges into structured, actionable steps made even the biggest goals feel achievable. But the most transformative shift was in mindset: embracing uncertainty as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Confidence isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the ability to move forward despite it. Every challenge faced became a lesson in adaptability, and every setback reinforced the belief that growth comes from pushing beyond comfort zones.
Anupa Rongala
CEO, Invensis Technologies
Research and Prepare Extensively
I once applied to lead a venture capital firm’s funding round program.
I did not have any startup or VC background. However, I am confident in my ability to learn fast and get things done. I researched all about the funding round, local startups, and connected to a few people on LinkedIn with similar roles.
This helped me prepare and present a specific program structure with an outline of activities in a program. I also projected participation and program expansion numbers that I could deliver with specific strategies like founders’ roundtable, office hours with other investors, etc.
I got the job. I delivered the results. And I learned new things and made some great friends along the way.
Extensive research and preparation for a job and seeking tips from people with similar roles definitely help overcome fear. Recounting your own experience and learning from other jobs/activities help too.
Everyone is figuring out as they go; you can too. Believe in yourself, and go for that dream job.
Group Product Manager
Image Credits: Photo by Chase Chappell on Unsplash
