At some point, every freelancer has struggled with a crisis of confidence. For some, this ongoing battle has crippled their businesses.
The symptoms of a crisis of confidence are not charging what you’re worth, having constant conflicts with worry and doubt, and a lack of satisfaction from your work.
Takeaways:
- Learn whether you are experiencing “Imposter Syndrome”
- Understand the root of the crisis of confidence
- Find some helpful tools to escape it
Presented at WordCamp Birmingham, October 2016.
2. Hi, I’m Nathan
From Birmingham, Alabama
Freelance Web Developer since 1995
iThemes Training Instructor since 2012
Business Coach for Freelance Web Developers
since 2013
3. Hi, I’m Nathan
I’m not an expert. I’m a learner.
My Qualification:
I’ve been doing this long enough
to have made all the common mistakes already.
4. Most freelancers have struggled with a
crisis of confidence.
For many, it’s an ongoing battle.
12. Do You Have
Impostor Syndrome?
1. Are you ever worried people
may find out you’re not really as
capable as they think you are?
13. Do You Have
Impostor Syndrome?
2. Do you sometimes feel pressure
to know the answer to any
professional question someone
might ask you?
14. Do You Have
Impostor Syndrome?
3. Is it hard for you to accept
compliments about your work or
accomplishments?
15. Do You Have
Impostor Syndrome?
4. Do you secretly compare your
abilities to those around you and
feel like they’re better than you?
16. Do You Have
Impostor Syndrome?
5. Do you ever feel like the
reason things went well is
because you were just in the
right place at the right time or
knew the right people?
17. Do You Have
Impostor Syndrome?
6. Do you ever think that if you can
do it, anybody can?
18. Do You Have
Impostor Syndrome?
7. Do you agonize over even the
smallest flaws in your work?
19. Do You Have
Impostor Syndrome?
8. Do you become defensive when
you are given constructive criticism
because it makes you feel inept?
20. Do You Have
Impostor Syndrome?
9. When you have success, do you
privately feel like you’ve fooled
them again?
21. Do You Have
Impostor Syndrome?
10. Do you ever feel like you really
have no clue what you’re doing
and you’re afraid people will
find out?
34. How to Escape the Crisis
Four things to remember…
No one is an expert at everything.
1. Be Realistic
• Most professions have specializations
• Web Development is no different
37. How to Escape the Crisis
Four things to remember…
No one is an expert at everything.
1. Be Realistic
• 3 types of freelance web developers
• Designers > Assemblers > Programmers
• Pick one and be great at it!
38. How to Escape the Crisis
Four things to remember…
Everyone is good at something.
2. Be Perceptive
• It’s easy to miss your area of greatest
proficiency because you do it naturally.
40. How to Escape the Crisis
Four things to remember…
Everyone is good at something.
2. Be Perceptive
• Where will you focus?
• Do what you do best and then
find trustworthy partners for the rest.
41. How to Escape the Crisis
Four things to remember…
Pretending gets you nowhere.
3. Be Authentic
• Be honest about your deficits
• There is freedom in the phrase
“I don’t know (but I’ll find out)”
42. How to Escape the Crisis
Four things to remember…
Pretending gets you nowhere.
3. Be Authentic
• Surround yourself with friends that
will openly discuss their challenges.
• Authenticity breeds authenticity.
43. How to Escape the Crisis
Four things to remember…
We’re all in this together.
4. Be Helpful
• Reach out to people around you
on the escalator.
• Become a person it’s good to know.
44. How to Escape the Crisis
Four things to remember…
• Helping others will build your
confidence.
• Be humble as you help.
We’re all in this together.
4. Be Helpful
45. Be Realistic – No one is an expert at everything
Be Perceptive – Everyone is good at something
Be Authentic – Pretending gets you nowhere
Be Helpful – We’re all in this together
A Crisis of Confidence