surviving a crisis of confidence
TRANSCRIPT
crisissurviving a of
confidence
Hi, I’m NathanFrom Birmingham, Alabama
Freelance Web Developer since 1995
iThemes Training Instructor since 2012
Business Coach for Freelance Web Developerssince 2013
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.
Most freelancers have struggled with a
crisis of confidence.For many, it’s an ongoing battle.
constant conflict withworry and doubt
A Crisis of ConfidenceCan Cripple Your Business
not chargingwhat you’re worth
A Crisis of ConfidenceCan Cripple Your Business
allowing yourselfto be mistreated by clients
A Crisis of ConfidenceCan Cripple Your Business
steals the joy and satisfactionfrom your work
A Crisis of ConfidenceCan Cripple Your Business
A documented psychologicalphenomenon that affects high achievers
Impostor Syndrome
Impostor Syndrome
An inability to internalize your accomplishments and a persistent fear
of being exposed as a fraud.— Wikipedia
Do You HaveImpostor Syndrome?
A 10-question quiz…
Do You HaveImpostor Syndrome?
1. Are you ever worried people may find out you’re not really as capable as they think you are?
Do You HaveImpostor Syndrome?
2. Do you sometimes feel pressure to know the answer to any professional question someone might ask you?
Do You HaveImpostor Syndrome?
3. Is it hard for you to accept compliments about your work or accomplishments?
Do You HaveImpostor Syndrome?
4. Do you secretly compare your abilities to those around you and feel like they’re better than you?
Do You HaveImpostor 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?
Do You HaveImpostor Syndrome?
6. Do you ever think that if you can do it, anybody can?
Do You HaveImpostor Syndrome?
7. Do you agonize over even the smallest flaws in your work?
Do You HaveImpostor Syndrome?
8. Do you become defensive when you are given constructive criticism because it makes you feel inept?
Do You HaveImpostor Syndrome?
9. When you have success, do you privately feel like you’ve fooled them again?
Do You HaveImpostor Syndrome?
10. Do you ever feel like you really have no clue what you’re doing and you’re afraid people willfind out?
Do You HaveImpostor Syndrome?
How many did you mark?
Web Developer’sImpostor Syndrome
Web Developer’sImpostor Syndrome
“I just chose the right theme. Everything else was easy.”
Web Developer’sImpostor Syndrome
“I just added a few plugins and made them work… I didn’t really do anything.”
Web Developer’sImpostor Syndrome
“I just did a Google search and the answer was right there.”
Web Developer’sImpostor Syndrome
“I just ______________ …Anyone could have done it.”
Web Developer’sImpostor Syndrome
The iJust Problem
WHAT YOU KNOWWHAT YOUR CLIENT KNOWS
$ $ VALUE $ $
Where does it come from?
Where does it come from?
We tend to focus on the people ahead of us.
We forget thereare peoplebehind us.
Where does it come from?
The people ahead of you have the
same crisis of confidence that
you have.
Where does it come from?
We have a crisis of confidence when we compare our
reality with a persona.
How to Escape the CrisisFour things to remember…
How to Escape the CrisisFour things to remember…
No one is an expert at everything.1. Be Realistic
• Most professions have specializations• Web Development is no different
WhatI Know
What I ThinkOther People Know
WhatI Know
What Other People Know
How to Escape the CrisisFour 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!
How to Escape the CrisisFour 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.
UnconsciousIncompetence
ConsciousIncompetence
ConsciousCompetence
UnconsciousCompetence
Four Stages of Competence
Blindspots Crisis Intuition*Proficiency
SOURCE: GORDON TRAINING INTERNATIONAL
How to Escape the CrisisFour 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.
How to Escape the CrisisFour 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)”
How to Escape the CrisisFour things to remember…
Pretending gets you nowhere.3. Be Authentic
• Surround yourself with friends thatwill openly discuss their challenges.
• Authenticity breeds authenticity.
How to Escape the CrisisFour things to remember…
We’re all in this together.4. Be Helpful
• Reach out to people around youon the escalator.
• Become a person it’s good to know.
How to Escape the CrisisFour things to remember…
• Helping others will build your confidence.
• Be humble as you help.
We’re all in this together.4. Be Helpful
Be Realistic – No one is an expert at everythingBe Perceptive – Everyone is good at somethingBe Authentic – Pretending gets you nowhere
Be Helpful – We’re all in this together
A Crisis of Confidence
Thanks!Presentation Slides:nathaningram.com/wcbham
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