Building your career confidence: insights from Julie Littlewood

Self-assessment and reflection

One of the first steps towards building career confidence is self-assessment and reflection. Julie emphasised the importance of understanding your skills, strengths and values.

"Focus on what you're good at and also what you enjoy doing," Julie said. "This self-awareness can provide you with clarity about your career aspirations and aligning your goals with your strengths and interests.

"By taking the time to assess your abilities and preferences, you can make informed decisions about your career path, leading to greater confidence in your professional pursuits."

Positive mindset and overcoming imposter syndrome

Maintaining a positive mindset is essential for your career confidence. Julie discussed the prevalence of imposter syndrome, where individuals doubt their abilities despite evidence of their competence. She suggested strategies such as affirmations, gratefulness, and managing the impostor syndrome.

Julie advised, "You may have heard of 'fake it ‘til you make it'. I prefer 'name it and tame it'." By acknowledging and addressing negative self-talk, you can cultivate a more optimistic outlook and boost confidence in your abilities.

Learning from mistakes and reframing negativity

Another aspect of building career confidence involves learning from mistakes and reframing negativity. Julie emphasised the importance of embracing failures as learning opportunities. "There's no such thing as a mistake, reframe it as a 'learning opportunity." she said.

By reframing setbacks positively, you can cultivate resilience and confidence in your ability to overcome challenges. Additionally, reflecting on past experiences and identifying lessons learned can help you approach future endeavours with greater confidence and resilience.

Exploring values and finding purpose

Finding purpose in your career can significantly contribute to confidence. Julie recommended exploring your values and beliefs to gain insight into what truly matters. She shared her personal experience, stating, "It was only in a coaching session when they explored values that it really helped me realise what made me tick."

Understanding your values can guide career decisions and provide a sense of direction. By aligning your professional pursuits with your core values, you can find greater fulfilment and confidence in your chosen paths.