Can Confidence AND Self-Doubt Lead to Success?

In this, the latest chapter of my career, now nearly a year old, I vowed that I would stay true to myself and when I felt I had something to share, I would. Regardless of how it might appear to the outside world. I think it is important for others who might be having similar thoughts. I think it is important for my teenage kids to know being vulnerable and transparent leads to a more fulfilling life. And I think it is important for my own psyche. So...

We see books, articles, webinars, presentations and every other form of communication reinforcing belief in yourself, urging one to never ever doubt that you can achieve success, and that even failing is winning because you at least gave it a shot.

All fair enough.

But when I look around at all the incredibly successful people I know, work with, work for, struck out on their own, finally got the deserved promotion or who simply rolled the dice...well I wonder, have they never had self-doubt? Despite their success and even possibly being at the pinnacle of their career, do they go through periods where they question their ability, their decisions, their future success?

Here’s the thing. I do.

Now by most measures of success...whether it be companies I’ve worked for, the people I’ve led, job titles I’ve had, results I helped achieve, and yes, even money I’ve made...I’ve been successful. But self-doubt still creeps into my psyche. Not just a fleeting thought, but sometimes for days. Have I made the right move? Can I really be successful at this next stage? Have I really reached a level of expertise that people will pay for?

Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t let it control me. I don’t let it stop me. And it is not self-doubt in my knowledge of my subject or expertise...because I know I can help companies, organizations and individuals get and be better. However at times that little voice of self-doubt gets louder for longer than it should. Will I be successful in this endeavor?

Do you experience this, especially those of you have achieved a high level of success, however you may define that for yourself? Does a certain amount of self-doubt lead to a humbleness and a keeping in check of the ego...maybe enough to make you more effective? I don’t know. But here is the thing, I really want and need to know. What are your thoughts?

Hi, I’m Dave Lucas. I am passionate about people-first leadership and marketing. My experience includes 20+ years in marketing leadership positions at Caterpillar Inc., many as the Global Digital Marketing Manager, and 10+ years in leadership positions at various marketing agencies. I am now the owner of Lucas Partnering, which focuses on companies looking to leverage my experience to advance their marketing efforts to the next level. You can reach me at davidlucas@lucaspartnering.com.

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