How to Deal With Self-Doubt at a New Job

Starting a new job can be exciting, but also intimidating. We sometimes question our abilities and whether we’re really qualified for our new position.

It doesn’t matter that a company chose us, we still may wonder if someone made a mistake. Whether you’re on the verge of starting a new job, started one recently or been somewhere for a few months but still settling into a position, it’s normal to question whether you’re doing a good job.

Let me remind you, yes, you’re doing a good job!

I know because I’m keenly aware of those tricks our minds play on us. Self-doubt kicked in for me when I became a journalist in my mid-twenties. My educational background wasn’t journalism. I majored in English, which focuses on a completely different writing style and process. 

One huge difference is timing. You have far less time to gather information for a newspaper article from interviewing than you do when writing a paper, especially before the age of Google like when I was in school. And making a huge blunder can cost you your job, not a grade. 

I’d get knots in my stomach after submitting my articles. Some of them were written in 30 minutes after leaving a government meeting where I had no idea what they were talking about. It was stressful. I got down to 98 pounds. 

I wasn’t submitting a paper for the judgement of a single professor. My work was being published for thousands of people to read the next day. I couldn’t hide behind mistakes because of my byline. There was little onboarding and no time for training. I was expected to dive in and, I did, but not without much hardship.

I’ve had many jobs since then and learned a few things over the years that may be good reminders.

Here are 7 tips for dealing with doubt at a new job: 

1. Accept the learning curve.
A lot of things aren’t going to make sense. How can they, you just got there, right? Give yourself grace as you adjust to new assignments, projects and responsibilities. There’s a lot to learn. Friendly reminder: it’s OK. That’s normal.  

Use the excuse of being the new person to ask questions. Most people are understanding. They don’t expect you to know the systems and protocols in your new work environment. 
 
2. Play catch up. 
Read reports, and review manuals or guidelines. Get your hands on whatever your company uses that’ll help you get a grasp on your new projects and responsibilities. This will help build confidence and understand better what people are talking about in meetings and interactions with clients. Follow up with questions. 

3. Own your mistakes.
Your new so colleagues and bosses are a lot more forgiving in the beginning so own your mishaps. People know anyway when you mess up. It says a lot when you blame others or don’t admit you overlooked something. Be accountable, be humble, maintain integrity. 

4. Stop beating yourself up.
The key to mistakes, and we all make them, is to move on. We tend to dwell in this space where we self-deprecate or replay negative self-talk. This is counterproductive and takes way too much energy. Stop it! This takes a lot of practice, but it’s worth it.

5. Create a mantra.
We’ve got to be our own cheerleader. Yes, it’s nice when others give us praise but we can’t depend on others to give us boosts and make us feel good enough. This can leave us in a constant state of seeking approval. 

Put the mantra into action by repeating it, even if you don’t initially believe it. And remember to say it by:

• Posting it up on sticky notes and put them where you’ll see them -- car dashboard, bathroom mirror, wall in front of your desk.

• Setting reminders in your phone with it.

6. Remember how you are not your thoughts.
The voice inside our heads isn’t us. It seems like it and feels like it, but it’s not. Observe your thoughts and remember you have the choice to accept your thoughts, refute them or change them into something aligned with your mantra.

7. Connect with intention.
Introduce yourself as you interact with others and proactively send out emails. Set up informal coffee and lunch breaks, or chats at the office. This will help you more quickly gather information about your work environment and colleagues, and to assimilate quicker.

This can feel intimidating, but I’ve never had anyone turn me down, even when I reach out to strangers. Take advantage of being new as an excuse to meet with them to understand what they do and their role within the organization.