Surviving a Crisis of Confidence

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


allowing yourselfto be mistreated by clients


steals the joy and satisfactionfrom your work


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…


1. Are you ever worried people may find out you’re not really as capable as they think you are?


2. Do you sometimes feel pressure to know the answer to any professional question someone might ask you?


3. Is it hard for you to accept compliments about your work or accomplishments?


4. Do you secretly compare your abilities to those around you and feel like they’re better than you?


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?


6. Do you ever think that if you can do it, anybody can?


7. Do you agonize over even the smallest flaws in your work?


8. Do you become defensive when you are given constructive criticism because it makes you feel inept?


9. When you have success, do you privately feel like you’ve fooled them again?


10. Do you ever feel like you really have no clue what you’re doing and you’re afraid people willfind out?


How many did you mark?

Web Developer’sImpostor Syndrome


“I just chose the right theme. Everything else was easy.”


“I just added a few plugins and made them work… I didn’t really do anything.”


“I just did a Google search and the answer was right there.”


“I just ______________ …Anyone could have done it.”


The iJust Problem

WHAT YOU KNOWWHAT YOUR CLIENT KNOWS

$ $ VALUE $ $

Where does it come from?


We tend to focus on the people ahead of us.

We forget thereare peoplebehind us.


The people ahead of you have the

same crisis of confidence that

you have.


We have a crisis of confidence when we compare our

reality with a persona.

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


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!


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


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.


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)”


Pretending gets you nowhere.3. Be Authentic

• Surround yourself with friends thatwill openly discuss their challenges.

• Authenticity breeds authenticity.


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.


• 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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