A Quick Assignment for You Today

Ever have that “who trusted me to do this?” feeling? We all do. Especially when the stakes are high and we care about doing a great job.

In this week’s Two-Minute Tip, I’m flipping the script on imposter syndrome. Instead of focusing on ourselves, I’m sharing a quick assignment that lets you boost someone else’s confidence today.

Watch the short video below to see what it is and how to do it. 👇

• Read the video transcript

  The strangest thing happened the other day.

  I was in the middle of writing notes for my girls' lunchboxes, and of course I signed the note: Love, Mom.

  And I had this moment where I'm like, Mom?! Who trusted me to be a mom? That feels like a huge responsibility that I am under-equipped for, which is funny because I've been a mom for 14 years now.

  But I think anytime we are in a role or leading a project that feels like a big responsibility and it's something that we care about doing well, it's inevitable that that imposter syndrome might creep in from time to time: Who trusted me to do this? Am I actually capable of delivering on this?

  Now, I could offer a number of tips on how to overcome imposter syndrome, but today I actually want to flip it around and I want to encourage you to go help somebody else who might be experiencing it.

  And so your assignment today is to think of two people who could use a short word of encouragement. Could be at work. It could be your kiddo's soccer team coach. It could be a neighbor. I don't care. It could be your spouse, your partner.

  I want you to think of two people, and I want you to reach out to them. This could be in person, over the phone, it could be a text, an email. And simply acknowledge, first of all, the big responsibility or role that they are filling. "Hey, I recognize this project you're leading right now. "It's a big project, a lot of eyes on it." Or, "Hey boss, I know you're sitting at the top "and sometimes that feels lonely." And then follow it up with, "And I just want you to know "that I think you're doing a great job!" Or, "I just want you to know "that I think you are the perfect person for this." Or you can call out something specific that they've done well lately.

  Your task today is to go to two people and help affirm them in their role, in their responsibility, letting them know that they are seen and they are valued, and you believe in them.