What Shapes the Way We See Ourselves?

Shania had recently applied for a position that would take her career in a new direction. The role interested her, but it also came with responsibilities she had never handled before.

During the interview, she spoke about projects she had worked on and ideas she wanted to develop. When asked whether she felt ready for the position, she paused before answering.

“I think I could grow into it,” she said.

A few days later, she learned that she had been invited to a second interview. She began preparing by researching the company, reviewing her experience, and writing down questions she wanted to ask.

One evening, a friend asked how she was feeling about the opportunity.

“I keep wondering whether I'm experienced enough,” Shania replied.

Her friend asked what she would do differently if she already felt ready for the role.

Shania thought about it for a moment. She would speak more directly about her ideas. She would ask questions without worrying that they might reveal what she didn't know. And she would spend less time trying to imagine what the interviewers expected her to say.

The next morning, Shania opened her notes and read through them once more. She paused at a question she had written the night before, picked up her pen, and added a few words beneath it.

A Question to Explore
How does the way you see yourself influence the choices you make?