When self-doubt or anxiety hits, it can feel like being lost in a storm.
The skies are dark, the winds are loud, and it’s hard to see clearly.
In earlier blogs we’ve explored how to steady yourself (Dropping Anchor), why fighting feelings makes them worse (Dropping the Struggle), and how emotions are like the weather, constantly changing, never fully under our control.
But even when you’ve steadied the ship, the question remains: where are you heading?
That’s where values come in.
🌍 Why Values Matter
Values act like a compass.
They don’t eliminate storms, but they give you direction.
-
Self-doubt says: “Don’t speak up, you’ll sound stupid.”
-
Your values say: “Contributing to the team matters.”
-
Anxiety says: “Don’t apply for that role, you’re not ready.”
-
Your values say: “Growth and learning matter more than trying to feel safe.”
Values don’t silence your thoughts, they guide your actions despite them.
🧭 Values vs Goals
It helps to distinguish the two:
-
Goals are destinations: get the promotion, finish the project, deliver the presentation.
-
Values are directions: being curious, contributing, supporting others, learning, creating.
A goal can be achieved and ticked off the list whereas a value can be lived moment by moment, no matter what storms show up.
⚡ Imposter Syndrome and Losing the Compass
Imposter syndrome thrives when people lose sight of their compass.
Instead of moving toward what matters, the focus shifts to:
-
Avoiding mistakes.
-
Chasing reassurance.
-
Working late to silence doubt.
-
Holding back until confidence arrives.
It’s like drifting at sea without direction, endlessly reacting to the weather.
🌤 Re-Finding Direction
The turning point comes when you stop asking “How do I get rid of self-doubt?” and start asking “What matters enough that I want to move forward, even with self-doubt?”
This shift is powerful. It transforms the question from:
❌ How do I feel more confident?
✅ How do I live in line with my values, confidence or not?
🛠 Putting It Into Practice
Here are some ways to use values as a compass when imposter thoughts roll in:
-
Name the storm: “Here’s self-doubt.”
-
Check your compass: “What matters most in this moment?”
-
Take a step in that direction: speak, contribute, apply, share.
Even one small step in line with your values strengthens your ability to act with clarity rather than fear.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Values are like a compass in the middle of imposter syndrome. They won’t stop the storm, but they’ll help you decide where to steer.
You don’t need to wait for confidence or clear skies, you just need to remember what direction matters most, and keep moving, taking one step, one action, at a time.
👉 If you’d like to explore how to connect with your values and use them as a compass through self-doubt and imposter syndrome, therapy can help.