Subscribe to Motivational Mondays on your favorite podcast platform!
Melody Wilding is a human behavior professor, executive coach, and bestselling author of Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and the recently-published Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge.
She’s a leading expert in helping high-achievers stop overthinking and harness their emotions for success. In this episode of Motivational Mondays, Melody joins us to unpack one of the most relatable challenges in leadership today: imposter syndrome.
Listen to this episode to learn about...
-
How imposter syndrome is a symptom of ambition
-
The power of recognizing your wins, big or small
-
Why waiting until you're ready can hold you back
THE SECRET STRUGGLE OF HIGH PERFORMERS
Imposter syndrome isn’t a disorder—it’s a common mental pattern, especially among driven individuals. Melody explains that even the most accomplished professionals often struggle to internalize their successes. Praise and recognition bounce off, while criticism or comparison sticks like glue.
According to Melody, imposter syndrome thrives when your self-image can’t keep up with your accomplishments. But it can be rewired.
BUILDING A “BRAG FILE” TO BUILD CONFIDENCE
One practical solution? Create a “brag file.” This is your personal collection of wins—emails, feedback, moments of pride—that serve as a reminder of your value when self-doubt creeps in. Melody uses her own file to stay grounded on tough days and encourages others to do the same as a way to shift their focus from what’s lacking to what’s working.
FEELING READY IS A MYTH
Waiting for perfect conditions often becomes an excuse for delay. Melody’s advice: when fear and doubt show up, ask yourself not “Who am I to do this?” but “Who am I not to?” And instead of focusing only on what could go wrong, consider: What if it works out?
This mindset shift is essential not just for career growth, but for building long-term confidence and emotional resilience.
NSLS Members - We’re testing out a shorter podcast format and want your input! Take our quick 2-minute survey to let us know what you think.
Resources:
-
Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work
-
Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge
-
Listen to other Motivational Mondays episodes
