Growing up, I often felt like I had to prove myself in ways others didn’t. Whether it was stepping into professional spaces that felt unfamiliar or feeling like my background might hold me back, confidence wasn’t always second nature to me.
I’ve faced imposter syndrome, moments of doubt, and the fear of not being “good enough.” But through experience, mentorship, and shifting my mindset, I’ve come to see that my background isn’t a disadvantage – it’s an asset.
Now, as a Youth Advisory Board member at Career Ready, I work alongside other young changemakers to ensure young people have the support, opportunities, and confidence they need to succeed. In this blog, I want to share insights on building confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and reframing the way we talk about success – because no one should feel like they don’t belong.
By Fardeen Rahman Anan
Member of our Youth Advisory Board
Building Confidence: The First Step to Success
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with – it’s something you build. For young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, confidence can feel fragile when faced with new experiences, whether that’s stepping into the workplace for the first time or speaking up in a room full of professionals.
Here’s how I’ve learned to build confidence over time:
- Step outside your comfort zone: The best way to build confidence is through experience. Whether it’s applying for internships, joining leadership programs, or attending networking events, the more you expose yourself to new environments, the more capable you’ll feel.
- Recognise your strengths: Instead of focusing on what you lack, focus on what you bring to the table. Your perspective, resilience, and lived experiences shape you into someone who can navigate challenges in ways others might not.
- Find a support network: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and role models who uplift you. I’ve been fortunate to meet inspiring individuals through Career Ready who remind me that I belong in any room I walk into.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: You Deserve to Be Here
One of the biggest barriers to confidence is imposter syndrome – that nagging feeling that you don’t deserve your achievements or that you’ll be “found out” as not good enough. I know this feeling well, and trust me, even the most successful people struggle with it.
How to Beat Imposter Syndrome:
- Acknowledge It: The first step is recognising imposter syndrome for what it is: a feeling, not a fact. Just because you feel like you don’t belong doesn’t mean it’s true.
- Reframe Your Achievements: Instead of thinking, “I just got lucky,” remind yourself of the hard work, effort, and persistence that got you here. You earned this.
- Talk About It: Imposter syndrome thrives in silence. By opening up about your feelings with mentors or friends, you’ll realise that you’re not alone – and that others see your potential even when you don’t.
The Power of Language: Why Your Background is an Asset, Not a Disadvantage
Something that has stuck with me is a perspective shared by Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa, CEO of Career Ready, in his article Why We’re No Longer Talking About Disadvantage. Instead of defining young people by what they lack, we should recognise what they bring – because words shape how we see ourselves.
For too long, society has framed young people from working-class or underrepresented backgrounds as “disadvantaged.” But let’s flip the script:
- Resilience: You’ve navigated challenges that have made you stronger.
- Adaptability: You know how to adjust, innovate, and thrive in different environments.
- Diverse Perspective: Your unique experiences bring fresh ideas to workplaces and communities.
The moment we start owning our stories instead of feeling ashamed of them is the moment we step into our confidence.
Final Thoughts: Own Your Space, Own Your Strength
Confidence isn’t about never feeling doubt – it’s about moving forward despite it. Every young person, no matter their background, deserves to feel like they belong in every room they step into.
So, if you ever catch yourself questioning whether you deserve to be somewhere, remember this: You are here because you have something valuable to offer.
And the world needs your voice.
Now, it’s your turn: What’s one thing you’ll do today to step into your confidence?
