Out of My Comfort Zone

This week, imposter syndrome came knocking, but it turned out to be a sign I was exactly where I needed to be

This week I did something that took me way out of my comfort zone; I gave a presentation to marketing students at Manchester Metropolitan University on how to launch a product on Teams.

You’d think presenting from home would make it easier, right? No audience staring back, slippers firmly on. But somehow, it almost made it worse. Watching all those little squares pop up on screen, names I didn’t know, cameras off… I suddenly felt like a bit of a fraud.

That familiar voice showed up: “Who do you think you are, teaching people about PR when you’ve never had any formal training?”

Hello, imposter syndrome!

It’s funny how it doesn’t matter how many years you’ve been doing something, or how many successful campaigns you’ve run, that voice still sneaks in. Mine loves to show up right before I do something new or slightly terrifying.

But once I got started, something shifted. I shared stories from my career, what I’d learned, campaigns I liked and realised that’s what people connect with. Not the textbook stuff, but the lived experience.

When it was over, I actually felt proud. Proud that I’d said yes even though my instinct was to hide behind the camera. Proud that my experience and knowledge were enough.

It reminded me how growth usually looks: uncomfortable, slightly sweaty, and full of doubt… right up until the moment you realise you did it anyway.

If you’ve ever felt like an imposter, remember this; you only get that feeling when you’re doing something that matters.

If you’re reading this and nodding along, maybe it’s time to check in with where your comfort zone ends too. Whether it’s presenting, saying no to a drink, or speaking up when your voice shakes - growth hides just on the other side of “I can’t do this.”

That’s something I work on every day with my clients: building the courage to do the things that feel uncomfortable but lead to a life that feels good.

If that sounds like something you’d like to explore, you can find out more about how I help women move past fear and self-doubt over at www.alipaynecoaching.com or email me for a discovery call ali@alipaynecoaching.com.