Women, especially women athletes, possess a unique set of skills, including discipline, determination, teamwork, and the ability to thrive under pressure. Our ability to multitask not only serve us well in sports and in school, but will come in clutch when we finish playing sports and work full time. While these qualities are invaluable in the world of business, many female athletes may grapple with feelings of inadequacy when compared to their male counterparts.
Whats worse- if you’re not feeling able or confident, that can greatly affect your ability to secure top jobs, earn NIL money, or have the ability ways to launch our own businesses! Below are a few strategies to help the ladies out there conquer these feelings and harness their athletic strengths to succeed in business.
How Women Can Overcome Feelings of Inadequacy in Business
Set Clear Goals. Just like you had goals as an athlete, establish specific and achievable business goals. Define your objectives and create a roadmap to reach them. Your goals might include earning ‘x’ amount of money from a part-time job, launching your own business, or securing partners to sponsor you grow your NIL platform. Having clear targets will boost your confidence and motivation.
Acknowledge Your Athletic Achievements. Sometimes it helps to recognize all that you are accomplishing and what you have accomplished as an athlete. Whether it’s team victories, personal records, or overcoming challenges in sports, remember that these achievements demonstrate your resilience and capabilities.
Identify Transferable Skills. Using the skills you acquired as an athlete will serve you better than you realize in the working world. Especially when it comes to working with men and women who were not athletes. Take time to identify the transferable skills you’ve gained through sports, such as leadership, teamwork, time management, and goal-setting. These skills are highly valuable in the business world and should boost your confidence.
Seek out Mentorship and Role Models. Connecting with women who have been in your shoes is a great resource to help you navigate uncertain moments when you’re working. Seek out mentorship and guidance from successful women who have navigated both the sports and business worlds. They can offer valuable insights and share their experiences.
Keep Learning. One way to stay ahead is to keep learning by embracing a growth mindset. Understand that success in business often involves a learning curve. Be open to acquiring new skills and knowledge to bridge any gaps you perceive. The moment you stop learning, you stop growing and building.
Practice Self-Advocacy. Learn to advocate for yourself in business settings. Speak up, share your ideas, and make your contributions known. When I was starting out in work, I listened more than I would speak. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes I was mistaken for shy or unsure. Don’t hesitate to express your unique perspective.
Continue to Network. The phrase ‘it’s not what you know, but who you know’ is such a real thing. Build a strong professional network within your industry. Attend events, conferences, and seminars to connect with like-minded individuals who can provide support and opportunities.
Embrace Positive Self-Talk. Your mind is such a powerful tool and can be such a powerful influence on your mood and actions. Monitor your self-talk and inner dialogue. Replace self-doubt with self-encouragement and affirmations. Remember the times you’ve triumphed over challenges in sports and apply that to business.
Try Confidence-Building Exercises. Sometimes when you’re new and you are unsure of yourself, or get things wrong, it can be really hard to move forward. Engage in exercises and activities that boost your self-esteem. Practicing assertive communication and participating in public speaking classes can enhance your confidence. Before you know it, your actions will make confidence a confident baseline.
Challenge Stereotypes. You might be the only woman, the first woman of color, the latest woman, etc. in your position or place of work. Don’t let that stop you from getting ‘ish’ done. Confront and challenge gender stereotypes and biases that may undermine your self-confidence. Your skills, experience, and potential should speak louder than preconceived notions.
Be Resilient. Resilience is one of the best things you can control, especially as a former athletes. Use it as an asset, this isn’t the first time you’ve had self-doubt, right? Why let it affect your ability to earn money? Understand that setbacks are part of any journey, whether it’s in sports or business. Your ability to bounce back is a powerful tool.
Find Support Systems. Having a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors who believe in your capabilities and encourage your aspirations. These folks will help you when you’re unsure of yourself, your abilities, or what you should be doing next. We’ve all been there. Let their voices help carry you when you feel unsure or not as confident.
Women athletes have a unique advantage when it comes to transitioning into the business world. The skills, determination, and mental toughness developed in sports are assets that should be celebrated and harnessed. Conquering feelings of inadequacy is a journey of self-discovery and self-belief. By acknowledging your achievements, embracing transferable skills, seeking mentorship, setting clear goals, and challenging stereotypes, you can thrive in business and break through any barriers of self-doubt. Remember, you are more than capable of achieving success in any field you choose to pursue.
I remember never feeling ‘less than’ when first working in a male-dominated industry, I do remember that I didn’t feel as confident as I should’ve when it came to certain things. Looking back, I realized that my ability to excel was really all mental. As an athlete, I quickly learned how important my transferable skills were and how they could make up for any deficits I had professionally. Being able to take constructive criticism, being willing to put the extra time in, and having the ability to humble myself, take on extra hours and cover for co-workers with a positive attitude made a huge difference when I was starting out. My biggest advantage- being able to thrive in stressful situation has always helped me stand out in my career. Use your strengths to your advantage and never feel like you don’t deserve any less than great.