From Out-of-My-Depth to 👌: 3 Steps to Confidence

I felt completely out of my depth when I was promoted to managing editor after just one year in the industry.

Managing editors are responsible for getting the magazine together and to the printer on time. And there are a million little things that go into that: every word, every story idea, every headline, every image and layout.

It takes the work of several people to bring it together, but the responsibility of it all falls back on this role.

I’d had training, but I felt like I had been given keys to a home that wasn’t build yet and my boss expected me to have it standing in 30 days.

So here’s what I did: I learned the processes. I asked question. I fixed holes. I leaned into my strengths and found support for areas I considered my weaknesses.

And guess what…

The first issue was a disaster. I was late getting pages to the printer.

And the imposter syndrome crept in…maybe I wasn’t ready for this after all.

But I stuck to my process and I was never late for an issue again. I was able to create a tangible thing I was proud to bring into the world.

I brought together a team of people to do it. And most of all, I had overcome self doubt to create self-trust.

Looking back, here’s the important takeaway:

Readiness isn’t something you’re handed. It’s something you build.

No one feels fully equipped the first time they step into a new role, whether it’s your first job out of college or a promotion you’ve been seeking.

Confidence comes from action, not the other way around.

So how do you build it?

First: remember process beats panic.

When everything feels overwhelming, break it into systems. Clarity reduces fear.

1. Write down every single thing you're responsible for. All of it. Get it out of your head and onto paper.

2. Group tasks by deadline. What's due this week? What can wait?

3. Identify one thing you don't know how to do yet and ask someone about it today. Not tomorrow...today.

4. Create a repeatable checklist for your core responsibilities. Even a rough one. You'll refine it as you go.

Next, ask the “basic” questions.

The fastest way to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be is humility.

Seriously, do not be afraid to ask what an acronym means, what the first step is, or what expectations will be.

The people who pretend they know everything stay stuck. The people who say "Can you walk me through that?" are the ones who actually learn. Curiosity builds competence.

Finally, gather your receipts.

You don’t wake up confident. You collect proof. One issue. One deadline. One solved problem at a time.

If you’re feeling out of your depth right now, this is normal… growth always feels like stretching.

That expansion allowed me to live my dream, and you can too!

I’m curious…when did you feel completely out of your depth? and how did you overcome it?

Until then, trust yourself.

💜 Brianne

PS: Psychotherapist Loren Ragland shared how she doesn’t subscribe to imposter syndrome during her Independence Lab interview. Listen here.