How to Update Your Self-Image and Unlock More Confidence
I remember now so long ago I was chatting with Sarah McDowell about The SEO Mindset Podcast. I laughed and said, “Sarah, you’re the podcast queen, whereas I’m just the amateur.”
Because in my mind, that’s what I was. After all this was my first podcast, I had stumbled through the learning curve, and I didn’t see myself as anything close to an expert.
But Sarah stopped me. She reminded me that I’d been podcasting for more than three years. That I had over 100 episodes under my belt. That I’d hosted guests, led conversations, and built a loyal audience.
In that moment, I realised something important: I had forgotten to update my self-image.
I was still carrying around an old “mental CV” that no longer reflected who I’d become. And the truth is, that outdated self-image was costing me. Confidence. Opportunities. Growth.
Because one thing is certain: you will never outperform the image you hold of yourself.
The good news? Your self-image is not fixed. You can upgrade it — just like updating your skills, your wardrobe, or even your phone. Here are three ways that have helped me do exactly that:
1. Audit (and celebrate!) your achievements
When was the last time you sat down and wrote a list of what you’ve achieved in the last 6–12 months?
It’s easy to forget the projects you’ve completed, the skills you’ve learned, and the challenges you’ve overcome. But these are proof points of your growth.
By writing them down, you remind yourself of just how far you’ve come, and that you are not the same person you were even a year ago.
2. Spend time with people who support your growth
Sometimes, others see our progress before we do.
Surrounding yourself with people who encourage you, who celebrate your wins, and who reflect your growth back to you can be transformative.
It was Sarah who reminded me that I was no longer an amateur, and her perspective helped me see myself differently.
Who in your life holds up that mirror for you? And are you giving yourself enough time in their company?
3. Practice speaking in alignment with who you want to be.
The words you use about yourself matter.
Every time I described myself as an “amateur,” I reinforced that old identity. But when I started saying, “I’m an experienced podcaster, with more than 100 episodes behind me,” something shifted.
Language shapes how we think about ourselves. Try catching the moments when you downplay your skills, and replace them with words that align with the person you’ve become. Affirmations can help here too — simple, repeated truths about who you are and what you’re capable of.
Time for an upgrade?
You’ve likely achieved more than you realise this year. You’ve grown, learned, and evolved. But have you updated your self-image to match?
Because the truth is, you will never outperform the image you hold of yourself.
So maybe it’s time for an upgrade.
✨ And if you want support to step into that upgraded version of yourself, join me in my Summer Reset next Tuesday, where I’ll help you define success on your terms and build a plan to actually achieve it, without burning out in the process.