The Subtle Slide Into Self-Doubt

Confidence rarely disappears overnight. More often, it fades quietly under the weight of burnout, perfectionism, and constant comparison.

Maybe it started when a project didn’t go as planned… or when your ideas were overlooked in a meeting. Maybe you took a new role that stretched your comfort zone, or the systems around you made it hard to do the kind of meaningful work you value most.

Over time, those small moments can chip away at your sense of certainty until you start to wonder if you were ever that confident to begin with.

I’ve been there — during my doctoral work, during teaching, and even in seasons when everything looked successful on the outside.

But here’s the truth: confidence doesn’t come from everything going right. It grows when you keep showing up, even when it’s hard.

🌸 How to Reconnect With Your Confidence

Here are three simple, evidence-informed ways to start rediscovering your professional confidence — especially if you’ve been feeling stuck, second-guessing yourself, or questioning your impact.

1️⃣ Shift your inner dialogue

Your brain believes what you tell it most often.
Start paying attention to your self-talk — not to judge it, but to notice the patterns.

When that inner critic says, “You’re not doing enough,” pause and ask:

“Is that true? Or is that fear talking?”

Often, the thoughts that erode confidence aren’t facts — they’re protective habits we’ve developed to avoid failure or disappointment.

Replacing harsh self-criticism with curiosity can rewire how you see yourself over time.

2️⃣ Remind yourself of what is true

When you’re deep in self-doubt, it’s easy to forget what you’ve already accomplished.

Try this: make a “competence list.”
Write down moments when you made a difference — a client breakthrough, a meaningful conversation with a student, a project you saw through to the end.

These small, real examples are proof of your impact. They’re also reminders that your value isn’t tied to flawless performance — it’s built on steady commitment and genuine care.

You’ve done hard things before. You can do them again.

3️⃣ Stay in your lane

Comparison is one of the fastest ways to drain confidence.

Whether it’s scrolling LinkedIn and seeing another dietitian launching something amazing, or watching a colleague seem effortlessly put together, it’s easy to feel behind.

But here’s the thing: confidence grows from alignment, not competition.
Your career doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s — and it shouldn’t.

When you start focusing on what truly energizes you — the kind of work, environment, and impact that feel like you — your confidence begins to rebuild naturally.

A Final Thought

You haven’t “lost” your confidence. It’s still there — under the layers of exhaustion, expectations, and maybe even disappointment.

You’ve simply drifted away from your sense of purpose for a bit. The good news? You can always find your way back.

Confidence isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about trusting that you can navigate whatever comes next — one step, one conversation, one choice at a time.

You’re capable. You’re qualified. And you’re already enough.

So, take a breath. Straighten your shoulders.
And remind yourself: you’ve got this. 🌿

Want to keep exploring this?

If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your confidence or unsure how to realign your work with your strengths and values, check out my Reignite course — designed specifically for RDs who want to rediscover fulfillment and clarity in their careers.