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Beat Imposter Syndrome: How to Ditch the Doubt and Own Your Role
Plus: State Job Rankings & Apple's New AI
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Shrug Off Imposter Syndrome
Believe in your strengths!
Starting a New Job? Here’s How to Crush Imposter Syndrome with These 5 Key Moves
Feeling imposter syndrome in a new role? You’re not alone—EVERYONE feels this way at some point, even seasoned execs. Imposter syndrome isn’t just for beginners; it pops up for people at every stage in their careers, especially in the early days. But you can build confidence to prove to yourself you belong. Here’s how:
Remember Why They Chose You
You were hired because of what you bring to the table, whether it’s your skills, fresh perspective, or unique approach. Take time to write down past achievements, projects you’re proud of, and challenges you’ve overcome. Keep this list handy for a confidence boost whenever doubt creeps in. You’re there for a reason.Build a Support Network
Starting fresh is easier with people who’ve been through it. Look for mentors, colleagues, or peers who can provide feedback and encouragement. Many companies even offer mentorship programs, but outside communities (like RoadMap, hint hint) are also great for connecting with professionals who know the ropes. These relationships can help you navigate and feel less isolated in those early days.Reframe Self-Doubt as Growth
Instead of letting “I’m not good enough” sink in, switch the mindset to “I’m learning.” Imposter syndrome often stems from feeling we should know everything from the start. But no one expects that! Reminding yourself that you’re growing can take the pressure off and let you focus on improvement instead of perfection.Prioritize Progress, Not Perfection
Trying to perfect everything adds unnecessary stress. Instead, break down tasks into manageable steps and set achievable goals. Celebrate each completed goal, no matter how small. Focusing on progress over perfection will keep you moving forward and boost your sense of accomplishment.Celebrate Small Wins Regularly
Big successes are great, but the small wins matter, too. Whether you’ve finished a complex project, sent a tricky email, or tackled your to-do list, recognize these moments. Documenting wins—even minor ones—can remind you that you’re making progress and help combat imposter syndrome over time.
Use these strategies to silence self-doubt and own your new role. You’ve got what it takes—trust that!
Top States for Job Wins
Where’d your state land on the list?
A new report by WalletHub ranks the best and worst states for young job seekers, using factors like job growth, median income, and AI job security. New Hampshire tops the list, followed by Vermont and Minnesota.
By examining 34 key factors (including job growth rates, access to healthcare, and commute times), WalletHub compared each state’s job market strength and economic environment.
At the other end of the list are West Virginia and Louisiana. Some of the reasons cited are imited full-time roles and seasonal work.
But take all this with a grain of salt: no study is perfect, and there are a couple things that could skew this data, like relying on state data and generalized metrics.
Statewide averages may overlook significant regional differences. A state may rank highly overall, but job opportunities could be concentrated in specific cities, leaving other areas with fewer options.
Apple’s AI Upgrade
‘Summaries’ will condense long texts
Apple’s new Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1 brings some game-changing features straight to your iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and newer models. CNET has a detailed breakdown, but here are three big changes you’ll actuall use:
Message Summaries: Sick of endless group chats and long emails? Now, Apple Intelligence serves up a “TLDR” for your notifications—like “Friends planning a hangout”—so you get the gist without the scroll. This works for texts, emails, and even web pages.
Upgraded Siri: Siri now glows with a colorful halo and can handle more natural conversation flow. Stumble through a question or change topics halfway? Siri stays on track, making follow-up questions feel smoother and less robotic.
Photo Clean-Up Tool: Finally, a quick fix for messy backgrounds in your pics. Just highlight a distraction, and Apple Intelligence will erase it, blending the background seamlessly—no need for a third-party app.
These features bring everyday utility to your iPhone, making it faster and easier to manage texts, conversations, and photos. Coming soon: personalized Siri responses and ChatGPT integration for even more customization.