What’s one belief about yourself that’s helped you most in your career?
Mine has always been that I belong in every room and meeting I enter. I’m capable, smart, and creative, and there’s clear evidence that I’m good at what I do. This faith in myself has been a cornerstone of my career.
Last week, we asked our audience this same question, focusing on a few core traits— confidence, curiosity, adaptability, empathy, and perseverance—to help us get a better idea of how everyone else feels. A strong plurality (39%) say “adaptability” is their biggest asset, which I’m delighted to see. From the uprooting of our work styles during the pandemic to the rapid integration of AI, adaptability has become crucial. I love knowing that many of you recognize such an essential trait in yourselves already.
But naturally, all of these attributes are vital. And this week, I’d like to focus on boosting each one. Whether you’re the antithesis of imposter syndrome (like me) or you’re the ultimate Jane of all trades (like 39% of our readers), you can find a short exercise below to help you strengthen your other core traits.
Think of this as a mini mindset glow-up—with some dedicated time on each, you’ll believe you belong in every room, too.
An exercise to tap into perseverance
Throughout the workday: At the start of the day, write down two achievable goals and one stretch goal—something you’d like to do, but might require mental or logistical cartwheels. As you move through each task, meet resistance with a gentle reframe like, “This is part of it.” That phrase encourages acceptance and tenacity. Celebrate afterward by downshifting your nervous system: log off 20 minutes early, take a hot shower, or close your eyes and hum as you exhale.
An exercise to boost confidence
30 mins to 1 hour: Set aside time today to do something you’re really good at: cooking, writing, coding, networking, exercising, problem-solving, styling your clothes, etc. It’s up to you. Afterward, jot down how you felt during and after using sentences in the present tense: I feel calm, focused, joyful, and in charge. I’m having fun. Why? Because you’re good at this.
An exercise to stretch adaptability
20 minutes: Close your eyes for 10 minutes and reflect on a past situation that was hard for you—something that required major change or flexibility. Now use another 10 minutes to answer these three questions:
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What did you learn about yourself during that time?
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What’s worked out better than you expected?
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Moving forward, what’s one skill or lesson from that time that you can apply to a future situation?
An exercise to cultivate curiosity
10 to 15 minutes: Pick a random or work-adjacent topic you’ve been meaning to explore and write a list of five very entry-level questions (the simpler, the better) you want answered about the topic. Spend 10 minutes Googling the answers. Example topics might include: how stock options work, the origin of crew socks, what makes a photo look good, why dogs tilt their heads, the underground city of Derinkuyu. It’s less about mastery and more about exploration and asking basic questions without fear of judgment.
An exercise to practice empathy
10 to 15 minutes: Three times today, pause to name whatever emotion you’re feeling—and I mean name it. Not just happy, but content or silly. Not just angry, but offended or irritated. Use an emotional wheel to pinpoint the exact word you’d like to use. Naming emotions in yourself can help you recognize and name them in others.
These exercises are small but mighty. Try one each day this week, or choose the one you need most right now. Little mindset shifts compound, forging neural pathways that move that “I belong here” feeling from manifestation to reality.
