It’s time to go full on nerdtastic.  This week we will kick of a series inspired by Harry Potter.  Spoiler alert.  This series will divulge plots points and secrets.  You’ve been warned.  This week is about self-doubt and my fear of “running out of magic.”

In the Harry Potter universe, magic does not just stem from natural ability.  Instead, the power of your magic comes from your learning and practice.  That’s why they send people to Hogwarts to develop their skills.  I would argue that Harry Potter is one of the more naturally talented characters, but it is Hermione Granger who is the best wizard in her class.  She’s a studious bookworm who has built up quite the knowledge base and who puts a lot of effort into practicing, so whenever everybody’s back is against the wall she’s the one who knows what to do.  Obviously, her natural ability, wand, and other magical artifacts have a positive impact on her, but it is the combination of these with her work ethic that always helps her come out on top.

You’re probably wondering what this has to do with doubt.  I recently started a new role, and the team has given me a very warm reception.  Even with this, self-doubt keeps creeping in.  My current self-doubt conversation goes like this, “Andrew, what if you don’t meet their expectations.  What if you fail?  What if this is the role when you run out of magic?”  I’ve been stuck on that last phrase for a few weeks and then all of a sudden one day after I said, “What if this is the role when you run out of magic?” I replied with, “Forget that.  I’m going to be like Hermione Granger,” for all the reasons mentioned in the above paragraph. 

How does this connect to work?  I’m guessing you probably have these self-doubt fueled conversations.  If you’re anything like me, when you have these conversations you forget who you are and you conjure up these stories about how the only reason you are where you are is because of luck and because people haven’t figured out you’re an imposter yet.  Now don’t get me wrong, luck and other factors definitely play a role in success, much like how a wand plays a role in Hermione’s magic, but at the same time, it’s not all just because of luck.  You’ve put the work in.  You’ve pulled through in tough situations.  That same skill and tenacity that helped you be successful then will help you now.  These are the things I have to remind myself of when I’m filled with doubt and am afraid of running out of magic.

The challenge: How will you respond when you are afraid of running out of magic?  Remember this when you face self-doubt.  You aren’t here by accident.  You’ve put the work in.  You aren’t a muggle.  You are a powerful wizard.  Now go cast some spells starting with Accio confidence!

Have a jolly good day,

Andrew Embry