Why High-Achievers Still Struggle with Confidence

On paper, everything looks great. You’ve worked hard and achieved a career that you should be proud of. But something is feeling off. Confidence isn’t always keeping pace with your success.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I’ve coached directors, founders, and leaders who’ve built incredible careers and still suffer with self-doubt, second-guessing, and the constant pressure to prove themselves. I have also been there! I was in my twenties in a Director level role and felt like an imposter. I struggled daily with confidence in so many areas, public speaking, getting my voice into a room, holding space and so...many...more.

So why does this happen?

1. Success Doesn’t Immunise You Against Self-Doubt

Achievement can become a trap. The more you accomplish, the more pressure you feel to maintain it. Instead of feeling secure, many high-achievers quietly worry they’ve just been “lucky” or that they’ll eventually be found out. (Hello, imposter syndrome.)

Success also moves the goalposts. Once you reach one milestone, your mind jumps to the next. Confidence doesn’t get a chance to settle in, it’s always chasing.

2. You’ve Been Rewarded for Being Hard on Yourself

High-achievers often push themselves with a critical internal voice. That voice might say, “Don’t get complacent” or “You can do better”, and over time, it becomes the default setting.

It can drive results, sure. But it comes at a cost: anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, and the constant sense that you’re not quite “there” yet.

Confidence, meanwhile, needs self-trust. It needs space to say, “I’m doing enough” or “I can handle this.” That’s hard when your inner critic is always on loudspeaker.

3. You’re Not Used to Feeling Uncomfortable

Many high-achievers are excellent at mastering environments where they feel in control, work, projects, and deadlines. But when it comes to vulnerability, asking for help, or trying something unfamiliar (like public speaking, difficult conversations, or slowing down), the discomfort can be overwhelming.

Confidence grows when you lean into those edges, even if it feels awkward. And that’s something coaching helps with - creating a space to explore those edges safely and build your confidence from the inside out.

What Can You Do?

If this hits home, here are a few ways to start building deeper confidence:

• Notice the stories you’re telling yourself – especially the ones about not being “good enough.”

• Learn to dial down the inner critic and speak to yourself like you would a friend.

• Stretch in safe ways – Practice discomfort. Try things that feel slightly out of reach but with support.

• Work with someone who gets it – Coaching can help you shift old patterns and build confidence that actually sticks.

You don’t have to feel this way forever. Confidence isn’t a personality trait you’re born with - it’s a skill you build.

If you’d like help with that, I’d love to chat. You can book a free call to explore what working together could look like.