Notes

Through personal stories and practical advice, Zaire discusses the hurdles he's encountered and offers valuable tips for overcoming self-doubt. Discover how to document your achievements, find mentors, embrace failure, and gain the confidence needed to thrive in the world of UX design. Whether you're just starting or looking to boost your career, this episode provides guidance and reassurance for designers navigating imposter syndrome.

First Story - Starting an Agency: Let me start by sharing a personal story from my early days in the design world. Back when I was around 19 or 20, I teamed up with my best friend, Isaac, to launch a design agency. It was a challenging but ultimately successful venture. However, despite our accomplishments, I couldn't escape the nagging doubts in my mind. I questioned my own abilities and wondered why clients should trust a young, inexperienced designer like me. This experience was a pivotal learning curve, reminding me of the personal growth that comes with facing imposter syndrome head-on.

Description of Imposter Syndrome: Imposter syndrome, as I see it, is that gap between where you aspire to be and where you currently stand. It's the common anxiety that many of us face when venturing into new territory, especially when we're building our skills and expertise.

Tip 1 - Document Your Achievements: So, how can you combat imposter syndrome? Well, here's my first piece of advice – document your achievements. Building a portfolio is crucial, but within it, remember to include both your successes and areas where you think you fell short. These records serve as a valuable source of self-confidence and provide tangible evidence of your capabilities. Plus, it's a great way to reassure yourself and show others that you're more than capable.

Second Story - First Full-Time Job: Moving on to my second experience with imposter syndrome – my first full-time job. After my agency days, I decided to take on a full-time role. It was a challenging transition, and I often felt overwhelmed by self-doubt, especially when working alongside more experienced colleagues. I also grappled with being an introvert in meetings, feeling like I didn't quite fit in. Over time, though, I learned to trust myself and appreciate my own value.

Tip 2 - Get a Mentor: Here's my second piece of advice – find a mentor and join a professional network. Start with a self-assessment to identify your weaknesses. Seek out mentors who can guide you and share their experiences. When approaching potential mentors, be clear about your needs and how they can help you progress in your career. Engage with the design community by attending conferences, meetups, and online forums – it's a fantastic way to connect with seasoned professionals.

Third Story - Starting Love Circular: Now, let me share my third encounter with imposter syndrome – when I founded Love Circular while working as a senior UX designer for a fintech company. I was confident in my job but anxious about teaching others. I questioned my ability to be an effective teacher. This experience drove me to trust myself and gain confidence quickly.

Tip 3 - Embrace Failure: My third piece of advice – embrace failure. Understand that failure is a natural part of any learning journey. As you've heard from my stories, imposter syndrome is something we all face when trying something new. With time, effort, and the strategies mentioned earlier, you'll gain confidence more quickly, and the learning curve will be less steep.

Conclusion: In conclusion, remember that imposter syndrome is a common challenge, and you're not alone in facing it. Our journey is filled with ups and downs, and imposter syndrome is just one of those downs. But with determination, self-assessment, mentors, and a willingness to embrace failure, you'll find yourself growing in confidence and competence. We're here to support you on your design career path at Love Circular, and I wish you all the success in the world. Stay tuned for more valuable insights.

Peace.