Stop Minimizing Your Wins, Each One Counts

Or why ‘not technical enough’ is the lie I keep telling myself

It’s so hard to get rid of habits you developed from a young age. Not impossible, but just a little more difficult.

Early 2025, I decided to put myself out there a little more. So I started applying to speak at conferences. Honestly, people don’t speak enough about how draining the process can be. From deciding on what your CFP will be about, to the actual application, the anxiety that comes with the waiting process, reading that response email, and right down to the stress of visa applications. Let’s not forget the financial implications.

And somehow through it all, I find a way of not giving myself enough credit for putting in the hard work.

The Mental Trap I Keep Falling Into

I somehow convinced myself that CFPs that are “not so technical” are easy to apply for and get accepted, so there is really nothing to be excited about.

But if it were easy, wouldn’t everyone be doing it?

And it goes beyond the application to actually having your talk accepted. Last year, I had 4 CFP applications accepted, but because of visa delays and personal emergencies, I couldn’t attend any. This year, I’ve had 3 accepted, but only been able to attend one.

Let me say that again: 7 accepted CFPs in two years. And yet, I’m still telling myself it’s “not a big deal.”

The Reality Check

Here’s what I’m learning to accept: The fact that I keep minimizing my achievements doesn’t make them less valuable. It just means I’m carrying around an old habit, one that doesn’t serve me anymore.

The truth is:

• Crafting a compelling CFP takes skill
• Getting accepted means a committee saw value in what you have to say
• Following through despite visa complications, financial stress, and life happening? That takes resilience

None of that is “easy.”

The Lesson I’m Still Learning

Stop second-guessing your effort. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.

Be a go-getter and definitely give yourself all the credit you are due. Remember that the small wins build a solid bridge to the bigger opportunities.

I’m writing this as much for you as I am for myself, a reminder that we need to stop being our own worst critics. The work you’re putting in matters. The applications you submit matter. The courage it takes to put yourself out there matters, even when your brain tries to convince you otherwise.

What habits are you working to unlearn? Share in the comments.