An Unhelpful Assumption

How often are you assuming you’re doing a bad job—even though there’s no actual evidence to back that assumption up?

This is a common mindset trap, especially for the lawyers that I work with. The demands are high, the stakes feel enormous, and there’s often a subtle message that you could always be doing more or better.

So, when you’re not getting explicit praise or feedback, it’s easy to jump to the conclusion that you’re somehow falling short. It sounds like:

▫️“If no one’s complimenting my work, maybe it’s not good enough.”

▫️“They haven’t reached out, so maybe they’re disappointed.”

▫️“I haven’t heard anything back…what if I missed something?”

▫️“I’m a little slow on work. What if no one wants to work with me anymore?”

This constant second-guessing creates a cycle of self-doubt that drains your energy and confidence. And what’s more—there’s no actual evidence to support these fears.

Here’s the shift:

What if, instead of assuming the worst, you assumed that you’re actually doing just fine? And what if you started looking for the evidence that supports the idea that you might be succeeding, instead of your fear that you're failing?

Here’s how to start:

1️⃣Track Small Wins: At the end of each day, note one thing you handled well. These small wins are proof of your competence.

2️⃣Check the Facts: Before you assume a negative outcome, look for real feedback. Expressly ask for it or ask for clarity if you need it—don’t rely on assumptions.

3️⃣Trust Your Professionalism: Remind yourself that if there were issues, you’d likely hear about them. Silence is not a signal of failure.

A ❤️ note to you: If you work with me, in our coaching sessions, we’ll work on strengthening that self-trust, so you stop questioning your worth, talent, and capabilities without cause. Together, we’ll identify concrete ways to measure success that don’t rely on constant feedback or assumptions. Just sign up for a call with me at jenndealcoaching.as.me/consult to hear more about how coaching can increase your confidence and decrease your spin outs. 

It’s time to break the habit of looking for what’s wrong. You deserve to feel confident in the work you’re doing each day.

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