Feel Like You Should Know More? Here’s Why That’s Just Your Brain Talking

When I first stepped into the coaching world a decade ago, I joined a group filled with highly experienced coaches, people with years of wisdom, thriving practices, and impressive credentials.

Meanwhile, I was just getting started.

Almost immediately, self-doubt crept in.

“Shouldn’t I know more?” “What if I’m not capable enough to be here?” 

I compared my own early beginnings to their seasoned careers, focusing on every area where I fell short. The spiral of “not enough” was hard to shake, and the more I questioned my value, the more proof I seemed to find. My brain was on a hunt for any reason to justify why I didn’t measure up.

The Brain’s Clever Trick

What I didn’t realize at the time is that our brains are wired to seek evidence for what we already believe. If you walk into a room thinking, “I’m not capable enough to be here,” your mind will pick out every minor mistake, every awkward silence, every unimpressed look - no matter how small - as “proof.” It becomes a loop: belief creates evidence, and evidence reinforces belief.

So, if you feel inadequate or worry you don’t know enough, guess what your brain is going to find more of?

Breaking this cycle starts with recognizing that your feeling of inadequacy is simply a story your mind has built. Doubt isn’t a sign that you lack value; it’s a signal you’re stepping into the unknown, growing past what feels comfortable.

Three Lessons to Overcome Inadequacy:

If you’ve ever felt like you should know more or questioned whether you bring value to the table, here are three lessons that can help shift that story:

Challenge the Evidence You’re Finding:

Instead of letting your mind fixate on areas where you feel inadequate, try actively looking for evidence of your strengths. Did someone ask for your advice recently? Did you offer a unique perspective in a meeting? These small moments are proof of your value. The more you seek them out, the more you’ll see them.

Surround Yourself with People Who Believe in Your Potential:

The right people in your life are essential—friends, mentors, or colleagues who see your potential and encourage you to grow. Being part of a supportive community can reinforce your confidence and remind you that everyone has their doubts, even the most accomplished individuals. People who see your worth help you see it too.

Anchor Yourself with Present-Focused Tools:

Doubt thrives on “should” and “not enough.” By using tools that ground you in the present, like mindfulness, journaling, or even a simple gratitude practice, you can reconnect with the value you bring right now. These practices help you see yourself clearly, beyond the noise of self-doubt and comparison.

Looking Back:

When I think back to my early days as a coach, I remember the doubts that whispered I wasn’t capable or knowledgeable enough. But here’s the truth: people around me were sitting up and listening. They were asking for my perspective, engaging with me, and valuing what I had to say. My contributions had real worth, and others could see it, even when I struggled to.

Looking back, I see now that my self-doubt was never a reflection of my actual worth; it was simply part of growing into new territory. The real evidence was right there in front of me if I had only paused to see it: I was valued, respected, and appreciated for what I brought to the table.

So, if you’re questioning your own worth or feeling like you don’t know enough, remember this: you don’t need all the answers or years of experience to make an impact. Your journey, insights, and the way you show up matter far more than you might realize.