Sally ZimneyFounder & CEO, Be Moved by Sally Z

Self-doubt is a story

16 Jul 2026 · 1 min

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In this motivational segment, the speaker addresses leaders across the United States, highlighting a pervasive issue she terms the "self‑doubt spiral." She cites a statistic that 71% of leaders experience self‑doubt, dismissing the remaining 29% as dishonest, and suggests that a complete lack of self‑doubt may indicate insufficient ambition. The core message reframes self‑doubt not as a factual assessment of ability or readiness, but as a narrative that can be challenged. By recognizing self‑doubt as a story rather than truth, leaders are encouraged to move beyond discomfort, summon courage, and unlock greater impact.

Chapters

I speak to and work with leaders all across the country who, despite their respective talent and titles, they wrestle with what I call the self-doubt spiral, and it slows them down from having the kind of impact that is just on the other side of their discomfort and their courage. 71% of leaders experience self-doubt, and based on my experience, The other 29% are lying. They are lying. In fact, if you are not experiencing any self-doubt, I wonder if your dreams are big enough. Self-doubt is not a sign that you're not ready. It is not a verdict on your potential. It is not the truth. It's a story.