One of my goals for this year is to build up my confidence further.

While I feel like I’m generally pretty confident in my ability to bring my ideas to life, I, like most people am prone to comparison, imposter syndrome, and any number of less-than-confident thought distortions.

In taking stock of where I want to go over the coming years, it was clear to me that in order to be the leader, CEO and person I aspire to be, an increase in confidence, in ownership of my ideas talents and perspectives, is necessary.

One of my other goals for this year, however, is to make room for a little more doubt, specifically in some key areas.

Why Doubt is Important

While confidence is a useful trait, even a necessary one for certain pursuits, it can get in the way.

Last year, for example, I charged headfirst, investing considerable time and money into creating a product that ultimately underwhelmed significantly.

I’d seen the model for the product work in other niches and was exceedingly confident that it would work in mine as well.

In hindsight, I could have used a healthy dose of doubt about a number of aspects of that product.

Granted, I probably would have done it anyway, but I would have done it differently, with a more complete picture of what would drive its success or failure.

As Your Potential Impact Grows so Should Your Healthy Doubt

As my team, client base, and impact grows, I want to be thoughtful and intentional about the choices I’m making.

“Why won’t this work? How will this impact my team, clients and others?” and, “Why shouldn’t I do this?” are all equally important questions as, “What do I stand to gain?” and “What do I need to do to make this successful?”

The Role of Doubt in a Societal Context

Beyond making smarter decisions in business and life, however, I think doubt can play a larger and more powerful role in how we interact with others and our communities.

As a straight, white, English-speaking male from a middle-class family in Canada, I’m not short on privilege.

In most categories, I’d rank myself as average to a little above average. I’m pretty smart, decent looking, maybe an above-average work-ethic, but nothing crazy.

What I attribute any success I’ve had so far to would be my curiosity, perspective, positivity and friendliness. In other words, not skills that are necessarily confidence-inducing or easy to measure.

Despite my average confidence and mostly average skill set, I’ve been increasingly aware that my privilege and the point of view that comes with it has been more than enough to make up for that lack of above-average confidence in certain social situations.

I’ve been more aware that I’ve likely been going through life with little regard for my blind spots, speaking up when I should have listened, not leaving (or making) space at the table for others, and have generally done more taking than giving or empowering. All without even noticing.

Maybe a little less confidence and a little more doubt in my ideas, beliefs, and opinions might serve me, and those around me better. Might make a little more space for others. Might allow me to hear other perspectives and experiences that will help me grow and evolve further.

And so my seemingly contradictory goals.

To increase my confidence in my abilities a little more.

And to add a little doubt about my own importance, opinions, and ideas.

Maybe with a little more doubt, we’d be encouraged to listen more, collaborate more, and create work that’s a little more helpful to a few more people.