Do you feel confident enough in the work you deliver? Or do you struggle like I used to?

When I started my professional journey as a designer, I used to feel hesitant, and sometimes unsure, about my design decisions. Working on new products requires you to rely on your gut a lot, and lean on your hypothesis about the users. But when you’re early in your career, and occasionally later in life as well, you don’t necessarily feel confident about your decisions. These are some things that I have learnt over the years to help me overcome doubts about my work –

🤔 Make informed decisions. Do as much research as your timeline allows. Consider the outcomes of different approaches to solving a problem. Dig deep, but think big picture as well.

🙈 Be aware of your biases – and account for them. Perspectives are important for growth – for the product you’re working on, and your personal growth as a designer.

📊 Use data - it feels obvious now. But one feels threatened by it as a young designer. If you don’t know how to use it, work with your colleagues who know the ins and outs of data. Most PMs will wholeheartedly help you.

🤝 Take decisions as a team. Don’t put all the pressure on knowing the difference between right and wrong on yourself. When multiple people agree with your reasoning, you’ll start feeling more confident in the choices you make.

Confidence in your work comes with experience, self-reflection, and a commitment to continuous learning. Trust in your abilities and embrace the journey of growth and improvement as a designer.