Overcoming Mental Blocks to Be Unforgettable in Engineering

Are you feeling stuck? Something holding you back from making a significant impact in the industry?

As a female engineer, you’ve worked tirelessly to get to where you are today. You’ve navigated challenges, shattered glass ceilings, and achieved milestones that many only dream of. 

But if you’ve ever felt stuck, the root cause might not be external obstacles. Rather, it could be the mental blocks you’ve unknowingly built within yourself.

Okay…pause and take a deep breath. 

I know this struggle all too well. 

There was a time when I was plagued by thoughts of not being good enough, and those thoughts translated into my silence and compliance. I wasn’t asking for what I truly desired or needed. I became the best-kept secret, hidden behind layers of fear and diminished self-confidence. My voice was muffled by self-doubt while my potential was stifled by an overwhelming fear of stepping out into the limelight.

But that was until I met myself and fell deeply in love with who I am and who I was created to be. It was this inner transformation that shattered the mental blocks holding me back. I realized that the power to make a mark in this industry didn’t come from external validation, but from embracing my true self and stepping confidently into my purpose.

Mental blocks are like invisible chains.

They’re the limiting beliefs and fears that whisper, “You’re not enough,” or “You don’t belong here.” These thoughts can be paralyzing, causing us to play small, doubt our abilities, and avoid taking risks that could propel our careers forward.

So, what are the common mental blocks holding female engineers back?

1. The Impostor Syndrome: It’s that nagging voice that tells you you’re a fraud, that any day now, people will discover you’re not as competent as they think. This fear of being “found out” can prevent you from going after leadership roles, speaking up in meetings, or taking on high-stakes projects.

2. Fear of Failure: Engineering is a field that often demands perfection, but the fear of making mistakes can be crippling. When you’re afraid to fail, you may avoid taking on challenges that stretch your abilities, opting instead to stay in your comfort zone.

3. Perfectionism: Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. It can lead to procrastination, burnout, and an inability to delegate, which can stifle your career growth.

4. Self-Doubt: Many female engineers struggle with self-doubt, questioning whether they’re truly capable of making a difference. This doubt can be especially strong in male-dominated environments where you might feel like you have to constantly prove your worth.

But here’s the truth: These mental blocks are not insurmountable. They’re challenges that, when addressed head-on, can lead to tremendous personal and professional growth.

How to Break Free from Mental Blocks

1. Acknowledge Them: The first step to overcoming mental blocks is to recognize and acknowledge them. Pay attention to your inner dialogue and identify the limiting beliefs that are holding you back.

2. Reframe Your Thoughts: Challenge those limiting beliefs by reframing them. Instead of thinking, “I’m not ready for this role,” replace it with, “I have the skills and experience to succeed in this role.”

3. Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to seek support from mentors, coaches, or peers. Sometimes, an outside perspective can help you see things more clearly and provide the encouragement you need to push past your mental blocks.

4. Take Small Steps: Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps. Each small victory will build your confidence and help you overcome the fear of failure.

5. Celebrate Your Wins: Don’t forget to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. Recognizing your achievements will help reinforce your belief in your capabilities.

Just like I did, you can break free from the mental blocks that have kept you hidden for too long. 

It’s time to meet yourself, to love who you are, and to step into the brilliance you were created to bring to this world. 

Your voice, your ideas, and your influence are needed in this industry. Don’t let anything hold you back from making the impact you were destined to make.

Who’s with me?