Written by Soad Elmasoudi, Performance and Mindset Coach
Soad Elmasoudi, a dedicated performance and mindset coach, excels in aligning strategy, tactics, and tools with a powerful mindset for precise execution. Overcoming personal challenges, Soad draws on her transformative journey, uniquely shaping her coaching philosophy. Trained by the Proctor Gallagher Institute, she seamlessly integrates mindset development with practical strategies.
Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you work, you’re still not reaching the level of success you desire? Maybe you’re juggling a thriving business, your personal life, and striving to be a top performer in everything, yet deep down, something still feels off. You might think that the next strategy, the next networking event, or a new business tactic will finally unlock that door to fulfillment and success.
But what if I told you that the real key is how you see yourself?
I used to think success was about long hours, hustle, and perfecting every skill. I was the person who would skip breaks, work through vacations, and put myself last–thinking that eventually, all my hard work would pay off. But in reality, it wasn’t the workload that was holding me back. It was my self-image.
Our self-image isn’t just about how we look in the mirror–it’s the mental picture we hold of who we are and what we deserve. It silently influences everything: the decisions we make, the risks we take, and how we handle opportunities. For many high-achieving women, this self-image can be at odds with their outer achievements. On the outside, we may seem successful and put-together, but inside, there’s often doubt, fear, and a sense of not being ‘enough.
I see this all the time with the women I coach–brilliant, driven entrepreneurs and leaders who are thriving in their fields but still feel like imposters in their own lives. And for years, I was one of them.
My journey: From broken to bold
Growing up, I faced countless challenges–19 years in an abusive environment left me feeling broken, unloved, and invisible. At 19, I started my life over from scratch. No money, no formal education, no support. All I had were two sweatshirts, a pair of trousers, and a strong determination to build something better for myself.
I hustled, worked my way up in the corporate world, became a manager at a top IT company. From the outside, it looked like I had it all figured out. But inside, I still struggled with the same doubts, insecurities, and a lingering feeling that I wasn’t truly worthy of success.
It wasn’t until I shifted my self-image that everything changed.
Research shows that our self-image deeply impacts our performance. Psychologists have proven that people who have a healthy self-image are more confident, resilient, and capable of achieving their goals. When we see ourselves as deserving of success, we’re more likely to take the actions that align with that belief.
But; you can’t just think your way into a new self-image. It takes work. Real, intentional inner work that aligns how you see yourself with the future you want to create.
I began applying mindset techniques that top 6- and 7-figure earners use, such as visualization, affirmations, and shifting the narrative I told myself every day. Instead of seeing myself as someone who had to fight for scraps of success, I began to see myself as someone who was worthy of it.
That shift wasn’t instant, but it was powerful. And within a few months, everything changed—my business, my relationships, my results.
Practical steps to shift your self-image
1. Start with daily affirmations
The stories we tell ourselves shape our reality. Start telling yourself a new story every day. Write down affirmations that align with the version of you that is already successful, confident, and bold. Repeat them out loud, and begin to feel what it’s like to embody those words.
2. Visualization
Successful athletes do this all the time–they visualize the outcome they want before it happens. Begin visualizing yourself achieving your goals, and don’t just focus on the success itself. Visualize how it feels to be that person who deserves it, who is ready for it.
3. Reflect on your inner dialogue
Pay attention to the things you tell yourself throughout the day. Are you undermining your own value? Are you telling yourself you aren’t ready yet, or not good enough? Challenge those thoughts, and replace them with empowering alternatives.
4. Surround yourself with empowerment
The people we surround ourselves with can shape our self-image more than we realize. Make sure you’re connected with a supportive community that sees your potential, encourages your growth, and holds you accountable to your higher self.
I believe that everyone has the power to break through any barrier and achieve extraordinary success, but it starts on the inside. If your self-image is holding you back, no amount of hard work will push you to where you truly want to be.
The greatest investment you can make is in shifting how you see yourself. When you align your self-image with your goals, the results follow. You’ll find yourself stepping into leadership roles, achieving bold business growth, and feeling more confident in both your personal and professional life.
So, ask yourself: How do you see yourself right now? And is that version of you ready to receive the success you desire?
Soad Elmasoudi, Performance and Mindset Coach
Soad Elmasoudi, a dedicated performance and mindset coach, excels in aligning strategy, tactics, and tools with a powerful mindset for precise execution. Overcoming personal challenges, Soad draws on her transformative journey, uniquely shaping her coaching philosophy. Trained by the Proctor Gallagher Institute, she seamlessly integrates mindset development with practical strategies. Soad provides clients with both the right mindset and effective execution tools, going beyond conventional coaching. In a world where mindset is paramount, Soad stands out as a passionate guide committed to unlocking individuals' full potential, whether you're a professional, entrepreneur, or leader.
