Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Guide to Embracing Your True Potential

At any point in our careers, imposter syndrome is there lurking in the shadows waiting to jump on a back and get you to question the confidence you in your own ability. It is one of the most comment psychological patterns that I see as a career coach, from graduate through to Chief Executive. The good news is that there are some really great coping strategies that you can bring into your arsenal to overcome and defeat imposter syndrome.

"You are not a fraud. You are not an imposter. You are a human being with a unique set of skills and experiences."

Before we begin tackling imposter syndrome, lets really define what imposter syndrome is:

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a "fraud." Despite evident success and external validation, those experiencing imposter syndrome often believe they don't deserve their achievements and attribute them to luck or other external factors rather than their own abilities.

Key characteristics of imposter syndrome include:

• Self-doubt: Constantly questioning one's skills and qualifications.

• Perfectionism: Setting excessively high standards and feeling disappointed when they aren't met.

• Fear of failure: Avoiding new challenges due to fear of not succeeding.

• Discounting praise: Dismissing positive feedback and attributing success to external factors.

  
  

As I said at the start, it is important to recognise that imposter syndrome is common and can affect anyone, regardless of their level of success. Understanding and addressing these feelings can help individuals build confidence and embrace their achievements.

"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle." - Christian D. Larson

Strategies to overcome imposter syndrome.

1. Recognise and Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is to recognise and acknowledge your feelings. Understand that it's common to feel this way, especially when stepping out of your comfort zone. Labelling is a real powerful to separate yourself from your feelings and your thoughts. If you are consistent with this, and create this mental space, you can then start to utilise strategies to tackle imposter syndrome.

2. Challenge Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk is rife within those suffering with imposter syndrome. You need to treat yourself with the compassion, understanding and objectivity that you would a stranger. You need to challenge these thoughts, but invariably it can be challenging to do this if you are experiencing imposter syndrome. You need to challenge these thoughts by questioning their validity. Ask yourself if there is any concrete evidence to support these beliefs. Often, you'll find that these thoughts are unfounded.

"Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt." - William Shakespeare

3. Celebrate Your Achievements

Take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Keep a record of your accomplishments and revisit them when you start to doubt yourself. This can help reinforce your self-worth and remind you of your capabilities.

A great exercise to use is treat yourself as a journalist, brought into provide a written up story on yourself, your strengths and your achievements. Speak about yourself in the third person and then once you have written this take the time to read this out loud to a trusted friend / colleague.

4. Seek Support from those you trust.

Imposter syndrome is like a cancer that if not addressed will poison your body and mind. But, like cancer we must cut it out by using external trusted advisors. Reach out to three people that you would trust to provide an accurate comment on the area you feel that you experience imposter syndrome on. Ask them to write an email or letter to you in as much detail on the specific topic. Then,  I would recommend you then read the emails and letters out to a group of people in your support network.

5. Set Realistic Goals

When a situation is overwhelming you and you are can feel yourself being halted by the enormity of the task in front of you, I want you to break the task down into smaller manageable steps.

"How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." - Desmond Tutu

The key here is that the goals are realistic and that the outcomes are tangible. And as discussed before, make sure you celebrate those wins.

6. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity

Understand that failure is a natural part of the learning process. Instead of viewing it as a reflection of your abilities, see it as an opportunity to grow and improve. Everyone makes mistakes, and they don't define your worth or capabilities. If we redefine our emotional interaction with failure, as a positive one, we begin to become empowered by the prospect of learning, rather than being crippled by the fear of failure.

7. Practise Self-Compassion

Life is hard. The road to recovery is not a straight linear line. You are going to make errors. When that happens, be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would offer to a friend. Acknowledge your efforts and give yourself credit for trying, even if things don't go perfectly.

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8. Focus on Personal Growth

Shift your focus from seeking validation from others to personal growth. Concentrate on your own progress and development rather than comparing yourself to others. This can help you build a stronger sense of self and reduce feelings of inadequacy. If your measure of success is always in the hands of others, then you will always be tied to their opinions. Set yourself free and remember you are the captain of your own ship.

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people's thinking." - Steve Jobs

9. Seek Professional Help if Needed

If imposter syndrome is significantly impacting your life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide you with tools and strategies to manage these feelings and build a healthier self-image. Be proud that you want to live a better life for yourself, but remember that therapists won’t solve your problem, they are just there to help you on your journey.

Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey that requires patience and self-compassion. By recognising your feelings, challenging negative thoughts, and celebrating your achievements, you can begin to embrace your true potential. Remember, you are capable and deserving of your success. Keep moving forward and believe in yourself.

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