Do You Suffer From IMPOSTER SYNDROME?
These strong feelings can steal you joy and confidence. For people who know what it is like to suffer from Imposter Syndrome, they will likely tell you how it robs them of self-confidence and creates endless feelings of self doubt around their true abilities.
Imposter Syndrome is the nagging feeling that you’re somehow not good enough to do what you’re doing and that eventually, someone will find out. These feeling will stop you from doing the things you love because you feel unqualified.
Tips On How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome?
Don’t be the expert: Instead of feeling like you have to have an answer for every questions, pause, and be authentic and true to yourself. If you don't know, then you will simply have to do some research. Getting results in your life is what matters.
Assume Nothing. Use language appropriately. For example you could say.. “based on my experience or knowledge…I think…”
Be Honest. Saying “I don’t know” is powerful and freeing.
Build a referral network. Have a team of people who you can turn too for education and information.
Listen to the positive feedback you are receiving form others. How we perceive ourselves is very different then how others see us.
Use negative feedback to build resiliency and foster personal development. Maybe you do need more time or education to get better at what your doing…And that’s okay.
Get clear. Reduce anxiety by getting clear with what you need to improve on.
Stay clear of using the words “good vs bad” Substitute your language for words such as “useful” and “that’s good to know.”
Question your thoughts… a lot. If your feeling like other professionals are better than you..Start to understand WHY people are working with you instead. What makes you special? What value do you bring to their lives or businesses? What makes you and your profession unique?
Write down the thoughts that make your feel like an imposter. From there, start your behaviour change process and challenge the thoughts on the paper.
Make a list of your previous accomplishments and a list of challenges you’ve overcome. How did you make it through those difficult times? What strengths, skills or assets have those experiences given you?
Look back. Re-familiarizing yourself with your own history, you might realize you’re more prepared and capable than you thought.
Seek improvement. Mastery rather than trying to avoid failures.
People with imposter syndrome tend to focus on performance-avoidance. Trying to avoid mistakes—rather than improvement or mastery. This can translate to thoughts like, ‘I’m a fraud, I don’t know what I’m doing, I’m afraid of messing up in front of everyone,’ rather than thoughts like, ‘How can I get better at this?’
Conclusion
To get out of your imposter syndrome mindset, try shifting your focus towards improving the things you want to master, rather than focusing on avoiding the things you’re afraid of. Try a “Thought Bridge” by saying “I may not be the best at (fill in blank), but I am going to focus on getting better at (fill in blank).” Thinking about practicing a skill or becoming what you aspire to be helps your brain think more productively and help you build more confidence.
So for now, put in the repetition. Gaining confidence, developing your skills, and feeling solid in who you are and what you offer… these kinds of things take time, effort, and experience.
If you don’t get your reps in, the imposter syndrome will just stays there! You have to go through it. You will not wake up one day and magically feel confidence otherwise.
Practice:
Confidence Building Exercise
First, take out a piece of paper and write down your goal. Make it as specific and concrete as possible.
Then, reverse-engineer what’s required to achieve that goal. Ask yourself:
What skills do I need to develop to meet my goal?
What practices will help me develop these skills?
What actions do I need to take, and when?
Clarifying what you want to improve will allow you to make progress, and see concrete, measurable improvement as you go.
Bit by bit, progress by progress, rep by rep, you’ll probably stop feeling like an imposter. And you’ll start to see yourself becoming the best version of you.
CULTIVATE & MOTIVATE
Tania Atkin
