We all have that one friend we consider brilliant but who seems to be flying a little low. When good opportunities come their way, they hold back by saying things like, “I’m not ready” or “I don’t think I’m at that level yet”. If they do key into such opportunities, they are riddled with concerns about them biting more than they can chew or not doing enough. Meanwhile, the people who get to do the exact things they are not allowing themselves to do keep reaching out to that our guy for advice on how to do this or that.
Sometimes we’re ‘that friend’ and that internal struggle that causes us to hold back is called imposter syndrome.
Overcoming impostor syndrome can be difficult but it is possible. Here are some practical ‘hacks’ to help you manage or even overcome it:
- Acknowledge the Feelings: Recognise and admit that you might be experiencing imposter syndrome. Understanding that these feelings are common and can affect anyone can be the first step in overcoming them.
- Separate Feelings from Fact: Challenge the validity of your impostor feelings. Are your thoughts based on facts or just feelings? Often, the fear of being a “fraud” is not supported by evidence and analysing this can help put your mind at ease.
- Stop Comparing Yourself to Others: Everyone’s path is unique, including yours. Comparing your journey or your achievements to others can often feed into impostor syndrome. Focus on your growth and goals.
- Assess Your Accomplishments: Keep a record of your achievements and positive feedback. Reviewing this regularly can help you internalise your successes and realise that your place and achievements are well-deserved.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Perfection is unattainable. Set achievable goals and forgive yourself when things don’t go as planned. Understand that making mistakes and not knowing everything is a part of learning and growth.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing and celebrating small milestones is crucial. It builds confidence and reinforces the fact that your success is earned and deserved.
- Develop a Positive Response to Failure: See mistakes as a learning opportunity rather than evidence of your inadequacies. Changing how you view failure can help diminish the power of imposter syndrome.
- Educate Yourself: Sometimes, feelings of inadequacy can stem from an actual skill gap. Identify these areas and take steps to develop yourself (I posted about upskilling recently. You can check it out here). This proactive approach can boost your confidence and skills.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Imposter syndrome often brings with it a level of self-criticism that can be paralysing. Learning to treat yourself with compassion and understanding is crucial in overcoming these feelings.
- Seek Professional Help: If imposter feelings are overwhelming and affect your mental health or job performance, consider speaking with a therapist or counsellor who can provide professional support and strategies.
Doing the above may not eliminate imposter feelings overnight, but it’s a good place to start. Over time, consistent effort should significantly reduce their impact and frequency and you’ll start feeling more entitled to your successes and secure in your position.
Cheers!
