5 Keys to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a condition where people feel like they’re not good enough or qualified for their position, despite evidence to the contrary. It’s common among high-achieving women, and it can have a negative impact on their career development.
Imposter syndrome doesn’t just affect women at work. It can also show up at home, in our relationships, and in our own lives. When we feel like we’re not good enough, or that we’re somehow frauds, we’re constantly living in fear of being exposed as the imposters that we think we are. It’s not just about not being good enough at work. We might strive to be perfect partners, mothers, and homemakers, believing that any flaw will reflect badly on us.
Imposter syndrome can hold us back from reaching our full potential because we’re always second-guessing ourselves. We might not apply for that promotion, or ask for that raise, because we don’t think we’re good enough. We might not put ourselves out there, because we’re afraid of being rejected. But imposter syndrome is a mental construct, and it’s one that we can learn to overcome. We are good enough, and we are worthy of success.
Here’s how to overcome imposter syndrome and start moving forward in your career and life.
1. Recognize that imposter syndrome is real.
The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is to recognize that it’s a real phenomenon. Imposter syndrome is often described as an “internal experience of being a fraud.” If you’re feeling like you’re not good enough or don’t deserve your success, those are telltale signs of imposter syndrome.
It’s a pervasive feeling of self-doubt that creeps in when you’re tasked with something new, leaving you feeling like a fraud who’s just waiting to be exposed. And it’s not just imposter syndrome-stress, anxiety, and depression can all lead to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. But imposter syndrome is different in that it’s driven by a fear of failure-or more specifically, a fear of not being able to live up to your own high standards.
2. Acknowledge your accomplishments.
One of the best ways to counter imposter syndrome is to take a step back and acknowledge your accomplishments. Make a list of everything you’ve achieved in your career so far, no matter how big or small. Seeing your successes in writing will help remind you that you are capable and deserving of your current role.
All too often, we downplay our accomplishments by convincing ourselves that anyone could have done what we did. We brush off compliments and chalk up our success to luck. Recognizing and accepting our accomplishments is an important step in building self-efficacy – the belief that we are capable of meeting our goals.
When we take the time to celebrate our successes, we build our confidence and remind ourselves that we are worthy of good things. This, in turn, makes us more likely to take risks and push ourselves outside our comfort zones. So don’t be afraid to pat yourself on the back every now and then – your future self will thank you for it.
3. Seek out mentors and sponsors.
Another way to overcome imposter syndrome is to seek out mentors and sponsors who can provide guidance and support. Having someone who believes in you and your abilities can be incredibly helpful when self-doubt starts creeping in. Mentors and sponsors can also help open doors to new opportunities and give advice on how to navigate difficult situations.
A mentor is someone who can help you see the potential in yourself when you may not be able to see it in yourself. A good mentor will also challenge you to reach that potential by pushing you outside of your comfort zone.
People with imposter syndrome often benefit from having a mentor because they can help to reframe your thinking and give you the confidence boost you need to pursue your dreams. I believe that everyone should have a mentor because they can be incredibly beneficial to your personal development and growth. Having someone in your life who believes in you can make all the difference.
4. Talk about it with someone you trust.
If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, it can be helpful to talk about it with someone you trust—preferably someone who’s gone through a similar experience themselves. Talking openly about these feelings can help dissipate their power and make them more manageable. It can also help to remind yourself that everyone experiences self-doubt at some point in their career.
Too often, we suffer in silence, convinced that admitting our struggles means we’re weak or flawed. But the truth is that talking about our struggles is an important part of getting past them. By opening up about what we’re going through, we can gain empathy and understanding from others.
We can also find comfort in knowing that we’re not alone. Additionally, talking about our struggles can help us to create a realistic picture of what we’re dealing with. This can be especially helpful when it comes to tackling imposter syndrome. When we give voice to our doubts and fears, they often seem smaller and more manageable.
5. Be kind to yourself.
Finally, remember to be gentle with yourself as you work through these feelings of self-doubt—imposter syndrome can be tough to shake off completely, but that doesn’t mean you’re not qualified for your job or capable of achieving great things. Cut yourself some slack every once in awhile—you deserve it!
We live in a world that is constantly telling us to push harder, do more, and be better. It’s no wonder that so many of us struggle with imposter syndrome and a general sense of not being good enough. But what if we were kinder to ourselves? What if we gave ourselves the same grace and compassion that we so easily extend to others?
Self-compassion is a critical aspect of emotional healing and personal growth. It allows us to accept our shortcomings and mistakes without beating ourselves up about them. It also helps us to forgive ourselves and move on from past hurts. Perhaps most importantly, self-compassion gives us the strength to keep going even when things are tough.
Even though imposter syndrome is common, that doesn’t mean it’s something you have to live with forever. If you work these five keys into everyday practice, you can overcome imposter syndrome and start moving toward more joyful living.
If you need more help and support, consider joining my women’s wellness program, “Choosing You.” You can learn more about the program here.
