Are you struggling with Imposter Syndrome?
Let’s first start by defining it. Imposter syndrome is defined as a psychological phenomenon where you doubt your own success and accomplishments.
If you are experiencing imposter syndrome, you may have a fear of being exposed as a “fraud.” Despite kudos from others, and clear evidence of your track record of achievement, you may brush off the praise believing you don’t deserve the recognition. You might downplay your success and attribute it to luck, the team, your boss or other external factors rather than accepting the compliments. This struggle can lead to anxiety, stress, and a lack of confidence, which may hinder your personal and professional growth.
I personally felt imposter syndrome early in my career believing that because I didn’t attend the right college, have the right network, or just because I was a girl in a tech dominated industry, I wasn’t worthy to speak up or share my opinions.
What to do to overcome Imposter Syndrome?
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is recognizing and acknowledging your feelings. Understand that it’s a common experience and that many successful people have dealt with similar feelings.
- Talk About It: Sharing your thoughts and feelings with trusted friends, family, or a mentor can provide perspective and reassurance. Often, just verbalizing your fears can diminish their power over you.
- Celebrate Your Achievements: Take time to reflect on and celebrate your accomplishments. Keep a record of your successes, big and small, to remind yourself of your capabilities and progress and refer to those achievements when you begin doubting yourself.
- Challenge Your Inner Critic: When you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts or doubting your abilities, challenge those thoughts. Ask yourself if there is real evidence to support your doubts, or if they are unfounded fears. Tell yourself “I am a badass”! “I have a right to be “at the table” with my peers”.
- Set Realistic Goals: Break down your goals into manageable steps and set realistic expectations for yourself. This can help you see your progress and build confidence gradually. Put it on a visual timeline in your office, so you can track where you were and how far you’ve come!
- Seek Professional Help: If imposter syndrome is significantly impacting your life, consider speaking with a therapist or counselor. They can provide strategies and support to help you manage your feelings.
- Develop a Support Network: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people at work who can provide encouragement and constructive feedback. This network can help reinforce your self-worth and remind you of your capabilities. Sometimes just reaching out and asking someone to give you a pep talk is all you need.
By taking these steps, you can begin to shift your mindset, embrace your achievements, and build the confidence needed to overcome imposter syndrome.
Stay awesome and know you make the world a better place!
Lisa, Co-Founder
