In the wide realm of today’s workplaces, where aspirations converge with opportunities, a subtle yet potent adversary often lurks, the imposter syndrome.
This phenomenon is capable of affecting you regardless of your career achievements, and can impede your self-assuredness and professional growth. Nevertheless, armed with awareness and effective strategies, you can challenge the imposter syndrome and chart a course towards success.
The imposter syndrome can be likened to a shadow that hides your accomplishments, sowing seeds of doubt in your abilities and attributing successes to luck or external factors. In areas where competition is tough (real/perceived) and expectations are high, feelings of inadequacy can readily take root. Recognising signs of the imposter syndrome is pivotal to disrupting it.
Frequent belittling of your achievements or a continual sense of being ill-equipped for a role are common indicators. The fear of exposure and apprehension about others discovering your perceived shortcomings often accompany these feelings.
Disrupting the imposter syndrome begins by acknowledging your achievements, a practice that may seem counterintuitive if you value modesty. Keeping a record of your successes (micro, small, medium and large) and revisiting them regularly serves as a reminder of your capabilities.
Shifting your internal dialogue is the first and most important step. Aiming to replace negative self-talk by re-affirming your value. Seeking support and/or insights from those around you can provide valuable perspectives.
Setting achievable goals is another effective approach.
Splitting your objectives into smaller, manageable steps not only aligns with the principles of building resilience, it will also bolster your self-confidence as milestones are achieved.
Accepting missteps along the way as a natural part of growth is essential. They are great opportunities for learning. From this you can refine your skills and change the storyline that mistakes define one’s worth.
Cultivating self-compassion is equally crucial. Extending the same kindness and understanding to yourself as you would offer to others will help you to build resilience. Perfection, in my opinion, is a perspective. Being you and being the best you can and want to be is a great way to build compassion for yourself.
If you’re the kind of person who is more visual, perhaps you can reshape your perceptions of yourself with visual imagery. Try imagining yourself being truly excellent at something. I do this every day when I walk the dog around the block – I visualise myself achieving my life goals. Right now my biggest goal is to coach people, like you, to be the best they can be, and to do it in a way that feels right for you.
When was the last time you invested in yourself with professional development? I spent many years ignoring myself and didn’t help myself to advance. Enrolling in workshops, courses, or seminars to enhance your skills can lead to increased self-assuredness and resilience against the imposter syndrome. A plug here for our “Know Your Worth” program. This program equips you with the tools to not only assess your skills and strengths but also to confidently navigate the intricacies of the professional landscape and demonstrate to yourself and those around you the value of you as an asset.
Appreciating progress over perfection is a great way of thinking about your growth. Engaging a coach can be a game-changer for people grappling with the imposter syndrome. We bring an unbiased perspective, helping you objectively assess your strengths and accomplishments, thereby countering self-doubt.
