Imposter syndrome is a common psychological hurdle that many people face, where they doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a “fraud.” It’s a sneaky mind trap that can hold back even the most successful individuals by making them believe they’re not as competent as others perceive them to be. But here’s the good news: overcoming imposter syndrome is possible, and it starts with understanding and addressing the underlying thoughts and behaviours.
If you suffer from Impostor Syndrome, you are most definitely not alone.
“I still have a little impostor syndrome… It doesn’t go away, that feeling that you shouldn’t take me that seriously. What do I know? I share that with you because we all have doubts in our abilities, about our power and what that power is.” Michelle Obama
Whenever I have feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt I try to remember:
- I can’t know how to do everything, it’s OK to ask for HELP
- I don’t have to be the best at all the things, I just need to know people who are
- If I’ve spent years acquiring this experience/skill/knowledge, then logically, I do actually know what I’m talking about.
- I have encountered many obstacles in my life. I have dealt with every single one, so I can deal with more of them.
- It doesn’t matter if I feel this way as long as it doesn’t prevent me from moving forward and doing the things I want to do.
PRACTICAL STEPS
- Recognize and acknowledge your feelings
- Reframe negative thoughts
- Keep an achievement journal
- Assess your strengths and weaknesses, because you’re not good at everything
- Build a support network
- Reframe from words like “mistakes” and “failures”
- Be kind to yourself
- Set realistic goals to build resilience
- Work on it
Embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve. See challenges as chances to grow rather than as threats to your identity as a competent individual. When I get stuck I ask myself:
- Am just I tired?
- Am I just having a bad day?
- Is this thought/feeling true?
- Am I making this into a big deal when it isn’t?
- Do I just need a break?
THIS USUALLY BRINGS ME BACK TO REALITY.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey of self-discovery and self-compassion. It involves recognizing your worth, celebrating your accomplishments, and understanding that perfection is not the goal—continuous growth and learning are. So, take a deep breath, give yourself credit where it’s due, and step forward with confidence.
You’ve got this!
I have a passion for making order out of chaotic numbers and papers. With 20 years experience, I have mastered getting those admin ducks to obey and stay in their rows.
