Imposter Syndrome: The Ultimate Confidence Crusher
Have you ever had the thought creep up that you’re just “not good enough” or been afraid of being “found out”? Well, that sneaky devil is called imposter syndrome and it can put a major damper on your self-confidence. Imposter syndrome is an internal struggle between achieving success and feeling like a fraud. When dealing with it, you typically doubt your own accomplishments and feel as though you don’t deserve them. You attribute your successes to things such as luck or good timing.
Please know that you’re not alone here. This feeling of self-doubt is common and something many of us deal with, particularly in the workplace. Even high profile figures, actresses, and celebrities such as Arianna Huffington, Tina Fey, Kate Winslet, and Lady Gaga have all admitted to struggling with imposter syndrome. It’s a key reason for lack of confidence and can hold us back from pursuing our dreams and goals. Well, the good news is, there are ways to manage it.
Here are 6 tips to help you break free from these negative thoughts, recognize your worth, and squash the idea of being an imposter.
1. Track and label your thoughts
The first step to letting go of imposter syndrome is to be aware of when these thoughts pop up. It’s important to acknowledge your thoughts and put them into perspective. When they show up, pause for a moment and ask yourself these questions: What situation am I in? What am I telling myself? Why am I reacting this way? Then label these thoughts and tell yourself, “oh that’s just my imposter syndrome talking.” Acknowledging and labeling these limiting beliefs will help you to reframe these negative thoughts into positive ones.
2. Share your feelings
Remember that many of us struggle with imposter syndrome and that the thoughts you’re having are completely normal and common. Seek support and have an open dialogue with others about how you’re feeling. Do your best to open up to friends and family and be vulnerable. You’ll be surprised at how relatable the topic is and connecting and validating your feelings with others will build your confidence.
3. Write down your wins
Little reminders of your achievements and skills will go a long way in helping you move past imposter syndrome. Keep a journal and regularly write down what you’ve accomplished even if it seems small. We tend to forget our “wins” and seeing a list of everything you’ve done will validate how far you’ve come and give you that confidence boost whenever you need it.
4. Replace fear with excitement
When put in a situation outside your comfort zone, which is a key trigger for the imposter syndrome to show up, convert that feeling of fear into excitement. Do you have to give a work presentation and are terrified to speak in front of a large group of people? Negative thoughts such as, “they must have been short on candidates and I’m no expert to speak on the topic” might start to pop up. Well, instead, think of the opportunity as an empowering and exciting challenge. Channel all the pent up nervous energy into excitement. In fact, the physical aspect of feeling excited will make you sharper and put you more at ease.
5. Decide to be confident
Make a choice to be a confident woman. This is your life and you are in the driver’s seat. Tell yourself you are confident and you will become it. Sounds easier said than done, but by consciously choosing confidence, you will eventually believe what you’re saying and you will own its truth. Visualize your success and who you want to become. Having a high level of self-esteem and confidence will quiet any thoughts of the imposter syndrome.
6. Be kind to yourself
Your mistakes do not define who you are and it’s time to stop putting so much pressure on yourself. You must learn from your faults, forgive yourself, and move forward. Take what you’ve learned and use that as motivation to grow into your best self. Give yourself more grace and realize that no one is perfect. Even on your most challenging days being kind to yourself will help you come out on top.
Next time imposter syndrome creeps up, say hello and then tell her it’s time to quiet down. The more we can acknowledge and normalize imposter syndrome, the better we’ll be able to manage it. Know that this fear of being exposed isn’t real and give yourself all the credit you deserve. You are stronger than you think.