Do you ever fear being uncovered as a fraud?
Doubt your abilities?
Feel like you don’t deserve success?
You are not alone…
Imposter Syndrome is common in both sexes (although more prevalent in women). Sheryl Sandberg, CEO of Facebook, talks of it in her book; Lady GaGa says she has to pinch herself to remind herself of how far she has come, Tom Hanks, Maya Angelou, Arianna Huffington and many other celebrities have spoken out about suffering with this issue.
It can literally stop you in your tracks, keep you playing small and stop you enjoying your well-earned success. With feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt you fear being uncovered and revealed as a fraud which can make you anxious and unable to push forwards with confidence and ease.
Imposter Syndrome or fraud complex as it’s sometimes known is uncomfortable and is stopping so many people from fully embracing their success. It’s a self-sabotaging behaviour which boils down to self-worth. The good news is that it can be overcome. Here are my 5 top tips:
- Acknowledge – when the imposter feeling creeps in it’s important to take a look at what’s going on and put things into perspective. Journaling can help to work through things. Note down the situation and how you are feeling, get it all out and down onto paper. Reading back through it can help to understand the triggers and what’s going on.
- Talk – You will not be the only one in your circle or business network feeling this way. Reach out to trusted friends and talk about how you are feeling. Chatting about what’s going on and being honest can start a conversation where you can be open with your fears.
- Understand – Know yourself well. By being aware of what your strengths and weaknesses are it helps you to be more confident in your abilities.
- Own it – celebrate your successes, be proud of what you have achieved. By focusing on what’s gone well you are opening up to the positives and boosting your confidence. I recommend having a notebook dedicated to your daily wins; it’s great to read when imposter syndrome strikes.
- Love – Boost your self-worth by treating yourself with more kindness and compassion, lose the perfectionism and enjoy your accomplishments.
Imposter syndrome affects people in all walks of life; some of the most confident people you meet might be struggling with it on some level so it’s worth remembering that we are all trying to figure it out!
