Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Ever feel like a fraud, even when you’re totally crushing it? That’s imposter syndrome, and you’re not alone.
Ever feel like a fraud, even when you’re totally crushing it? That nagging voice in your head that whispers you’re not good enough, that any success you achieve is just luck, and that any moment now, everyone will figure out you’re a complete imposter? That’s imposter syndrome, and you’re not alone.
Countless high-achievers, from celebrated artists to successful CEOs, have struggled with these same feelings of not being good enough and self-doubt. It’s a sneaky confidence thief that can hold you back from truly recognising and embracing your worth.
The good news? We’ve got a whole heap of strategies to reclaim your confidence, and learn how to not just silence your inner critic, but turn it into a cheerleader.
The most important first step? Recognising the signs.
Imposter syndrome can sneak up on anyone, and recognising the signs is the first step to overcoming it. Do any of these sound familiar to you?
- • Self-Doubt: Self-doubt can make you second-guess your achievements and abilities, even when you have very clear evidence of your success.
- • Perfectionism: Perfectionism pushes you to set unrealistically high standards for yourself, and can make you feel like you must be flawless to be worthy.
- • Fear of Failure: The fear of failure can prevent you from taking risks or making the most of opportunities.
If you know what the signs are, you can start to overcome them. Here’s a few ways to start to do just that.
#1 Challenge Your Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts are imposter syndrome’s best friend – so it’s time to get some new friends!
Job to do: Whenever you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough,” reframe it to “I’m learning and growing every day.” This simple shift can make a world of difference.
It’s *SO* important to replace self-doubt with self-encouragement. When you recognise negative thoughts, actively challenge them. Remind yourself of your accomplishments and the skills you’ve developed. This shift in mindset can help start to get rid of the hold imposter syndrome has over you.
One of our best tips to remind yourself of the accomplishments and skills you’ve developed? Keep a Sunshine folder.
#2 Celebrate Allllll Your Achievements – No Matter How Big or Small
Imposter syndrome makes you forget how awesome you are (and that’s not what we want!). Celebrate every win, no matter how small. Start an achievement journal where you write down your accomplishments and reflect on them regularly. It’s a powerful reminder of exactly what you’re capable of.
By documenting your achievements, you create a tangible record of your progress (which can be a great tool to have on hand for any upcoming job interviews). This practice not only boosts your confidence but also provides a resource to turn to when self-doubt creeps in.
#3 Talk About It!
Talking about your feelings can lighten the load. Share your experiences with trusted friends or mentors and you’ll be surprised how many people feel the same way (we’ve definitely had our fair share of those feelings!). Sharing can help you realise you’re not alone and that your feelings are valid.
Not only that, but it can also lead to valuable insights from others who have faced similar challenges and give you insights and ideas for how they may have overcome their feelings too.
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By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can gradually move past your imposter syndrome and build a more confident, resilient self. Recognise your worth, celebrate your successes, and don’t be afraid to share your journey with others. And remember, you’re not in this alone.
Some of our favourite resources on Imposter Syndrome:
Mike Cannon-Brookes TED Talk – Mike shares how his own experiences of impostor syndrome helped pave the way to his success – and shows how you can use it to your advantage, too.
Yes! You Are Good Enough (By Trish Taylor) – A book that helps unravel our negative beliefs with a twenty-eight-point reset plan.
Christina Joy Whiteaker talks about imposter syndrome 2.0 and how to use the power of hope to navigate those feelings.
The Imposter Cure (By Dr Jessamy Hibberd) – Great expert advice to help you better understand the problem and overcome it, so you think differently, gain self-belief and learn to see yourself as others do.