Impostor syndrome – true or false?

Does it ever feel like your family, friends or colleagues are going to discover you’re a fraud and that you don’t actually deserve your job and accomplishments?

Don’t feel alone! According to an article published in the International Journal of Behavioral Science, about 70% of people experience these impostor feelings at some point in their lives. And it affects all kinds of people from all parts of life.

Impostor syndrome is not a mental illness, but rather the results of underlying beliefs like I am not good enough, emotions like fear, anxiety or doubt, or negative self-talk.

Common symptoms of impostor syndrome include: lack of self-confidence, feeling that you are inadequate, constant comparison to other people, anxiety, self-doubt, distrust in your own capabilities, negative self-talk, irrational fears about the future and dwelling on the past.

The BIG question: How to overcome impostor syndrome?

1. Become aware of your feelings and thoughts

We are so often caught up in all the actions that we need to take that we do not pause to observe our feelings and thoughts. Make a habit of pausing every few hours to identify what you have kept your mind busy with and how it makes you feel. You will soon realise what type of thoughts give rise to the less desirable feelings.

2. Positive self-talk

As you become more and more aware of the conversation going on in your head when you are in a situation that triggers your impostor feelings, you can consciously change the internal messaging by telling yourself things like: Everyone who starts something new feels a bit uncertain in the beginning. I may not know all the answers but I am smart enough to find them. Everyone here is brilliant and I am going to learn a lot from all of them.

And say these positive messages out loud! You will be surprised how good it feels.

3. Share your feelings

Perhaps share your feelings with a close friend of colleague. If 70% of people experience impostor feelings at some point in their lives, it means that more than two out of three people around you have similar feelings. Just by saying it out loud will already make you feel better.

4. Comparison

It is a good idea to compare your expectations of yourself with your peers. This will assist you in making sure that your personal expectations are realistic and achievable.

Recognise that you have just as much right as the next person to be wrong or have an off-day.

5. Ask when you need help

Many of us feel that asking for help is a sign of being less perfect. It is important to ask for help when needed. It is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of maturity.

6. Focus on the positive

Often, feeling like an impostor, makes you work harder. So, continue to strive for excellence when it matters most, but do not persevere over routine tasks and forgive yourself when the inevitable mistake happens.

7. Visualise the successful you

Visualise success. See yourself being calm and collected, and on top of your game. Before any important meeting, task, etc. you can visualise how it will play out in a positive way. The more you do this, the better you will become.

You can even spend a few seconds each morning and evening to visualise this successful you and before you know it you will become successful in your mind. Whatever your mind can conceive, you can achieve!

More about me: I am a Leadership and certified Master Life Transformation Coach specialising in coaching you to achieve a transformed personal life and a transformed work-life. In addition, I also practise Hypnosis as a separate modality or as a blend with Coaching. All my programs and sessions are custom-made for your needs.