So, you think you have Imposter Syndrome?
Do you:
Fear you can’t accomplish what others expect?
Have a hard time acknowledging recognition for your achievements?
Experience a cycle of self doubt and self sabotage?
You may feel some relief to know that you’re not the only one.
I sometimes feel that I’m not quite good enough, worthy enough or interesting enough to be standing up in front of audiences sharing my experience and insights on change, and the strategies needed to embrace it.
But, I challenge you to find me someone who is authentic and genuine who doesn’t feel this way, however successful they are. Ask yourself do you really want to work with someone who is so confident in their abilities they don’t feel like they’ve got anything left to learn?
What is imposter syndrome?
‘the persistent inability to believe that your success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of your own efforts or skills.’
Imposter syndrome as a negative
The fear of backlash and being ‘found out to be an imposter’ can prevent people sharing their ideas or making a change to their lives. This fear can, without a doubt, hold us back from fulfilling our potential and living out our dreams.
Imposter syndrome as a sign of success
After spending three years in Montreal establishing the city’s first entrepreneurial hub, I’ve returned to the UK and altered my business offering. I have pivoted my business away from supporting people who are having to adapt to living and working in or with a different culture, to supporting female entrepreneurs and leaders. To give them a confident voice, to help them boost their resilience, to equip them with the techniques to go out there and to achieve their vision of success.
The way I work remains the same. I still use my expertise in training and coaching to prepare people emotionally to cope with the challenges of change, but I’ve adapted the content and the sector is new. I’m using my existing strengths and applying them to a new task to take myself out of my comfort zone (sometimes even into my terror zone). I’m having to fake it until I make it – and that brings with it moments of self doubt and feelings that I don’t have a right to play in that space.
If you are ambitious, talented and have an interest in personal growth, you will be constantly pushing yourself into new areas. When things are new, it’s human nature not to feel completely at ease or like we don’t belong. If we’re not an imposter, could it be that we are too firmly in our comfort zone and it might be time to move on? But how can we embrace our imposter and rise to the challenge?
Ways to embrace your imposter and empower yourself to rise to the challenge
Talk about it.
Ask for feedback.
Start now, perfect later.
Adopt a positive mindset.
Ask for help.
Fake it until you make it.
Don’t wait to feel confident before putting yourself out there.
Remember that courage comes from taking risks.
Make the change you want first, and then allow your confidence to build.
Talent helps, but ultimately what makes us successful is hard work. Practise really does make perfect!
Finally, I have some effective tools and techniques to help you master these steps and free your path ahead so you can proceed to succeed! To learn more about them feel free to get in touch and book in a free discovery call.
Has this blog inspired a different way of thinking? Share your insights in the comments below.
Think this article might be useful for someone else? Please share it!