Many people feel a sense of shame and embarrassment because they seem to have ‘lost their confidence’ somewhere along their career or life journey.

It’s as though it just got up and left.

But more often than not, it’s a bad habit of second guessing themselves and continually waiting to be ‘found out’. Yes, the famous (and sneaky) imposter syndrome striking again.

What is imposter syndrome anyway?

Do you ever feel like you are going to get found out for not being quite as good as everyone thinks you are? Or do you dismiss your accomplishments as “no big deal” or “If I can do it, anybody can”?
Do you agonise over even the smallest flaws in your work or beat yourself up when you make a mistake? Even when you do succeed, do you think to yourself it is only a matter of time before they really find out I’m not that good?
Let me introduce you to ‘Imposter Syndrome’.

“Imposter Syndrome is when genuinely successful & accomplished people discount their achievements and feel constantly terrified that people will “find out” that they’re a fraud”

It is why so many smart, capable, successful people feel like intellectual frauds who are merely impersonating a competent person and staggeringly, up to 70% of us have suffered from imposter syndrome at some point in our lives.

If you find your self-confidence eroding as you get further on in your career, it might just be this at play.

Why do we feel this way?

Psychologists Suzanne Imes, PhD, and Pauline Rose Clance, PhD, were the first to describe impostor syndrome in the 1970s. Essentially it means you are unable to internalise your accomplishments, despite evidence to the contrary.

Others are more sceptical and argue that it is better described as a presentational strategy and nothing more than a way for individuals to “downplay expectations and feign modesty”.

Whatever your views, the effect of it can be very damaging when felt strongly.

For some, the feeling of being an imposter and the fear that people will find out your secret, can be very compelling. In such cases, individuals start to feel they don’t deserve the rewards and resist any sort of recognition or praise. It can also lead to lots of time and effort being wasted in extended preparation for all sorts of things from a presentation to a team meeting – to an almost obsessive level.

Equally, for some it may result in the opposite behaviour where they actually set themselves up to fail by under preparing and putting off things they could be doing until the very last minute with the view that if they fail then they can put it down to a lack or readiness rather than their actual ability.

So what can we do about it?

If you have impostor feelings, this does not mean that you are stuck with them forever. There are some steps that you can take to reduce those feelings and address them head on when they surface.

Talk

It’s okay to feel scared and some self-doubt is totally normal. Letting feelings of self-doubt and unworthiness go unchecked, however, is where we get into trouble. It’s that negative self-talk that actually creates an environment conducive to failure and stress.

Attribute your success to your hard work

This kind of thinking makes it impossible for you to feel like you’ve ever achieved anything. You work hard, you deserve to acknowledge the work that you do. Own what you do, own how you do it, and respect yourself for trying.

Stop trying to be perfect

The ‘dangers’ of perfectionism and how that can hold us back are well documented and Impostor syndrome and perfectionism go hand-in-hand. Always being self-critical and striving for that perfect strategy, presentation, meeting or whatever else it might be can become self-fulfilling and increases the feelings of fraudulence.

Let go of perfectionism and remind yourself that done well (not perfectly) is better than not done at all!

Believe in yourself

Take a moment to appreciate your achievements and what you’ve accomplished over the years. It’s too easy to remain humble and forget what you’ve built and the talent that lives inside you.

When you’re feeling low or like an imposter, be mindful of that feeling and identify what’s made you feel that way. Once you know the root, you can think of the best way to approach and combat the feeling.

Become open and receptive to praise and recognition and take it as it is meant. Remind yourself of the fact that you are an amazing, inspiring individual who has worked hard to achieve success.

And finally,

As with any kind of ingrained thinking, personality trait, or state of mind—this doesn’t change overnight. Making adjustments to the way you think about yourself, and your work involves a lot of steps and consistent practice. You may also need support and accountability to get you started.

Get really clear on the recurring thoughts you are having daily by doing regular thought reflections. See which are the most common thoughts you are having and decide if they are serving you or not. Pay really close attention, because these thoughts are the exact reason you have the life and results you have right now.

Reaching out for help can enable you to release the negative thoughts for more positive, motivating ones. Affirmations (positive thoughts you think over and over again), can really help but they must be thoughts you believe in.

This is the secret to overcoming the sneaky imposter syndrome. We can’t make it go away altogether but we can stop it running the show.
Deep down you really do know you’re smart – or at least smart enough! With the right thoughts, beliefs and a willingness to lean in to a ‘new’ you; the future version of you will realise that confidence comes from within.

You have to be willing to let go of the old habits and behaviours, the old thoughts that don’t serve you anymore, and replace them with new ones.