I think many of us live with a belief that “success” looks a certain way, that reaching an elevated podium means you’ll be free of any worries or stresses. We assume there’s a light at the end of the tunnel where your life completely transforms, and you will never experience negativity again. And I believe this is why so many of us develop feelings of being an imposter, when we reach a certain point in our professional lives.
Imposter syndrome means feeling like you don’t belong at the level you’ve achieved. For example, you feel as if you don’t have an equivalent place alongside other business owners, professionals or entrepreneurs (often feeling inferior), or you don’t feel accomplished enough to work at a certain level in an organisation.
Other symptoms include:
• Sensitivity to criticism or small mistakes
• Perfectionism
• Overcompensating
• Setting impossibly high standards for yourself
• Isolating from team members
• Fear of success or failure
• Burnout from working too hard and trying to keep everyone happy
Getting to the source of these negative, limiting beliefs can be challenging. However, it helps to remember that every single person on this earth – no matter how much money is in their bank account – steps into this world on the same playing field. Our family situation and lifestyle impact the support we might receive but success doesn’t eliminate the challenges of everyday life. It also doesn’t only apply when you’ve surpassed everyone else.
Recognise that you will always have your own unique skills, knowledge and experience to bring to the table. Maybe it’s time to sit down and reflect on your own amazing achievements and really acknowledge them. This will reinforce your ability to trust your own judgement and decision making, which will boost your self-belief and bring more calm on the inside.
Ten top tips to help you overcome Imposter Syndrome:
Focus on the facts, not feelings, self-doubt is often linked to underlying fear and worry
Re-ignite your journey of learning with work colleagues and others in your life
Overcome negative thoughts with evidence of your accomplishments
Stop putting yourself down – replace these messages with kind, compassionate self- support
Acknowledge any negative feelings and then release them
Share with someone who is trustworthy and supportive
Get clarity and create boundaries in your life so you can enjoy things more
Focus on your own goals, avoid getting caught up in comparison with others
Celebrate your wins
Find a coach or mentor for accountability and support
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Image used: Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-looking-at-sunset-247195/