Do you worry that one day you’ll get found out? I wonder, do you know what I mean when I say that? Do you know what Imposter Syndrome is? Do you suffer from it?
Recently, I had an inspiring coaching session with one of my senior female clients. She shared a breakthrough moment – realising she deserved her new, more prominent role due to her competence, not mere luck.
This conversation brought to mind our earlier discussions on Imposter Syndrome, a common theme in my coaching sessions, especially with women. Imposter Syndrome manifests as a persistent fear that we’re not as capable as others perceive us to be, a nagging doubt about our abilities and a sense of being an undeserving fraud.
While both genders experience this, women often grapple with it more intensely, sometimes holding themselves back from new opportunities.
I vividly recall a conversation with a close friend years ago. Despite our successful careers in multinational corporations, we both admitted to feeling like we’d eventually be “found out.” This shared experience was my introduction to Imposter Syndrome.
It’s comforting to know that even high-achievers aren’t immune. Sheryl Sandberg candidly discusses feeling like a fraud in her book “Lean In.” and even the legendary actor Meryl Streep admits to self-doubt before new projects, questioning her acting abilities.
Imposter Syndrome can result in us underselling ourselves and not taking on new opportunities. If we believe we are not good enough it can have a negative impact on performance, it leads to a lack of self -confidence, anxiety or even depression. What can happen is that to cover up these feelings we might work extra hard or avoid situations where we might be ‘found out’. Maybe we chose easier tasks or stick at lower level jobs or avoid speaking up and sharing our ideas in meetings. It can mean we stay in our comfort zone rather than developing ourselves.
So how do we stop Imposter Syndrome?
Our beliefs and the way we think have a huge impact on how we behave. In recent years advances neuroscience have shown that we can literally re-wire our brains to help us think and behave differently, they actually grow and change during our lives. New attitudes lead to new behaviours, so the more we practice something the more it becomes our habitual response. The practice of a gratitude journal is a great example of this, it helps us focus on the positive aspects in our lives and builds a positive mindset.
If you’re battling Imposter Syndrome, you might want to consider these strategies:
- Recognise when it’s happening to you and be reassured we all feel like this sometimes
- Check how you are thinking, what messages are you sending yourself?
- Ask yourself ‘Was it really luck that got me here?’ ‘What did I acutally do?’
- Take a moment to remind yourself of your strengths – create a list and keep adding to it
- Recognise your achievements – think back over the years and list them all out
- Talk to a friend about it specific situations, see what she thinks, she probably sees it very differently from you
- Get a mentor or a coach – a sounding board
Imposter Syndrome is just one of many topics I address with my clients. If you’re struggling with self-doubt or seeking to boost your confidence, I’m here to help. An impartial sounding board can make a world of difference.
Remember, those nagging voices of self-doubt don’t define you. If you’d like support in managing these feelings and building your confidence, please contact me out. I’m here to help you on your journey to self-assurance and success.
Book in a call if you’d like to have a no obligation conversation about working together.