What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome was defined by Clance and Imes as “a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments, and has a persistent internalised fear of being exposed as a “fraud”
Ever had moments like that?
Asked “why you are asking me?” (even if its only in your head)
Been pleasantly surprised when someone else describes you in a positive way e.g. she’s the expert on, he’s the leader in his field etc?
So do you have Imposter Syndrome?
There is a nice 1-minute quiz available online worth taking but I suspect you know if you have it, even if occasionally.
It isn’t something you might suffer from all of the time – it can be occassionall, only prevelant in certain conditions or with certain people.
I had it recently, a long-standing client of mine said to a colleague “what Blake doesn’t know about the training marketplace isn’t worth knowing“. I made a joke it but she insisted. When I left the meeting I thought about it more, let it sink in and accept her words as true because I do know the marketplace and I have over 15 years experienced in my field.
What can you do overcome imposter syndrome?
The best people have it – accordingly to research, those people who suffer from it are more likely to be successful – you are in a good group.
Accept that you’ve been responsible for your own success – you have worked hard to get to the position you are in.
Remind yourself of the compliments you receive – keep them in a book, in a picture frame or your head but keep them
Stop the comparison to others – you are unique and have talents they don’t.
Accept it – realise you are going through imposter syndrome thoughts
Focus on what you can do – not what you can’t. Get a pen and paper and write out everything you do really well.
Take action – this can be hard sometimes with new and daunting tasks but once you are going things get easier. Momentum leads to motivation and;
Progress is perfection – A favourite saying of mine. When you start something new it’s not going to be perfect but keep going and results will improve.
Talk it out – be honest with someone you trust and share your feelings. You’ll receive support, some guidance and perhaps meet a fellow sufferer.
Visualise your success – know your goal and keep focused on it.
Remember everyone successful was in your position – everyone that is successful has been in your position in their lives. They became successful because they recognised their feelings but pushed on.
Use coaching and mentoring – working with a coach and/or mentor can be fantastic at allowing you to overcome these feelings and start believing.
If are struggling with imposter syndrome and would benefit from working with a coach or mentor get in touch. Email us info@optimuslearningservices.com or call 0845 519 7408.
