If you have attended one of my group workshops or engaged me for personal coaching sessions, you will likely have heard me refer to the “impostor syndrome.” Watch this short video where I explain what the “impostor syndrome” is and hear about my strategies to help you overcome it. In short, impostor syndrome is the persistent feeling of being a fraud, despite evidence of your competence. The term was coined by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes in their 1978 paper, “The Impostor Phenomenon in High Achieving Women.” This syndrome is estimated to affect approximately 70% of professionals at some point in their careers. Individuals experiencing impostor syndrome often attribute their successes to luck or external factors, rather than their own abilities.
Why It Happens
Impostor syndrome isn’t a formal mental health diagnosis, but it can lead to anxiety, burnout, and depression if left unaddressed. It can stem from perfectionism, unrealistic self-expectations, or societal pressures. Notably, it has been observed in high-achieving individuals across various fields, including women, minorities, and entrepreneurs.
5 Practical Strategies to Overcome It
In addition to what I cover in the video I previously included, here are some helpful reminders:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize that impostor feelings are common and don’t reflect your actual abilities. Tracking these feelings can help identify patterns, trigger points, and reduce their impact.
- Celebrate Your Achievements: Keep a “success file” with positive feedback and accomplishments. Reviewing this can reinforce your capabilities and counteract self-doubt.
- Seek Support: Connect with mentors or peers who can provide honest, objective, and positive perspectives and encouragement. Sharing experiences can help you realize you’re not alone.
- Reframe Negative Thoughts: Challenge self-critical thoughts by focusing on facts and evidence of your competence. This can help shift your mindset from self-doubt to self-assurance.
- Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: View errors as part of the learning process, not as evidence of inadequacy. This mindset can reduce fear of failure and promote growth.
Watch this insightful TED-Ed video and reflect on what you can do today to beat these feelings.
If you know me well, you’ve likely heard me say, “You are better than you think you are!”
Is it time for you to take ownership of your abilities?
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