Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
So many times, when we are spotlighting leaders, we hear them say something like, "I am fortunate to be in this position." "This was lucky timing for me." "I am lucky to have had that person as my boss."
Have you ever felt like you were "lucky"? Why do you think this happened to you and not someone else? Maybe, just maybe, you are right. And you were lucky. But more likely, you are suffering from imposter syndrome.
“Imposter syndrome is a psychological term referring to a pattern of behavior where people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent, often internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. They call their success luck or good timing and dismiss it as others’ believing they were better, more intelligent, and more competent than they are. And while yes, early research from the psychologists’ work focused on high-achieving women, the syndrome has been found to impact men and women in roughly equal numbers.
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While imposter syndrome is the new buzz word, the reality is, it can show up in many real ways and shake our confidence. If you have ever been disappointed in a present accomplishment and thought that you should have accomplished more, or if you discount the importance of something you've accomplished, there is a chance that you too may suffer from imposter syndrome.
The good news is, you can overcome imposter syndrome. And here are three ways to do so.
Think of a success that you have had. Write it down. Now write down the ways that YOU contributed to that success.
Write down your values. Now think about and write down why they are essential to you. How do your values align with and show up in your work?
Think about the voice inside your head that tells you that you can't do something, or you are not as good as you need to be. What positive affirmation do you wish a good friend would tell you at that moment? Now write it down. Find a place to keep it close by so you can be that good friend and reminder for yourself!
Mine is, "You are brave!" One time early on in my career, I listened to the voice in my head. I only had 90% of the qualifications on the job posting, and I sat at my desk at a job I was bored in while I read the email announcement that someone significantly less qualified than me, let's call him Alex, had gotten the position. Why did Alex get the job and not me? Because HE APPLIED. I had thought about applying several times. Each time the voice in my head told me I wasn't good enough, I didn't have enough experience, or I didn't have the third bullet in the second paragraph on the posting, and certainly, I would be found out. Alex did at least one thing better than me. He found a way to combat his imposter syndrome.
When dealing with imposter syndrome, know that it isn’t just you, everyone experiences this feeling regardless of title. When you apply these mindful techniques you have the power to understand, acknowledge and take the steps to overcome the lack you are feeling.
You are worth it. You are valued. You are capable. You've got this! Check our free career development guide for additional ideas of how to build a corporate career you deserve.
Credit: Psychology Today