Imposter Syndrome can be defined as an internal experience which may cause an individual to:
- Doubt their skills, talents and accomplishments
- Fear that they are going to be exposed as being a ‘fraud’
- Question their competence, causing a lack of motivation
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Imposter Syndrome is a very natural phenomenon which affects 70% of people during their lifetime. So, how do we deal with it? Here’s some tips:
1. Learn to know the signs of imposter syndrome. This will help you understand that these thoughts and emotions are not a true reflection of how you perceive yourself
2. When an imposter syndrome thought enters your mind, try to remind yourself how far you’ve come and the skills that got you here
3. Seek support from friends and family who will honestly tell you how capable you are at what you’re doing
4. Look at positive client / peer feedback. If what you’re doing has impacted your business or place of work positively then you’re doing it right!
5. Know you’re not alone. More than half of people will experience these feelings during their lifetime, it’s completely normal
6. Embrace the feeling. Imposter syndrome usually appears to those who are about to take a risk or have accomplished something. After all, great things don’t come from comfort zones! Welcome the feeling as a sign that you’re pushing yourself and a reminder that you’re doing GREAT!
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