Crushing Imposter Syndrome: Your Guide to Unleashing Confidence
What is Imposter Syndrome?
We have all felt imposter syndrome, you walk into a room, look around see who is there, and feel like you do not belong. You feel like everyone around you deserves to be there and has done great things but have not. You may decide you do not deserve to be there or you think the people there have accomplished so much more than you have. You may have a fear that these people may realize that you do not know what you are talking about. When you feel this, it's important to recognize that you are not the only one who has felt this way. Everyone has felt like you do at some point in their life, everyone can relate to feeling like an imposter. It's important to recognize that you are not alone in feeling this way so that you can overcome it.
Imposter Syndrome is characterized by a feeling of self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy despite your accomplishments. This could be because you set high standards for yourself and you are afraid that any mistake or imperfection will expose you as a fraud. It may also be that you second-guess your accomplishments and attribute them to luck vs. your hard work. Whatever the reason is that you feel like an imposter, it's important that you figure out how to overcome it and succeed in the situation despite your reservations.
How do you overcome Imposter Syndrome?
Overcoming the feeling of being an imposter in the moment may be challenging but it will be worth it. Here are the top 3 things that helped me overcome this feeling in the past:
Become aware of your truth. If you were asked to be there and it's your first time at this type of event or meeting, realize that you were invited for a reason. You may not be as seasoned as the other people in the room but you belong there and you deserve a seat at the table just like everyone else does. The quicker you see your place, your value, and why you are there, the better you will feel.
Sometimes accepting that you may not be as accomplished makes you feel vulnerable. That vulnerability can be your key to connecting with others, depending on the situation. It's okay to share that this is your first time at this kind of event or meeting. It helps others relate to you. Why? Because they have been where you are, everyone has been the newbie at some point!
Acknowledge your feelings of self-doubt, then take time to reflect on what triggered you to feel like an imposter. When you catch yourself thinking negatively about your abilities or accomplishments, challenge those thoughts by reminding yourself of why you are there and what you have accomplished to get there.
Remember that Imposter Syndrome is a common feeling; it's up to you to transform it into a catalyst for personal and professional growth. By overcoming imposter syndrome, you can develop your confidence, improve your self-esteem, and turn moments of insecurity into opportunities for learning and growing.