When I say imposter syndrome, what comes up for you? What are your thoughts and feelings on this topic?
Do you get a feeling of recognition in the pit of your stomach? Or perhaps it’s more curiosity – What does it mean? How does it show up?
Imposter syndrome can appear in different ways and we don’t always call it that.
What we see is procrastination, self-doubt, risk avoidance, delayed decision-making, and being super-critical of yourself and others – do any of these sound familiar?
These are topics that often come up in coaching sessions. Experiencing these behaviors makes it difficult to progress and it’s important to find a way to overcome them.
It’s important to know that imposter syndrome often shows up when you’re doing well and being called to the next challenge. If you weren’t doing something hard, it wouldn’t show up!
So let’s discuss imposter syndrome and how to beat it, so you can achieve your goals with ease and confidence.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon where individuals feel like they’re not good enough, despite evidence to the contrary.
People suffering from this syndrome are often successful, have achieved many things and are seen as talented experts, but they often feel like they’re winging it. They live in fear that they’ll be found out, that a big failure is just around the corner and something is going to get really messed up because of this.
It can lead to perfectionism and procrastination, as well as feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. It can also manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches, brought on by stress.
How to Recognize the Signs of Imposter Syndrome
There are various signs that can help you recognize when imposter syndrome is taking hold.
- Fear of being “found out” — Feeling like you don’t belong or like a fraud in your current position. With this fear, you may feel like your success is only temporary or based on luck and not on actual ability.
- Paralysis — You may find yourself unable to move forward due to feelings of doubt or fear.
- Over-focus on mistakes — Instead of focusing on successes, you may become overly critical and focus on your mistakes.
- Unhealthy comparison — Feeling like everyone else is better than you or that you don’t measure up.
- Labeling yourself — Negative self-talk and labeling yourself with words like “stupid” or “inadequate” can further your feelings of imposter syndrome.
- Playing it safe — You may find yourself not taking risks and playing small to avoid failure and scrutiny.
- Perfectionism — You may become a perfectionist in an attempt to make sure you’re never caught out or never make a mistake.
Types of Imposter Syndrome
There are 2 types of imposter syndrome that are worth pointing out:
1. The Expert has already acquired a lot of knowledge in their area of expertise. They feel like they need to know all the answers and may become overwhelmed when they don’t. They may also feel like a fraud or imposter if they don’t know the answer to a question in their area of expertise.
2. The Natural Genius believes that their success is due to natural talent and not hard work. They may feel like they are not truly deserving of their accomplishments and that any success was due to luck or innate ability.
For both these types of people, success tends to come more naturally and easily. They don’t realise they have a unique talent or strength and often think many people can do what they do.
How to Beat Imposter Syndrome
While it can be difficult to overcome imposter syndrome, there are steps you can take to make it easier.
1. Know the Signs
Before you think of how to beat imposter syndrome, first notice the signs so that you can see it for what it is and not believe that there is something wrong with you. Noticing when it comes up, gives you the opportunity to acknowledge and address the insecurity instead of letting it take control.
Here are some additional signs of imposter syndrome:
- You cannot accept praise easily and feel like a fraud when you receive compliments
- You are constantly comparing yourself to others and feeling inadequate
- You procrastinate because of the overwhelming fear of failure
- You isolate yourself from others because of low self-confidence
- You have difficulty setting realistic goals
- You hold yourself to incredibly high, almost impossible-to-follow standards
When you notice that you have some of these symptoms, you can take steps to address them more easily.
2. Talk to Others
Find someone you trust who can help talk through difficult feelings or situations. Talking about your insecurities and fears can help take the pressure off of yourself and gain an outside perspective.
When you talk to others, you may find that you are not alone and that many people face similar struggles.
3. Practice Self-Care
Take time for yourself and focus on activities that bring you joy and peace. And there are plenty of activities to try. For example, vigorous exercise, going for a walk, reading a book on the topic, journalling your thoughts and feelings or meditating, can help restore your balance.
Taking care of your physical and mental health can help you feel more in control and better able to manage your imposter syndrome.
4. Set Realistic Expectations
One of the reasons people experience imposter syndrome is that they set unrealistic expectations for themselves. However, it’s critical to recognize that everyone makes mistakes and that striving for perfection is impossible.
On the other hand, making mistakes can actually be a great learning experience, so don’t let it stop you from taking on new challenges or trying new things.
5. Track Your Successes
Tracking successes helps build your confidence over time. Whether it’s big or small wins, take note of what you have achieved and any progress that you’re making along the way. It can help remind you of how far you have come and the skills that you already possess.
Writing down what you’ve accomplished each day, can provide the perspective of your accomplishments and help boost your confidence. You can track measurable goals such as steps taken, books read, or hours worked.
6. Get support – Find a Coach or Mentor
The fastest way to overcome imposter syndrome is to seek the guidance and help of a professional coach or mentor who can provide invaluable insights and advice on how to navigate difficult environments and situations.
Ideally, your coach should have first-hand experience working with people going through similar challenges as you. They should also be able to offer practical guidance on how to handle your imposter syndrome and provide encouragement when things get tough.
Look for someone who is patient and understanding, as well as someone who will be a good listener and provide honest feedback.
Finally, remember that beating imposter syndrome is a process that requires self-awareness and time. With access to the right strategies, you can overcome it and make leaps and bounds in your confidence and performance.
So, take the time to recognize and address your feelings of inadequacy and start taking steps toward success.
And, if you’d like to discuss imposter syndrome and how to beat it, just hit reply!
We’re here to help!