Conquering Imposter Syndrome By Storm

When people reach high levels of success and find themselves in places they never imagined it is easier for them to sit in reflection and rumination and say “why me” or “do I deserve this” “am I the one? This is formally referenced as imposter syndrome. I have experienced imposter syndrome throughout my time in higher education, various workplaces, and on sports teams. Since I have experienced this before I can recognize the symptoms of Imposter syndrome and I have found five ways to combat it.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome is “the idea that you’ve only succeeded due to luck, and not because of your talent or qualifications”. “Imposter Syndrome (IS) refers to an internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be”(Arlin Cuncic). For some people imposter syndrome actually encourages them to work harder to prevent a self fulfilling prophecy of not being good enough for the job. This comes with a significant cost which is a toll on your mental and physical health which ultimately will affect your productivity and efficiency.

Signs of Imposter Syndrome

• High levels of anxiety

• High levels of stress

• Low self worth in the workplace

• Finding yourself saying “I don’t deserve this job”

• Finding yourself saying “Why did they hire me”

• Self-sabotaging in the workplace

• Self-doubt

• Setting unrealistic goals and feeling disappointed when you fall short

• Feeling unqualified for a job you’re uniquely qualified for or over qualified

• Comparing yourself to others

• Being super critical on yourself and your work

• Fixating on the smallest mistakes and flaws in your work

• Finding yourself being sensitive and resistant to feedback

• Finding yourself downplaying your success

5 Ways to Conquer Imposter Syndrome

1. Write, Recite, and Memorize a Daily Affirmation

It is time to write yourself an affirmation to help you stay grounded and remember your worth. Each morning before work read yourself the affirmation you create. I read myself this affirmation every morning and I have committed it to memory.

I will be great on the job.

My boss, ----------, will like me, respect, and promote me.

I will be a quick learner and I will embody “winning with purpose”

I will bring something new to the table.

I read myself this affirmation every morning and I have committed it to memory. When I get stressed out at work, I read myself the affirmation to remain grounded.

2. Learn how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable

Whenever you start something new, no matter how adaptable you are, you will experience some level of discomfort. Just because you’re uncomfortable does not mean that you are not cut out for the job. The key is to learn how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

3. Write down your accomplishments

At the end of each day! Write down all the things you have accomplished. At the end of the week refer back to your list to see all you have achieved and your impact.

4. Stop comparing yourself to others!

Comparison is the thief of joy. It is easy to look at what everyone else is doing and think that where they are is where you need to be. This is false! You are on your own journey, working at your own pace, and your success and big breakthrough is coming.

5. Let go of perfectionism

Oftentimes, perfectionism can be the root cause of imposter syndrome. Many people have unrealistic standards for themselves. The first step is to let go of perfectionism. Ask yourself now: “Must I be perfect for others to approve of me?” Recognize that we all will fail and struggle yet we will all reach our success and we will all find our way in the workplace.

If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, professional branding, landing an internship or an entry level job, book a FREE 20 minute prospect screening here so we can develop a plan to address your career fears and make them your career strengths.

Stay Creative,

Lauren