Imposter Syndrome
(By Laura Wood. Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash)
Imposter syndrome is something that so many of us experience. It’s when someone doubts their abilities and are afraid of eventually being exposed as a fraud. Being in a tech industry town, the concept of imposter syndrome probably isn’t new to you. While this is not a diagnosable disorder like anxiety or depression, the pattern of behaviors and feelings associated with imposter syndrome are real and can be really hard to overcome. People are often convinced that it was luck or chance that they got promoted or scored a big win at work.
What is most damaging about imposter syndrome is that it can make us limit ourselves from seeking out new opportunities, whether it’s personal or professional. It can also unknowingly fuel an anxiety that permeates our work or home life.
So how do you know if you have imposter syndrome? Below are some of the common feelings associated with imposter syndrome:
Lack of self-confidence
Anxiety related to work projects, ideas, or opportunities
Negative self talk
Feelings of inadequacy
Not feeling good enough
Fear that you will be “found out” as incompetent
What are some things you can do to combat imposter syndrome?
Recognize your feelings
Keep a journal for when the negative thoughts/feelings arise and write down specifics of what made you feel that way
Separate feeling from fact
Use evidence from your life to push aside the feelings of inadequacy. For example, I feel like I can’t do anything right! Evidence to the contrary: I just got a big promotion at work where my evaluation was 98 out of 100.
Come to understand that mistakes are a normal part of the learning process and not an indication that you are a fraud
Develop positive or alternate internal self-talk
If you would like more information on imposter syndrome check out the following books:
Imposter Syndrome Remedy, Dr. Emee Vida Estacio
The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women, Valerie Young
If you recognize yourself in anything above and want some extra support around overcoming these thoughts and feelings, hit us up! We love helping people feel more confident in their lives.
