From Fraud to Flourish: Mastering Imposter Syndrome and Finding Confidence
Many of us have experienced that uncomfortable feeling of not being good enough or fearing that we'll be exposed as frauds. It's a nagging sensation that can plague even the most accomplished individuals. If you've ever wondered, "Is it just me?" rest assured, you're not alone. Welcome to the world of Imposter Syndrome.
In this blog, I aim to:
Define what Imposter Syndrome is and how it came about.
Describe some of the thinking that may come as part of Imposter Syndrome
Offer you ways to work with and manage your Imposter Syndrome.
So, what is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome, first identified in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes, is the persistent belief that our successes are undeserved and that we'll soon be unmasked as frauds. Initially thought to predominantly affect women, further research by Debbara Jean Dingman showed that both men and women experience these feelings of inadequacy. Clance went on to publish a paper with Joe Langford in 1993 which backed this up - Imposter Syndrome is most certainly not limited to women.
What does Imposter Syndrome look like?
The defining characteristic of Imposter Syndrome is its relentless promotion of self-doubt. It manifests as an internal voice that diminishes our accomplishments, persuading us that our success is merely luck or a byproduct of others' errors, rather than a reflection of our own abilities.
So, if you find yourself waiting to be ‘found out’; waiting for your clients to realise you’re bad at your job; waiting for your boss to realise you’re not worth your pay cheque, you’re likely experiencing Imposter Syndrome!
My own experience
I think for the majority of my career I’ve been very aware of the way I feel (and still am!). And yet, after all these years I still continue to question whether I can really succeed in doing what I want to do. I continue to battle with it, but I refuse to give up because I don’t want to miss out on any opportunity that presents itself.
I was fortunate enough to have an amazing manager in the earlier part of my career who truly believed in me. She was able to highlight that I brought something different to the party. This reduced the need to compete or measure myself against others. To this day I remind myself of these conversations and remember her saying very clearly to me…
So, no matter how I’m feeling, I allow myself to acknowledge my inner critic and allow those feelings to be there. I lean on my differences because I now understand that I bring a unique set of skills to the world.
Does this resonate? I hope it shows you that we all, no matter our differences, experience these moments of doubt…even coaches!
What can we do to reduce the impact Imposter Syndrome has on us?
Here’s the thing - Imposter Syndrome doesn't define us. It's a common struggle that many of us face, regardless of our achievements or talents. It thrives on comparison and self-criticism, robbing us of the joy and confidence we deserve.
Because it distracts us from feeling good about our achievements, it keeps us stuck in a self critical and low confidence position, which, as we know, doesn’t allow us to be in our ‘flow’, doing what lights us up and feeling good about it.. In some cases, career progression is overlooked and new job opportunities disregarded as we truly believe that we aren’t capable or deserving of such success.
Here are 3 ways to reduce the impact Imposter Syndrome can have on your life:
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially when experiencing self-doubt or criticism. Recognise that everyone makes mistakes and experiences moments of insecurity. Instead of harshly judging yourself, offer yourself the same empathy and support you would give to a friend facing similar challenges.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: Actively challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs perpetuated by imposter syndrome. When you catch yourself doubting your abilities or feeling like a fraud, gather evidence that contradicts these beliefs. Reflect on past accomplishments, positive feedback from others, and your own skills and strengths. This process can help reframe your perspective and build confidence in your capabilities.
Set Realistic Goals and Expectations: Avoid setting unrealistic standards for yourself that only fuel feelings of inadequacy. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate each step of progress along the way. Embrace the concept of "good enough" rather than striving for perfection, recognising that perfection is unattainable and often counterproductive. By setting achievable goals and adjusting your expectations, you can alleviate the pressure to constantly prove yourself and instead focus on personal growth and development.
By implementing these strategies, you can diminish the impact of imposter syndrome and cultivate a greater sense of self-confidence and fulfillment in your life.
Remember that overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey, and it's okay to seek support from friends, family, or professionals if needed. And, ultimately, you are in control of your own thinking…it is possible to reframe your negative thoughts and create new positive ones.
If you can sense your inner critic voice creeping in, here are your take away tips:
Challenge the negative thoughts - gather evidence that contradicts these beliefs.
Reflect on past accomplishments, positive feedback from others, and your own skills and strengths.
Be kind to yourself - your mistakes don’t define you.
Let go of the need for perfection.
I hope this blog provides a level of comfort to those who may be experiencing thoughts associated with feeling inadequate or not being good enough.
I’d love to hear how this has helped you, so please get in touch to let me know.