Have you ever felt out of place despite achieving success? Do you ever feel like someone is going to call you out because you don’t belong there? Or have crippling doubt? These feelings are common among people, especially entrepreneurs, and are often referred to as imposter syndrome. It doesn’t arise in moments of stagnation; it begins when you embark on taking action. Instead of being it a signal of failure, I believe it signifies that you’re on the right path, pushing beyond your comfort zone. We will explore the mental aspects of imposter syndrome and provide practical strategies for overcoming it in your journey. This comes from personal experiences to provide insights and understanding on how to tackle imposter syndrome and claim your place in the world with confidence and clarity.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
First, what is imposter syndrome? Imposter syndrome is an internalized feeling of not belonging or not deserving success, even when achievements have been made. It creates self-doubt, changes your inner dialogue, and often results in a lack of confidence. Despite achievements and success, it often feels like someone calling you out as a fraud, and you believe it. It is a common feeling that plagues even the most successful people.
The Impact of Imposter Syndrome:
Imposter syndrome, if left unchecked, can have a significant impact on your productivity and emotional wellness. It can seep into various aspects of your professional and personal life, significantly affecting your overall well-being. It can act as a powerful barrier to productivity, often manifesting through procrastination and self-doubt. Beyond hindering your ability to express creativity and originality, it ingrains a negative self-perception in your thoughts, which can be detrimental to your self-esteem. This psychological phenomenon is not only a roadblock to success but can also contribute to heightened levels of anxiety, persistent low moods, and, in severe cases, lead to depression. Acknowledging the deep impact of imposter syndrome is the first step towards reclaiming control over your narrative, building self-confidence, and unlocking the doors to new and fulfilling opportunities.
Coping Strategies :
How do you manage imposter syndrome? The first step is to acknowledge that it is happening and know that you are ok. You are not a bad person and you can get through this. Know that what you are experiencing is not the end and you are not alone. The best advice I received was to move. Quite literally to move your body. If debilitating ‘I’m not good enough’ thoughts arise, move your body, step away from it, get some air, walk it out, and then return to challenge the imposter. Just don’t surrender to it.
Here are ways to overcome imposter syndrome:
Acknowledge and Reframe:
Start by acknowledging and reframing negative thoughts. I did the work for this. Negative self-talk was something that I did often. ‘Why am I doing this?’ ‘I have no experience in this!’ ‘You don’t have a clue so you shouldn’t be here!’ You get the idea. But what I started doing was putting up ‘positive affirmation’ note cards. I posted them in the bathroom so I could see them in the morning at the start of my day, and in the kitchen so I could say the words out loud when I cooked. They were simple affirmations of: ‘Jen you are smart, You are loved, you are wickedly funny, and you can do hard things!’ Also, I would put it on my phone on a timer. At 2 PM I’d get a reminder saying: ‘You are a wonderful human being! Stay kind!’ It may seem silly but it was these little things that changed my perspective and mood. My kids even started saying the affirmations out loud with me. It’s a great way to remind and reframe your mindset as well as teach your kids positive coping mechanisms. Also, what helped was recognizing that imposter syndrome is not unique to just me and does not define my worth or competence. Now for every negative thought, you have to have a positive comeback. Remember, to reframe negative thoughts and focus on your achievements and capabilities. Recognize that you have earned where you are through hard work and dedication.
Journal:
Write it out. Write out what you hear the imposter telling you – write the good, bad, and ugly of it. I started a daily journaling activity to see what I was actually thinking, and I was surprised at how negative I was. But slowly I shifted out of the negative thought process and began writing more positively to myself. There is something about seeing it on paper that makes it easier to identify the lies and then process logical reasoning to empower yourself. Journaling helped me understand that it’s okay to feel these things and see it for what it is. It helped me process my thoughts and gain a better understanding of my mindset.
Validate Your Success:
Celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Like journaling, write your achievements down and validate it. Sometimes I would say out loud, ‘Jen you just researched, outlined, recorded, edited, and posted that podcast episode all by yourself. You did that!’ When you give yourself credit for the hard work you have put in and trust the process of getting to where you are, it allows you to not only accept the wins but also be happy for yourself. You didn’t get to where you are by staying small. Remember, positive self-talk matters – Stop speaking negatively about yourself to yourself, and embrace positivity by having a growth mindset and celebrating those wins!
Avoid Comparisons:
Stop comparing yourself with others. How’s that saying go, ‘comparison is the thief of joy.’ Well, it’s true and I had to stop comparing myself to others. I was comparing where I was on my journey to someone who was years ahead of me. It was not only unfair to myself but also just plain stupid! The journey of other people is different from yours and mine, and comparing yourself to others is a recipe for disaster. It’s best to focus on your path, and learn from others, but also embrace your uniqueness. The only person you should compare yourself to is you yesterday and today is a new day.
Curate a Support Network:
Build a network of people who believe in you and support your vision. Find a mentor who has been there and understands your journey. Join supportive communities to surround yourself with like-minded people who understand your struggles. I found a ‘Meet-up’ group of entrepreneurs that meets at a coffee shop down the street. It was just the support to get me out of the house! Expand your mindset, network, read, and get inspired by other people who are doing great things. If they can do it so can you!
Be Authentic:
Embrace authenticity in everything you do, be it in your business or personal life. You will find support in people who appreciate your authentic self, and this can create a culture of authenticity that will support your growth and foster meaningful relationships.
Challenge Yourself:
Set realistic goals that will stretch you and help you grow. Embracing a growth mindset and investing in your professional and personal development will help you to challenge imposter syndrome and remove any self-limiting beliefs. When you challenge yourself to do that thing or learn something new, you are taking responsibility for your future and that is when growth happens.
Remember, the best way to overcome imposter syndrome is by doing the very thing that is causing it to come out. Know that it has no control over you and that you are so powerful just as your unique self. Above all else, don’t surrender, don’t give up! Face the imposter head on and you’ll find that it wasn’t as painful as you thought. Keep going! You grow through what you go through.
Imposter syndrome can affect even the most accomplished individuals, but understanding and managing it is crucial for unlocking your potential. By acknowledging and reframing negative thoughts, journaling, emphasizing your achievements, avoiding comparisons, fostering a supportive network, embracing authenticity, and challenging yourself, you can minimize its impact. The goal isn’t for it to vanish; it’s about being resilient enough not to embrace it. Remember, you’re not alone, and overcoming it will make you stronger. Imposter syndrome emerges when you take action, it’s a sign you’re stretching beyond your comfort zone. Also, the path doesn’t get easier; you become more resilient. You are capable, deserving, and possess what it takes to succeed. Embrace your unique talents, and never let imposter syndrome hold you back from reaching your goals.