Imposter syndrome, you’ve heard of it, right?

What is Imposter Syndrome

The root of imposter syndrome is self-doubt.  Self-doubt leads to a compilation of beliefs of inadequacy, not being good enough.

People who suffer with imposter syndrome live with the belief that they are fraudulent, that they aren’t good enough, smart enough, talented enough and shouldn’t be doing what they are doing.   That they aren’t worthy of being in the position they are in or doing what they are doing.

The overwhelming thoughts of intellectual fraudulence overrule achievement, success and recognition.

Or, we take on everything because we feel we have to prove ourselves by doing it all.

Both result in frustration.

If you are shaking your head because you’ve felt these feelings or believed you were a fraud you are not alone.

Imposter syndrome impacts even those who have achieved great success.

The Symptoms of Imposter Syndrome

What are the symptoms of imposter syndrome?  How can you start paying attention to prevent imposter syndrome from capitalizing your thoughts and potentially ruining your business and life?

• Self-doubt is at the top of the list.
• A lack of self-confidence.
• Comparison of others, constantly, which results in more negative self-judgment.
• Fears of failure and of the future that are irrational.
• Anxiety.
• Negative self-talk.
• Inability to trust yourself.
• Frequently referring back to the past and dwelling on mistakes or failures instead of looking at what you’ve learned and how you’ve improved.
• Taking on too much, not saying no, because you believe you need to prove yourself.
• Questioning your qualifications.
• Discounting praise, recognition or accolades.

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

What can you do once you recognize the symptoms of imposter syndrome and realize it has over-stepped its boundary and is negatively impacting your day to day abilities to thrive?

• Take a step back and start implementing a self-care regimen.
• Set boundaries.
• Keep your head down.  Meaning, don’t look at what other people are doing.   You do you to the best of your ability.  Focus on what you can do and not what others are doing.   If you find yourself struggling with comparison, go back and listen to episode 35.  The entire episode is tips and tricks I’ve learned to overcome the comparison game I’ve played.
• View success as subjective.   Recognize that success looks different for everyone.
• See a therapist for help overcoming low self-esteem.   Sometimes low self-esteem is deep rooted and we need to get to the root to be able to change our mind-set and be able to trust ourselves and our abilities.
• Pray.  When going into situations or evaluating projects, ask for God’s guidance and for the Holy Spirit to fill your mind with the wisdom and focus you need to accomplish the tasks.  Remember, God believes in you.  He recognizes the gifts he’s given you and knows that you have the ability to use the unique gifts to his glory and for your own personal success.

Similarly, These Items will Help You Overcome Imposter Syndrome

• Likewise, recognize that humility is wonderful, but being humble is totally different than not accepting rewards, accolades and success because of your hard work.
• Start journaling.  Document your thoughts and separate facts from feelings.
• Change the way you look at failure and mistakes.   See them as learning opportunities and chances for growth.   Remember they are temporary bumps in the road, and you can overcome them by applying what you’ve learned from them. Your internal monologue is powerful.  Change it.  When you think something negative, change it to a positive.   Is that going to be easy, no.  But with practice and consistency, you can convert the thoughts.
• Visualize success.  When you begin a project or consider starting something new in your business, or even working with a client, visualize success.   Manifest the positive.
• Don’t forget to reward yourself.  Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome is no joke.  Follow your journey through your journaling and reward yourself when you make progress.
• Give yourself grace.   You are a beautiful human you are smart and talented and have unique gifts that are meant to be used.   Shine your lights, friends.  Good will follow.   Create a mantra to remind yourself of this and look in the mirror at the start of each day and say it to yourself.

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