Want to learn how to manage imposter syndrome?
Take a number! 70 to 80 per cent of us have dealt with, or currently deal with some level of imposter feelings. The odds increase for you if you're female and/or a minority. So the first good news is you're not alone.
Yay?
The first less-than-good news is, however, if you're newly exploring the possibility, you may have not yet fully uncovered just how strongly it's impacting your life, your choices, and your success. You see, imposter syndrome isn't just overinflated modesty. It's a genuine belief that you didn't rightfully earn your accomplishments or accolades and, at any moment, others could discover your fraudulent nature. And because of that, it can be tricky to pin down.
In my late twenties, I started singing and playing keys with local cover bands.
Despite having a master of music, tons of training and skills, and initially playing with self-taught musicians who often couldn't speak the language of music, I felt less-than in those bands. I hid from challenges and deferred to others' goals. Which is another way to say, I compromised my creativity, my heart, and my progress. I hadn't even begun to try to manage imposter syndrome for one very simple reason I started to mention above...
I genuinely believed that I was incapable and undeserving of more. I didn't think I could do anything about it, so I didn't even try.
When you genuinely believe you are an imposter, you don't know there is anything to fix or transform.
You know the saying. The first step to fixing a problem is acknowledging you have it. But it will likely take outside perspectives to help you see it. At least, in the beginning. I hope this article can provide that much for you! But let me lay out a few steps to make your new path to self-belief easier.
3 First Steps to Manage Imposter Syndrome
- Acknowledge it exists in you. The fact that you're reading this right now means you at least suspect it presents some level of challenge for you. So, good on you for being here!
- Talk about it. So many of us deal with imposter feelings that if you begin to talk about them, most likely the person you're talking to can relate. Not only will it help you to air these feelings, you could also help whoever you're sharing them with!
- Analyze the ways it impacts you. Your happiness and success in career and in life are all impacted when your choices are influenced by imposter feelings. Imagine what life could look like if you felt capable and confident, and then dare to envision making choices like capable and confidence person would.
Learning How to Manage Imposter Syndrome is an Ongoing Process
It's not a switch you turn on and off. It's an evolving journey that can feel overwhelming at the onset, but trust me, the journey is worth it's weight in gold. Worth the emotional and mental weight it will lift from your shoulders. Worth the feeling of being aligned with your most authentic, confident, and capable self.
These 3 steps are a great way to start, but I have an even better tool to help you continue. It's my Imposter Syndrome Quiz.
Answer 10 questions, get your score, and go to a results page (bookmark it!) with a list of Common Traits of Imposter Syndrome. Each trait is explained and comes with a suggestion for an easy mindset shift to help you take back power from your inner "imposter." It's a tool you can return to over and over again on your journey. Take advantage of it!
And if you'd like more customized guidance and feedback, feel free to schedule a chat with me. I'd love to meet you and be a part of your journey.