How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

If you are feeling like an imposter, there is a good chance that it is because of the way that you are (or aren’t) thinking about your accomplishments and achievements. You might be comparing yourself to others or worrying about what they have done instead of focusing on the things that make up your own personal success story.

You should be proud of what you have achieved and don’t worry about what other people have done! Focus on how far YOU have come since those earlier days when everything seemed so difficult and uncertain (and don’t forget: learning from your mistakes means being able to look back on them with joy).

Give yourself credit for all the skills and strengths you have.

• • Recognize your strengths and weaknesses.

• • Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure about something.

• • Take the time to learn new skills in order to grow your knowledge base and expand your capabilities.

• • Don’t be afraid of taking risks: failure is part of life, so embrace it! If something doesn’t work out as planned, there will always be another opportunity around the corner waiting for you with open arms (and maybe even some great lessons learned).

Finally–and most importantly–don’t underestimate yourself! You’ve got this!

What you’re feeling is normal.

If you’re feeling like an imposter, you’re not alone. According to a study by researchers at Harvard University and Princeton University, 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives.

But while this feeling is common, it’s not something that should be ignored or dismissed as unimportant. If left unchecked and untreated, imposter syndrome can have serious consequences on your mental health–and even your career success!

It took everything you’ve got – and more – to get where you are today.

You’re not alone.

It took everything you’ve got – and more – to get where you are today. You can’t do it all, but you can do your best. And if there’s one thing that will help with imposter syndrome, it’s this: your skills and strengths are far greater than even you realize.

You may not see it in the moment, but you have a lot going for you. You possess skills and talents that are unique to you. And that’s what makes your contribution so valuable: no one else can do what you do.

Take a look at your achievements and know that you belong here.

If you’re feeling like an imposter, take a look at your achievements. You deserve to be here and have earned your place in the field. You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t supposed to be.

Take a deep breath and relax! Remember that there are others who feel the same way as you do, so don’t feel alone in this journey.

Surround yourself with people who support you.

• • Create your own cheering section (friends, family members, coaches you will remind you how amazing you are and all that you’ve accomplished).

• • Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

• • Ask for a second opinion from someone who knows more than you do and has your best interests at heart, even if it’s someone who isn’t as familiar with the subject matter as your peers might be.

You can’t let perfectionism get in the way of success or happiness

This one hits home personally and literally.  Last week my father told me, “Don’t let perfect stop you from really great”.  Ooph. As an Enneagram Three, this is my biggest weakness and something I work on daily.

Perfectionism is a way of thinking that can hold you back. It’s an unrealistic expectation of yourself, one that makes it harder to see past the need for perfection. People with high levels of perfectionism often have low self-esteem and self-worth, which can lead to depression and anxiety.

People who feel like imposters often have trouble making friends or finding romantic partners because they’re afraid their imperfections will be revealed in these relationships.

We’ve all been there, that paralyzing fear of being “discovered” as a fraud, with all of our weaknesses and imperfections on display for the world to see. But here’s the thing, the more vulnerable you allow yourself to be, the easier it gets. People will surprise you with their understanding and acceptance, and you’ll surprise yourself with your own resilience and strength. Don’t let fear hold you back any longer.

Take control of your thoughts and emotions, and let yourself be vulnerable. Embrace your imperfections and use them as a source of motivation to keep pushing forward. You’ve got this!

How do we overcome perfectionism? The first step is recognizing when it’s happening–you might notice feelings of anxiety or stress when things don’t go exactly as planned, or perhaps you find yourself avoiding tasks because they seem too hard or challenging (but not impossible). As we’ve discussed before , there are ways to combat these feelings: try making lists; break up big projects into smaller steps; ask for help from other people who know what they’re doing!

Tim Ferriss’s Fear-Setting Activity

One effective tool for overcoming imposter syndrome is Tim Ferriss’s fear-setting activity. This involves identifying the worst-case scenario that you’re afraid of and then creating a plan to mitigate the potential negative consequences. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Identify the worst-case scenario: Write down the most disastrous thing that could happen if you take action towards your goals. Be specific and realistic.

2. Create a plan to mitigate the worst-case scenario: Once you’ve identified the worst-case scenario, come up with a plan to mitigate the potential negative consequences. This could include having a backup plan, seeking advice from others, or learning new skills.

3. Take action: Once you have a plan in place, implement action towards your goals. Remember that imposter syndrome is a normal feeling, and it’s critical to take risks and embrace failure as a learning opportunity.

4. Imposter syndrome is real, and it affects even the most accomplished professionals. Don’t let it hold you back! These tips can help you overcome imposter syndrome. Take action in the moment, stop attempting to be perfect, see your mistakes as learning opportunities, take pride in what you’ve achieved, give yourself credit for your skills, don’t be afraid to take risks, don’t underestimate yourself, and use Tim Ferriss’s fear-setting activity to overcome imposter syndrome.

Conclusion

How you feel about yourself is more important than how others perceive you. If you’re not happy in the work you do, and if it’s causing stress or anxiety, then it might be time to consider a career change. But whatever path you choose, remember: Imposter syndrome can happen to anyone at any time. Don’t let it hold back your success!