I am a FRAUD!
Have you ever felt like that about yourself? believing that you do not deserve to be in this place and partake in the role you have? Thinking that everyone else is better than you and you are not good enough for this workplace or company? Putting yourself down every day over criticism thinking that you are not qualified for this position?
I had the privilege to coach skilled, educated, and amazing professionals, and it's crazy to see how many of us are concerned by the so-called "Imposter Syndrome". Many of them are experiencing this at work and going through this mental battle on a daily basis. For years I felt uncomfortable with the thought that I was not at my place and that someday, someone will recognize the fraud. Fortunately, I took the initiative and worked on that myself and today it's less present than it used to be.
To give you a better understanding and more details about imposter syndrome and how to tackle it, I invite you to have a look at this recap from the live conversation that I had with @Melissa Whiting. Here we talked about how to identify imposter syndrome, how it can affect you, and what are the different steps that you can take today to overcome imposter syndrome.
I recently discovered the Clance imposter phenomenon developed by Dr. Pauline Rose Clance. Which can help you see how you compare to others. The Impostor Test was developed to help individuals determine whether or not they have Imposter Syndrome characteristics and, if so, to what extent they are suffering.
So please feel free to take the test and find out how to present your imposter syndrome.
Some tips on how to identify and tackle imposter syndrome
Focus on facts
The feeling of inadequacy in the workplace is a common experience for many people. However, it is important to recognize that this feeling is often rooted in fear rather than in reality. This fear can manifest in various ways, such as self-doubt, anxiety, and insecurity. It is important to focus on facts and objective information when evaluating one's abilities and performance in the workplace, rather than allowing fear to cloud one's judgment. By doing so, individuals can gain a clearer understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement, and take steps to build confidence and achieve success in their careers.
Share how you are feeling
Sharing your emotions and acknowledging how you are feeling is an important step in managing imposter syndrome. Instead of keeping your emotions bottled up and internalizing them, it is important to recognize and validate them. By sharing your feelings with others, you can gain a better understanding of what you are experiencing and begin to process and work through them. Additionally, talking about your feelings can help you find others who may also be experiencing similar emotions, which can help you realize that you are not alone in feeling this way.
Sharing your feelings can also be helpful in building up your confidence, as it can help you understand that many people feel the same way. It can also help you to normalize your experience and understand that these feelings are common and that you are not the only one who feels this way. Furthermore, when you share your feelings, it can also help you to find support and guidance from others, who can help you to work through these emotions and develop strategies to build confidence and overcome the imposter syndrome.
Reframe your thoughts
Reframing your thoughts is a powerful tool that can help you to overcome negative self-talk and build confidence. When you find yourself having negative thoughts about yourself, especially in relation to mistakes made at work, it is important to recognize these thoughts and actively work to shift them. One way to do this is by reminding yourself of the progress you have made and the successes you have achieved. Instead of dwelling on your mistakes, remind yourself of all the hard work and effort you have put in, and all the things you have accomplished.
Another way to reframe your thoughts is by viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of beating yourself up for not being perfect, remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes and that it is a natural part of the learning and growth process. Tell yourself that you have been doing an amazing job, that today wasn't your best work, but that you will learn from this experience and do a better job next time.
By reframing your thoughts in this way, you can shift your focus from the negative to the positive, and build a more positive and resilient mindset. This will help you to view challenges and mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as a reflection of your worth and abilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing the imposter syndrome requires a combination of different strategies, such as focusing on facts, sharing your feelings, and reframing your thoughts. By recognizing that this feeling is often rooted in fear rather than in reality, and by taking steps to build confidence, individuals can achieve success in their careers.
It's important to remember that everyone has moments of self-doubt and insecurity, and the imposter syndrome is not a sign of weakness, but a common experience. Through personal growth consultation, you can gain a better understanding of yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies to overcome imposter syndrome. If you're looking for support on your personal growth journey, check out our service for a personalized consultation. We're here to help you build your confidence and achieve success in your career.