Imposter syndrome - working with it, not against it

Ever felt like you are not qualified to do what you are doing? Imposter syndrome is NORMAL. The key is to work with and not against it.

1. Embrace it

Rather than being thrown off course by it, EXPECT IT. The voice in your head may say things like you aren’t good enough to do this, you are faking it, you don’t have what it takes. You can’t silence this voice. But you can choose whether to listen to it. As a coach I believe we should all feel like an imposter every now and then. If you don’t, then you’re probably not challenging yourself enough in life. So, try welcoming in your imposter. It’s a sign you are growing.

2. Tell a new story

If the story you are telling yourself isn’t helping you, write a new, more helpful one. The messages we repeat have a big impact on our confidence and happiness levels. Telling a new story isn’t lying to yourself. It’s remembering that our beliefs are not facts. They are just a subjective interpretation of the world. It is very possible that your current ‘story’ isn’t true. If you are having negative thoughts that are shaking your confidence, ask yourself: is this story true? Can I be sure it is ABSOLUTELY true? What else might be true?

3. Internalise praise

Very often others see us as bigger than we see ourselves. We need to start seeing ourselves more as others see us. To help embed this, write a brag list: a catalogue of all the reasons you are the right person to be doing what you are doing. Include feedback you’ve been given, compliments you’ve been paid, things you’ve accomplished, your strengths and skills, and what you imagine others see in you. If this gives you the ick remember this is not being arrogant. It’s shifting your mindset from self-doubt to self-belief.

4. Use mental rehearsal

Sports psychologists use a visualisation technique called mental rehearsal to help athletes build confidence and overcome anxiety. Close your eyes. Picture the day ahead. Imagine a film of the day playing. In the film, you are CONFIDENT AND KILLING IT. Notice how you move, what you say, and the impact on people around you. Play the film through from the start of your workday to the end. Do this a couple of times. The whole process takes under a minute. This isn’t a woo-woo manifestation. It’s simply showing your brain where to go. Practising being confident in your head before you do it in real life can really help.

5. Get your confidence pillars in place

Focus on the daily habits that help you feel confident. For many people things like being well organised, having a morning routine, time to plan your day, being rested (not hungover), wearing the right clothes, or exercising, can all help us feel self-assured.

• When are you at your best?

• What habits help you feel good?

• What could you do more of?

• What might you stop?

• What is one thing you will commit to?

Choose 1 daily habit that will help you feel good. Think of it like a pillar to support your confidence. Focus on taking small steps to build more of these things into your life.

6. Learn leadership

Leadership is not something we are born knowing how to do. The good news is it is a learnable skill. So, invest a bit of time learning it. As well as learning on the job, find what works for you. Time with leaders who inspire you, consuming podcasts, reading books, working with a coach or mentor. You may be busy but stepping back regularly to do this will be time well spent.

And remember…

Imposter syndrome is NORMAL, you are NORMAL. Apparently, 70% of people experience it at some point in their lives. In fact, the more ‘successful’ you are, the more prone to feeling like an imposter you may be.