How Can I Overcome Imposter Syndrome? As a coach, I’ve been asked this a lot…and it’s an important question.

Imposter Syndrome is the inner voice of self-doubt. The voice that tells you you’re not good enough, experienced enough, smart enough…the list goes on. To counter the discomfort of these feelings, you end up working harder and holding yourself to impossible standards, and/or staying small - afraid to try something new due to fear of not being ‘good enough’.

Despite popular belief, Imposter Syndrome transcends both gender and seniority. Research estimates ‘impostorism’ affects 70% of adults at least once during their career, often multiple times.

Why is it an issue? Not only does Imposter Syndrome contribute to burnout and exhaustion, but the self-doubt also limits the potential for growth and seizing new opportunities.

SO, how do you Overcome Imposter Syndrome?

Acknowledge the Self-Doubt: Simply acknowledging the fear and self-doubt is an important first step. Whilst feeling like an imposter or a fraud in your career is an uncomfortable feeling, take some comfort in the fact you’re far from alone in this feeling.

Fight Fear with Action: In the wise words of Brene Brown; “Courage is Fear Walking”. Often a key difference between people who are where they want to be in their career, and those that are not, is the courage to push through the self-doubt. Take one action that feels a little frightening…and then another…and another.

Reflect on Achievements: Cast your mind over the trajectory of your career to date. Sure, there may be a few ‘blips’, but overall, you’ll find you have been successful more times than you have not. Acknowledging your accomplishments to date is key. Read your CV again to remind yourself of these.

Accept the Day: I have a firm belief that each day we feel different levels of confidence and courage. If today you're simply not feeling your most empowered version of yourself, either go and do something that makes you feel empowered or, accept that this is simply today and know your confidence will return.

Worst Case Scenario: Ask yourself, what is the worst that can happen? In the bigger picture, your response is unlikely to be catastrophic. What will feel worse for you; trying something that feels frightening with the chance it will work out well, or, not trying at all and wondering ‘what if’?

The Power Position: Rather than worrying if you are good enough or smart enough for something new, simply follow curiosity and adopt the stance you are exploring more to find out whether the opportunity is in fact good enough for YOU.

Bring Humour: If all else fails, adopt humour and the ability to have a laugh at the situation and your fear. Take a light-hearted approach to leaning into what is creating the fear.

What I really love about trying new things is that if things do happen to go really badly, it’s going to make a fantastic story to share with loved ones…once the ego has recovered!