5 Ways To Overcome Imposter Syndrome
- Shannon Fernandez
- Mar 27, 2021
- 2 min read
I think a lot of people experience it at one point or another in their career, but it's important to not allow it to control your outcomes. So the first question to ask is, what even is 'Imposter Syndrome"?
Imposter Syndrome, simply put, is feeling like a fraud or undeserving of your position. You assume that you don't deserve the success you have, and you tend to disassociate your achievements from your abilities.
If you're like myself and you don't have a formal education in the field you work in, there are days where you might feel insecure. This type of insecurity could potentially destroy career paths and prevent you from applying for promotions, failing to start projects in fear of failure, or relentlessly checking for errors.
when it happens
In my personal experience, imposter syndrome tends to be the greatest with my abilities are being assessed by a new party. Someone is reviewing your skillset based upon certain credentials, and it tends to cause uncertainty in your abilities. It's one thing to be your own worst critic, but it's another thing if you convince yourself that you don't deserve to be where you are. So how can you combat it?
Focus more on the process rather the end result - Write steps out for a certain project you're working on. Put together a checklist so you can reference something when you are checking on your progress.
Visualize success - Spend time picturing yourself making a successful presentation or calmly posing your question to your boss.
Accentuate the positive - Being a Type A perfectionist means you care deeply about the quality of your work but mistakes happen. Remember to forgive yourself when the inevitable happens.
Make a 'confidence booster' folder - Save any compliments you've received, or any accolades on past projects to look back on. On the days you are feeling uncertain, look at these things to ease your fears and reaffirm that you kick ass.
Fake it 'till you make it - Instead of looking at something like you're “winging it”, view your ineptness as a skill!
Sooner or later, we all experience the feeling of imposter syndrome. The takeaway is walking away from it stronger.
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