Here’s some millionaire wisdom on what to do if you’re experiencing impostor syndrome and feel like it’s ruining your life.
Impostor syndrome is a familiar feeling for many…
From literal Olympians to successful billionaires, to the world’s best surgeons…
99% of people suffer from it (we’ll talk about the other 1% in a bit).
So, it’s normal for your doubts and fears to make you question your place and abilities, especially when it comes to achieving new heights in your professional life.
It's like stepping out in a bold, new outfit and feeling self-conscious… wondering if you truly belong in it.
But here’s the thing…
Imagine you're wearing this new, stylish outfit…
As you step out, you feel everyone’s eyes on you and start doubting if you're really someone who can pull off such a look.
This is quite similar to impostor syndrome…
You're in a new role or situation, and you start questioning your fit and ability.
However, just like choosing to wear that outfit is a step towards a new, improved style… experiencing impostor syndrome is actually a sign that you're growing…
It means you're pushing your boundaries and stepping out of your comfort zone.
The point is, you need to reframe impostor syndrome…
Don’t see it as a sign of inadequacy and that you’re not really as good as other people think you are…
See it as a sign that you actually care for your work and you want to help others.
Now, remember I said there's 1% of the population who don’t experience impostor syndrome?
They’re called scammers and frauds.
Think about it…
They’re the only people who don’t really care about their work or helping others.
Now, if Impostor Syndrome is getting in the way of your tasks and your goals…
Here are a few things you can try to reduce it:
When you see yourself as a work-in-progress, you’re automatically less likely to experience feelings of inadequacy. -Dr. Valerie Young
Remember, wearing a new outfit boldly is about embracing the change and discomfort it brings.
Similarly, facing impostor syndrome is about acknowledging that these feelings are a part of challenging yourself and growing in your career.
It's not about shedding these doubts overnight but about learning to walk confidently in your new role, one step at a time.
Whether you don’t believe that you ‘deserve’ what you have, or think someone’s going to have you ‘found out’, or if you simply feel like a ‘fraud’ based on how you gauge your own competence, it could be helpful to know what ‘kind’ of impostor you are…
Here are 5 subgroups of impostors as put forward by Dr. Valerie Young from the Impostor Syndrome Institute in her book called “The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women”, to help you identify and reframe your ‘type’ so you can start thriving:
If you’re a ‘Perfectionist’ you’re someone who likely sets exceptionally high personal standards, and you hold yourself to them, but you punish yourself if you don’t reach that level of excellence:
Consider reframing your efforts, goals, and achievements with the following in mind:
If you’re a ‘Superhuman’ you probably feel that you should be excelling at every single role you play, in every capacity:
You can reframe your approach and pursuit of completion differently though:
If you’re an ‘Expert’ type ‘impostor’, then you might be expecting of yourself to always know everything and sense shame when you find out you don’t know it all:
Think about how reframing this state of mind could benefit your progress:
If you’re a ‘Soloist’ you might feel that you have to achieve outcomes alone and you may be likely to take any credit at all if you had help from anyone else:
Reframing this point of view can help you improve your productivity and results:
If you’re a ‘Natural Genius’ you may hold the belief that unless everything is easy for you, you’re not naturally talented at what you’re doing:
To reframe this perspective, consider the following:
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Has your Mind ever wondered…
No, it is not a mental illness or condition.
Impostor syndrome simply describes a person who believes or feels that they are not as capable as others perceive them to be.
People who experience impostor syndrome generally have a fear that they will be exposed as a fake or a fraud.
If you’re experiencing self-doubt consistently, even in arenas where you ordinarily excel, or you feel nervous, restless, depressed, or anxious over your achievements, and if your inner dialogue is destructive and disempowering because you feel like a ‘fraud’ and you think that you’ll be ‘unmasked’ to expose who you really are, then you’re likely suffering from impostor syndrome.
The Dunning-Kruger Effect is often presented as the opposite of Impostor Syndrome.
This effect refers to the cognitive bias in which someone experiences excessive confidence about themselves and in their own abilities, but lacks the actual skills to match their self-perception.
By embracing impostor syndrome by acknowledging how you feel and reframing your thoughts and beliefs about yourself, knowing that by virtue of the fact that you feel like a ‘fraud’, you’re growing.
Measure yourself against your own progress, rather than comparing yourself to others or the highest strictest demands you can muster - know that good enough is good enough.
Gain an external perspective on your performance without looking for something to beat yourself up over.
Cast your mind back to how many times you have succeeded and crushed your goals, as holding on to that sense of confidence is a reminder of your competence and journey.
Continue your learning curve, as there’s always more to know, and never be ashamed to not have an answer - but be willing to learn the answer.
There are actually 4 ‘P’ indicators for impostor syndrome according to author and speaker Clare Josa, and they are “perfectionism”, “paralysis”, “people-pleasing”, and “procrastination” - all of which stand in your way of progress if you allow it.
Instead of allowing impostor syndrome to get the better of you, consider embracing how you feel about growth and start thinking and believing in ways that support your dream life by learning how to develop a millionaire mindset so you can achieve the success you desire.
Gracias por este contenido que nos ayuda a conocer porque fallamos en lo que hacemos algunas veces y qué es lo que debemos hacer para desarrollar esas habilidades que nos permitan crecer y fortalecernos venciendo esos obstáculos.
[Translated from Spanish: Thank you for this content that helps us know why we sometimes fail in what we do and what we should do to develop those skills that allow us to grow and strengthen ourselves by overcoming those obstacles.]
Cada día que leo un artículo compruebo que mi pensar y sentir son normales frente al crecimiento, acepto y reconozco el síndrome del impostor con la finalidad de enfrentar un desafío más y de tomar todas la herramientas que me acercan a mis objetivos. Considero que son las bendiciones de dejarnos aconsejar por quienes han recorrido el camino al éxito. Agradezco mucho la información.
[Translated from Spanish: Every day I read an article I verify that my thinking and feeling are normal in the face of growth, I accept and recognize the impostor syndrome in order to face one more challenge and take all the tools that bring me closer to my goals. I consider them to be the blessings of allowing ourselves to be advised by those who have walked the path to success. I very much appreciate the information.]
Beautiful!! I actually learnt alot
Yes, now I know this concept Imposter Syndrome is not bad if being understood, the reframing aspect is the key for proper utilization of not only imposter syndrome but virtually everything leading to growth or success. I am happy because I now understand how I feel and whenever that feeling pops up I will know exactly what is happening and control it gently.
Thank you more for this eye opening article
Primeramente agradezco por todos los contenidos que nos dejan. Realmente son muy válidos y de mucha ayuda, cada vez que voy leyendo los contenidos siento la libertad y poder para poder continuar mi camino
[Translated from Spanish: First of all, I thank you for all the content you leave us. They are really very valid and very helpful, every time I read the contents I feel the freedom and power to continue my path]
Content is clear and readable. Love the article
Very good revisión, and very well explained,
I love the perspective shared here about imposter syndrome. It sheds new light and better way to approaching the subject. Thank you.
Siempre pensamos que cuando no sabemos algo, es porque no somos lo suficientemente buenos en lo que hacemos, debemos entender que todos los días podemos aprender algo nuevo que nos ayude a seguir mejorando nuestras habilidades.
[Translated from Portuguese: We always think that when we don't know something, it is because we are not good enough at what we do, we must understand that every day we can learn something new that helps us continue improving our skills.]
Yes, sometimes I think so, but after confessing, I feel comfortable facing this challenge
Thank you so much, this article has really spoken about me, I didn't know I had imposter syndrome. But now I know, I am going to work upon it.
Debes aceptarnos a nosotros mismo
[Translated from Spanish: You must accept ourselves]
This was very informative! I can definitely apply it to "me." Thanks for the great read!;
It’s to the point and easy to understand and I love the fact that it have a solution for the problems
Very incitive. I felt the author knows about my feelings.
The struggle is real! It's especially challenging when you hear naysayers. I like the ideas presented to assist in dealing with it. Not sure if we ever truly overcome it ... I believe we just manage it.