Suffering from imposter syndrome? These top tips can help...
Today marks International Women’s Day, and as the theme this year is “Choose to Challenge” it seems more relevant than ever, to share advice on how to challenge imposter syndrome from friend of Hood and business coach, Kirsty McWilliam of Coaching Direct.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Impostor syndrome is a term coined in the 1970s to describe an internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. As many as 70% of us have felt like a phoney or a fraud and that we are about to be outed for our incompetence at any moment.
Who suffers from Imposter Syndrome?
It can affect anyone no matter their social status, work background, skill level, or degree of expertise. In the 1970s when psychologists Suzanna Imes and Pauline Rose Clance introduced the concept it was thought to apply mostly to high-achieving women. Since then, it has been recognised as more widely experienced.
What are the signs of Imposter Syndrome?
Ask yourself if you experience any of the below:
Self-doubt
Are you unable to realistically assess your competence and skills?
Do you frequently attribute your success to external factors or luck?
Are you consistently critical of your performance, agonising over even the smallest mistakes or flaws in your work?
Do you experience fear or uncertainty that you won't live up to expectations?
Are you driven to overachieve?
Do you set yourself excessively challenging goals and feeling disappointed when you fall short?
Are you very sensitive to even constructive criticism?
Do you feel like you will inevitably be found out as a fraud?
Do you downplay your own expertise, even in areas where you are genuinely more skilled than others?
How to challenge Imposter Syndrome
If the above questions resonate with you there is a good chance you may be living with Imposter Syndrome. It’s draining, will knock your self confidence, hinder your career and hold you back from opportunities well within your capabilities. Here are some suggestions from Kirsty on how to challenge that nagging self doubt.
Understand it. Where did it come from?
Be mindful of the tone of your inner voice.
Keep moving on. Men will typically experience the same imposter feelings, but the main difference is they take action regardless.
Celebrate your successes. If you can’t, find people who will.
Surround yourself with positive, honest people.
Imposter syndrome is not going away, but we can use it as emotional information and keep going regardless.
If you feel you need further support in overcoming Imposter Syndrome find out more about Kirsty’s techniques at https://www.coachingdirectuk.com