It never ceases to amaze me how many people struggle with imposter syndrome – myself included!

I consulted with several SUCCESSFUL and ACCOMPLISHED executive women this week, looking for a coach to help them strengthen their confidence and manage their imposter syndrome. 

These women have big job titles and are admired by many as leadership role models. 

And they sometimes feel like imposters that don’t belong and fear others will find out they are not qualified.

Can you relate to any of these patterns?

• Perfectionism. You set overly ambitious goals for yourself. Because your goal is perfection, the smallest mistakes make you feel like a failure. 
• Attribute success to luck. You downplay your success because you do not believe you deserve the success or are just lucky.
• Unable to recognize success. Instead of celebrating your accomplishments, you worry that others will see “the truth” about your skills and abilities.
• Fear of failure. You find yourself staying in your comfort zone sometimes because you fear failure.
• Difficulty asking for help. You resist asking for help because you believe it’s a sign of weakness and will reveal that you’re unqualified.

These patterns are confidence killers! 

So, what can you do? Try these steps the next time your inner critic tells you you’re an imposter.

Steps to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
   Recognize when you start feeling like an imposter. Instead of engaging with your thoughts of self-doubt, acknowledge that it is a normal response. You are not alone! Studies suggest that 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their career.
2. Understand the Root Cause
   Why do you think you feel like you don’t belong? Is it due to a fear of failure? Do you believe that you don’t deserve success? Why or why not?
3. Focus on FACTS, not Feelings
   When you start feeling like a fraud, focus on positive facts. For example, you were promoted or given a difficult assignment because of your exceptional performance. Replay your past successes in your mind.
4. Ask if That Thought is Helpful
   Does feeling fraudulent help or hinder you? Does it propel you into positive action or paralyze you?
5. Reframe your thoughts
   Instead of telling yourself that you don’t deserve success, reframe your thoughts to give yourself more credit and enjoy the experience.
   • • Own your accomplishments instead of attributing them to “luck” or “help from others.”
     • Instead of setting impossibly high standards, set smaller goals so you can enjoy the process.
     • Remind yourself there will never be the “perfect time.”
     • Accept that we all have to start somewhere.
6. Accept that it’s okay to make mistakes.
   Instead of fearing failure, develop a healthy response to making mistakes. Accept that it’s normal to make mistakes and learn from them instead.
7. Reach out for support.
   Having a safe space to receive support will help reduce feelings of being an imposter. When you feel imperfect, make a mistake, or receive a compliment, your first instinct may be to hide. Instead, start reaching out to an encouraging mentor, coach, or colleague for support.

• • • Say “thank you” when you receive a compliment.
    • Practice being honest when you feel imperfect, embarrassed, or have made a mistake.
    • Share and celebrate your achievements and successes.

Instead of doubting yourself, remind yourself that learning and making mistakes do not make you a fraud – it makes you human.

Wishing you the best!