Have you ever felt like you don’t belong or everyone will find out that you don’t deserve your achievements?

If you can relate to those feelings of chronic self-doubt, you’ve probably experienced imposter syndrome.

You’re not alone – studies suggest 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. And I am one of those people.

Check out this video about imposter syndrome.

You don’t have to deal with this alone. Here are some tips to help you manage and overcome imposter syndrome.

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. Remember that Maya Angelou and Albert Einstein had imposter syndrome, too!

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?

Focus on Facts Instead of Feelings
When you start feeling like a fraud, focus on positive facts. For example, maybe you were chosen for a job interview because of your qualifications. Perhaps you were promoted or given a challenging assignment because others recognize your strengths.

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.

Embrace Your Mistakes
Instead of fearing failure, develop a healthy response to making mistakes. Nobody is perfect, and mistakes are one of the best ways to learn. One of my favorite ways to reframe a mistake is to remember this acronym for “FAIL.”

• • First
  • Attempt
  • In
  • Learning

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 or embarrassed or have made a mistake.
  • Share and celebrate your achievements and successes.

Imposter syndrome can make you feel like you’re not good enough, don’t belong, or are undeserving. But it’s important to remind yourself that learning and making mistakes does not make you a fraud – it makes you human.

You have talent. You are capable. You belong.

Wishing you the best!