How can you use peer support to overcome imposter syndrome?

When you're dealing with a challenge like imposter syndrome, it's a bit like trying to navigate a new city. You need some local guides, people who've been there and can help you find your way. Here's how you can do it: 1. Look for Your Tribe 2. Online Communities are Gold 3. Seek Wise Guides 4. Share Your Journey 5. Offer Your Support For example, if you're a graphic designer, you can join online design communities or reach out to a more experienced designer who can offer mentorship. Connecting with your peers is like having a network of friends in a new city who can help you navigate and feel more at ease in your professional journey.

Some ways I avoid imposter syndrome is get to know my coworkers on a personal level and this take a lot of fear and unknown away, using I find imposter syndrome is just your fear and anxiety towards a new organization and your looking to fit in somewhere!

The first thing to realise is that imposter syndrome doesn’t exist. YOU ARE THE YOU. You are where you are, is because of your ability and skill. Throughout your life so many people have told you your limitations that you may have internalised those external options. You may not be ready to accept your ability you may not yet feel that you have the skills, but that should be your prompt to take full advantage of your situation to be the best you you can be.

As a woman, we are raised to not “overly” shine. We are to be good at our jobs (inside and outside our homes) but at the same time not to be “stronger” than a man. So, whenever we rise the ranks, or receive a recognition before our male counterparts, we can’t help but be doubted by others and mainly, by ourselves. My advice is: Don’t worry, if you don’t know about something, you’ll learn it in time. If you are not a fit at the moment, you can make another mold. If someone tells you that are “wrong” for the position, prove them wrong, just don’t listen to what your fears are telling you, they don’t know the you who will be shining in the future.

To effortlessly find your tribe, start by seeking out folks handling similar roles and responsibilities. Whether they're in your department, share your job level, or have parallel job duties, they swim in the same pond, understanding your work nuances. Sometimes, the magic of connection happens organically. People who resonate with you might just reach out! For a more personal touch, extend an invitation for chai or lunch. It's a fantastic way to bond and discover common ground. And when in doubt, strike up a chat during a tea break or at a company gathering. A casual conversation can unveil shared interests and make those workplace connections more friendly.

Expressing your emotions can be tough, especially if you're dealing with alexithymia, a condition that makes it hard to identify and name your feelings. One helpful tool is the Feelings and Emotion Wheel, easily accessible on Google. It's been a great help to me!

I struggled for years to identify how I felt. That changed once I learned: 1. The 6 core emotions 2. Where each “usually” occurs in my body - The 6 Core Emotions - Sadness, fear, anger, joy, disgust, surprise. Any other “emotion” is just a more specific description. - Where Each Occurs - Varies person to person. A 2014 body scan study showed common themes for people. Here’s my experience: - Fear: In my extremities (toes or hands). Since I’m in fight or flight mode during fear, my body preps me to move. - Sadness: Chest. Behind my eyes. - Anger: Face, chest, arms. It is a heady, top of body emotion. - Disgust: Gut. Hands. - Joy: Full body. Warmth. - Surprise: Chest. Head. Hope this helps you identify your emotions!

The key is to build a positive professional environment that promotes openness and collaborative work. It's also critical to create opportunities for professional networking and ice breaking as these can be invaluable opportunities for people to network and build on this towards professional collaboration.

I have found that proactively seeking out both constructive and positive direct feedback from peers can be really helpful. Additionally, creating a culture where feedback and growth are the norm. When everyone has a mindset of “we are all here to learn, grow, and help each other,” it helps to break down those thought patterns that feed imposter syndrome.

Simply being there for others facing similar challenges can have a healing impact on its own. It doesn't have to be anything grand – even a kind word can work wonders.

If you managed to overcome your own impostor issues, remember many talents are still struggling. Sharing your perspective can give others the power to move mountains.

When you're thinking about your journey, make sure to shine a light on your achievements. Aim for a minimum of 80% to be about the highlights and what you've accomplished, and leave 20% for constructive feedback and areas to improve.

To overcome imposter syndrome with peer support: 1. Share your feelings. 2. Seek feedback. 3. Find a mentor. 4. Join support groups. 5. Celebrate successes. 6. Offer support to peers. 7. Practice self-compassion. 8. Invest in professional development. Peer support can boost your confidence and help you see your worth.

One of the biggest challenges with imposter syndrome is we keep it to ourselves and the voice in our head becomes increasingly plausible. You can start to address this through peer support. Share your experiences openly with trusted colleagues, unveiling vulnerabilities. Create a network where authentic conversations flourish, revealing common struggles. Embrace collective wins and losses, realizing shared challenges. Seek mentorship, drawing on others' journeys for guidance. Establish a reciprocal support system,where encouragement flows both ways. Remember, you're not alone—many face similar doubts. By fostering a community of empathy, you dismantle imposter syndrome's power, transforming it into a catalyst for growth and shared success.

1. Sharing experiences: Discussing feelings with peers who may have experienced similar doubts can normalize the experience. 2. Receiving feedback: Positive reinforcement and constructive feedback from peers can help validate your interpersonal skills and abilities. 3. Accountability: Having peers who understand your goals can hold you accountable and encourage progress. 4. Mutual learning: Engaging in knowledge exchange and learning from each other's experiences can boost confidence and reduce feelings of inadequacy. 5. Offering support: Supporting others in their struggles can provide a different perspective and reaffirm your own capabilities. Seeking & providing support within a trusted peer group can help combat imposter syndrome!

Acknowledge your skills and/or another's skills when not feeling confident. That simple move can change your mindset. "I am good at such and such..."

To overcome imposter syndrome you have to be confident in your skills and abilities. One thing I found helpful and insightful especially in a leadership role is reading self help books. One book I live by is John C. Maxwell "How to win with people". It provides a thorough understanding of how to navigate through life and work life in order to avoid imposter syndrome. It enables you to be a great leader that builds other great leaders.