What do you do if you're struggling with imposter syndrome in the business reporting industry?

2 Challenge the thoughts

Imposter syndrome is often based on irrational or distorted thoughts that undermine your confidence and competence. These thoughts might include statements like "I don't belong here", "I got lucky", "I'm a fraud", or "I'm not good enough". To challenge these thoughts, you need to examine the evidence and reality of your situation. You can use a technique called cognitive restructuring, which involves identifying, evaluating, and replacing the negative thoughts with more realistic and positive ones.

3 Seek feedback and support

Imposter syndrome can make you feel isolated and reluctant to ask for help or feedback. However, this can worsen your situation and prevent you from learning and improving. To overcome imposter syndrome, you need to seek feedback and support from others who can validate your work and skills, and provide constructive criticism and guidance. You can reach out to your colleagues, editors, mentors, or peers in the industry, and ask for their opinions, advice, or recommendations. You can also join a network, a community, or a group of business reporters who share similar challenges and experiences.

4 Celebrate your achievements

Imposter syndrome can make you overlook or downplay your achievements and focus on your flaws or mistakes. This can erode your self-esteem and motivation, and make you feel like you don't deserve your success. To overcome imposter syndrome, you need to celebrate your achievements and recognize your contributions and value. You can keep a portfolio, a resume, or a list of your work and accomplishments, and review them regularly. You can also reward yourself, share your stories, or express gratitude for your opportunities and resources.

5 Embrace learning and growth

Imposter syndrome can make you feel like you have to know everything and be perfect all the time. However, this is unrealistic and unsustainable, and can lead to burnout or stagnation. To overcome imposter syndrome, you need to embrace learning and growth as part of your professional development. You can adopt a growth mindset, which means that you view challenges, failures, and feedback as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than as threats to your identity or reputation. You can also seek new skills, knowledge, or experiences that can enhance your business reporting career.

6 Find a mentor

Imposter syndrome can make you feel like you are alone or inadequate in your role. However, you can benefit from having a mentor who can support, inspire, and empower you. A mentor is someone who has more experience, expertise, or influence than you, and who can offer you advice, guidance, or feedback. A mentor can help you overcome imposter syndrome by providing you with a role model, a sounding board, a cheerleader, or a sponsor. You can find a mentor in your organization, your industry, your network, or your community, and establish a mutually beneficial relationship with them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?