How do you overcome imposter syndrome?

As a mentor and colleague, I've witnessed talented individuals missing out on opportunities due to imposter syndrome, driven by deep-rooted, often unrecognized fears. While they possess the necessary skills and potential for success, self-doubt holds them back. While I was reflecting and researching on how to deal with this situation I got to know about ‘Imposter Syndrome,’ which many of us would have experienced and overcome even without knowing it. Recognizing and understanding "Imposter Syndrome" can empower people to address it more effectively. While seeking guidance from others is valuable, taking the initial steps to overcome it starts with self-awareness and personal effort.

The signs of impostor syndrome are, essentially, the same signs of an ego stretching beyond its comfort zone. You will experience this as tension in your body or mind. Life is endlessly generous and will give you plenty of signs that you're caught in a story about yourself that is, in a word, untrue.

In my life, whenever I've encountered self-doubt, I've actively sought out challenging roles and tasks that both myself and others deemed impossible. Through this continuous process, I've honed my abilities, growing stronger with each successfully completed challenge. The best way to overcome the imposter syndrome is to understand what each new responsibility is all about, learn about the role from scratch, and acquire skills that are requisite to do the job well. Deepening your understanding of the task at hand will help alleviate the feeling of being an imposter.

Personally, I don't believe in reframing thoughts. I believe the answer is to NOTICE your thoughts and enquire into them (see The Work of Byron Katie for more on this). The 2nd way is to notice the tension that those thoughts create it your body. Allow yourself to simply witness these sensations without trying to fix them. Try it... You'll be amazed!

I’m my experience, after becoming aware this mindset has been triggered, using the word “and” can help facilitate the movement into a more productive headspace. When individuals experience the physiological effects of imposter syndrome, positive affirmations can feel forced and ineffective. Practice acknowledging the negative feeling while adding the the word “and” then state a truth. For example; I feel like I don’t belong at this speaking engagement and I know my qualifications are relevant.

If someone has a desire to embody consistent levels of worthiness, we have to explore the root causes. Reframing is a valuable tool, though it does not get us to the origin of the beliefs. I use a method of Holistic Coaching where I support leaders as a whole person. Often I witness talented high achievers feeling they have to edit themselves to fit a perceived predefined box of what they believe others perceive success looks like. Harshly judging themselves against it, rather than celebrating the wholeness of who they are. If we mask our true selves daily, it’s exhausting and leaves us energetically depleted. We are entering a new paradigm and a new breed of conscious leaders are emerging. It is time to write a new rule book!

Always remember what you bring to the table, and see how your skills can be utilized to efficiently do the task at hand without getting overwhelmed. Remember, you may not know everything, but you certainly have a few skill sets that can be applied to the given task.

We all have unique gifts. Life just works better when we discover and share them with the world. Ask a friend or coach if you're having problems finding yours.

Find someone who sees you as Who You Really Are and holds you to that. Your ego will fight like hell to avoid seeing this. That's why we need an outside perspective at times.

Imposter syndrome seeps in when you enter a well-established set-up, and there is not much to do except steer a steady ship. But nothing stops you from trying to improve things, do them in a better manner and bring a new perspective to the ongoing work. Always focus on improving things; it leads to immense growth.

The very act of seeing Who You Really Are is already challenging! Challenge yourself, yes, but bring compassion to yourself also! It may seem counter-intuitive, but I believe self-acceptance is the critical (and often missed) first step to change. In order to become Who You Really Are, you must become clear about who you are being in this moment. By accepting this version of reality entirely, you liberate the energy necessary to level up.

Sometimes, imposter syndrome stems from self-doubt or lack of self-belief. This also indicates that the person is low on self-esteem; it is essential to remember that if you are given a responsibility, it is because you have earned it and you deserve it. It is essential to keep reminding yourself that you are worthy of all you have; it boosts your self-esteem and gives you positivity.

“When you examine the lives of the most influential people who have ever walked among us, you discover one thread that winds through them all. They have been aligned first with their spiritual nature and only then with their physical selves.” ~ Albert Einstein

Don’t be afraid to dig deeper into the reason this condition has a foothold at all. EMDR can be a wonderful therapeutic approach to resolving these feelings.

I agree with @CrystalTurman about becoming curious about the beginnings of Imposter Syndrome. People's patterns may be rooted in childhood (complex) trauma. Affirming one's degrees and expertise may only exasperate, a 'never good-enough' core belief. EMDR is one way to deal with trauma and we are now blessed with other effective healing modalities. ????