3 Thoughts to Kill Imposter Syndrome
Anyone from a startup founder to someone starting at an entry-level position can experience Imposter Syndrome.
Imposter Syndrome is nothing more than a set of feelings or attitudes about your current situation and position.
The good news is that for all of the stress and anxiety it can cause it is easily fought by remembering a few simple concepts.
- You Are Where You Are For A Reason
In the business world, you are where you are for a reason.
You are there because you are able to create more value than you cost.
I know firsthand it can sometimes feel uncomfortable when you are young and performing tasks that “experienced” people or “experts” are supposed to do.
Don’t worry about what is “supposed to happen”, focus on doing what you are doing.
If you aren’t performing or what you are doing isn’t cutting it someone will tell you.
Very few things happen by accident, and that is especially so in the business world.
Investors wouldn’t have invested in you if they didn’t have confidence in you.
An employer wouldn’t hire you if they didn’t believe in your ability to create value.
Simply remembering all the hard work you have put in to get to where you are now (and not downplaying your past efforts and achievements) can play a big role in combating imposter syndrome.
2. Use Imposter Syndrome to Work Harder Than Ever Before
One of the best responses to not knowing if you are “legit” or “good enough” is to work harder than you ever have before.
Prove to yourself and anybody watching that you are capable beyond a reasonable doubt and use your imposter syndrome as motivation to go out and do it.
If you are feeling imposter syndrome it’s likely because you haven’t had enough time to prove yourself yet.
I know it sounds obvious but the best way to prove yourself is to actually work hard and to prove yourself.
3. Everybody Does Some Acting
If my other 2 tricks didn’t work, this is my last resort, but it’s a powerful one.
Everyone in the world acts to varying degrees. If you have imposter syndrome it's probably because you feel like you are pretending to be someone more qualified than you actually are.
Even if that is true, (and it's almost always NOT true), everybody in the world acts.
A spokesperson has to act cool, calm and collected when dealing with the media even if they also don’t really know what is happening.
A manager has to hold themselves together when letting employees go during a tough economic climate.
The point of this thought is to remember that even if you feel imposter syndrome you don’t have to let it impact you.
This thought isn’t quite “fake it till you make it” since you aren’t faking it, but instead, I’m saying to fake your attitude until it changes.
Most of 'imposter syndrome' is just a manifestation of anxiety from an exciting yet stressful new opportunity for you.
Conclusion
Embrace imposter syndrome. If you are feeling it then it means you are pushing beyond your comfort zone.
If you feel it just remember why you are where you are, use it to work harder than ever before, and if that doesn’t work, act in your new role until it isn’t an act anymore.
You got this!