5 Ways to Tackle Imposter Syndrome

Do you ever feel like you shouldn't be in the role that you are in or that you aren't good enough at work? Do you lack self confidence despite being told that you are talented and good at what you do? Do you feel like someone is going to "find out" that you aren't up for the task or that you really shouldn't have gotten that promotion? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is likely that you are suffering from imposter syndrome and if you are, it's time to shake-it-off.

Imposter syndrome is one of the most common issues facing leaders as they climb the corporate and entrepreneurial ladders. While imposter syndrome is often attributed to women, men experience it, too. Every coaching client I have ever had can point to a time when he or she has felt this way. It's important for you to be aware that your reasons for feeling like an imposter from time to time are not only down to you feelings about yourself. They are societal, cultural and even social. Further...they are not entirely within your control. What is within your control is how you respond to those external factors and what are you going to do to shift "imposter syndrome"?

It's time for you to believe what someone else already knows: You deserve to be here.

1. You are in the role that you are in because someone had faith in your abilities and put you there. You wouldn't be there if you didn't have the capability and if you haven't demonstrated it yet, there is someone who believes that you will. While I'm not advocating for resting on your laurels, it's time for you to believe what someone else already knows: You deserve to be here.
2. Don't be afraid to celebrate your successes both alone and with others. There is no better confidence booster than being celebrated for a job well done. The trick is taking that feeling and celebrating yourself when you accomplish things large and small. It's okay to go into a quiet place and fist pump. I do it all of the time and it-feels-good!
3. Ask for feedback from your manager/leader and peers. There are certainly people who are oblivious to the fact that they are making a mess of things but the real victims of imposter syndrome project doom and gloom around performance or situations when there is really no doom and gloom at all. These folks are often the highest achievers with the highest standards for their own performance. Sound familiar? Ask your leaders and peers for feedback on your performance with a regular cadence. You will often be pleasantly surprised by what you hear. Mistakes are okay. They are learning experiences. It is how you deal with them that counts. Act quickly when you are given feedback that will help you to improve.
4. You are not alone. Know that there are lots of people that feel the same way that you do. Talk to a trusted colleague and ask them if they have ever felt what you feel. Create a buddy relationship. Having a cheerleader...someone who is really in your corner and wants to see you excel will change your life.
5. Stop taking yourself and your work so seriously. Honestly...your obituary will not be defined by how well you did your job. It should be filled with who you were to people and the wonderful things you did. Spend more time focusing on those things both inside and outside of work. When you are authentic and show yourself for who you really are and what is important to you, imposter syndrome has no place. Take off the mask and enjoy yourself. Life is not a dress rehearsal.