Combat feelings of inadequency

A few weeks ago, I worked with a client whom I’ll call Dalia. When she joined the call, she nearly exploded with excitement. “Guess what?”

“Next week, I’m finally getting promoted!”

The words had barely escaped her lips when her face fell. “What do I tell my current colleagues? They all want to be promoted too and, well, ….”

Dalia’s excitement was replaced by fear … within seconds.

What happened?

Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with clients about the sneaky affliction that puts a major damper on your spirits.

Imposter syndrome.

We’ve all been there. In fact, it still happens to me, and I do this for a living. It’s no fun meeting our inner critic face to face. Here are three strategies I use myself – and with clients like Dalia – to combat feelings of inadequacy or second-guessing.

1. Assess your self-talk. Are self-limiting beliefs holding you back? Try writing them down … and flipping the script. For instance, I don’t deserve this promotion can be rewritten as I’m strategic, accomplished, and deserve to be a Director. It may sound hokey, but research shows this kind of exercise, known as neuroplasticity, can help rewire the brain.
2. Try not to catastrophize. Think about what a successful end result will look like. Instead of fearing the worst (My colleagues will resent me for getting promoted), retrain your negative self-talk by visualizing the best-case scenario. Positive thinking goes a long way toward reaching your goals.
3. Channel your inner rockstar. We’ve all had that moment in the mirror where our inner Beyoncé or Madonna takes the stage. Capture some of that confidence and energy and pour it into your work. Remember why you’re passionate about your role or the topic at hand and show it!

In addition to these tips, I directed Dalia to the book Playing Big. In it, she discusses how our inner critic, or imposter syndrome, rears its ugly head as we move into new roles. Both Playing Big and Speak Up, Dammit! contain strategies for developing courage while we’re speaking up.

What are your tips for fending off the imposter syndrome? I’d love to hear!