How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome

For many years now, every single day, I’ve been working with people on how they can become better communicators. And in that process, every single day, I come up against?imposter syndrome!

We all think that we are special and unique, and that our problems are special and unique, but people all over the world struggle with exactly the same things when it comes to speaking.

This is actually good news when you think about it, because it means you don’t need to pick your own unique path out of the forest. You can follow a proven, well-trodden one! Here are some things I've learned when it comes to overcoming imposter syndrome:

1.?It’s normal to doubt your ability when you’re doing something new. This doesn’t mean you can’t learn to do it. It just means you haven’t done it yet. There’s a big difference

2. You have to outgrow your feelings of not-enough-ness by continually taking imperfect action toward your goal, which means?into?and?through?your fear.?

3.?Any doubts you have in your ability are not actually a sign that you lack potential in this area.

4. Just because you’re worried about being exposed as a fraud, it doesn’t mean you are trying to deceive others. The uncomfortable feeling does not necessarily come from sinister intentions, it may just be because you haven’t done it before.

5. The most honest and integrous thing you can do is try to grow and improve. Then everyone wins.

6. Remember, it’s okay to fail; that’s how we learn.

7. Any fears you have of speaking are learned programs. The truth is, you can’t trust them.

8. Put your feelings to the test. Investigate them. Experiment with them. Then, you’ll begin to see them for what they truly are.

9. Remember, speaking is safe. It’s not actually dangerous. So what are you waiting for?

10.?The golden rule is, when you fall down, pick yourself up; don’t beat yourself up.