Imposter Syndrome uncovered

"Can I really do this job?"

"Is this job too big for me?"

"I thought I was good, but now I'm not so sure."

"I'm made to feel inadequate."

"I can do this (but I secretly feel that I can't pull it off) despite doing it well for years."

These are comments from people who have suffered from Imposter Syndrome.

I'm sorry but Imposter Syndrome in my opinion is a lack of self-confidence.

No matter which level of seniority, anyone can find themselves battling with Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their own accomplishments and has a persistent fear of being exposed as a "fraud."

Despite external evidence of their competence, those experiencing imposter syndrome remain convinced that they do not deserve the success they have achieved. They often attribute their success to luck or other external factors, rather than their own abilities and believe that they are deceiving others about their capabilities.

This syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of their social status, work background, skill level, or degree of expertise. Anyone can suffer from this condition.

Recently I had a call from a Director in Housebuilding.

"I'm not sure that I can take any more of this.

I just feel that everywhere I turn, I am being undermined.

I'm at the point of saying stick it, find some other mug".

When I asked a few questions, it became clear quite quickly that this person was suffering from Imposter Syndrome and to make matters worse, they were being tested and challenged in ways that were unusual for someone with the length of service and expertise in their role.

This is where self-confidence comes into play.

It's so important when feelings of this nature manifest that you knock it on the head quickly.

Look in the mirror, decide whether you are the real deal and if you don't think you are, it's time to consider the bigger picture. The mind is very powerful.

Confidence is easily lost.

A lack of confidence is the beginning of a slippery slope.

Make a list of everything you've achieved, not material things, but ways of working, ways of being you and the good things that other people have benefitted from, as part of being in your space. Think about the small successes that make a difference. Look how you empathise and support others. Look at the positives in your life, no matter how few or how many. You know you can do this, you just sometimes need someone else to recognise it and to remind you.

I'm not a psychiatrist, nor do I wish to be one, except for the income part - that could be helpful.

Self-belief is the message here. Believe in yourself. Invest in yourself, for why should others invest in you, if you don't?