You are a fake, and everyone is about to find out.

All too many of us have thoughts (especially when we are about to do something BIG) that we don't have the right credentials, we aren't prepared enough, or someone else would be better at talking about and/or writing about what we are sharing. (Heck, I am even thinking this a bit right now. Let me press on, like Lee nails)

These are incredibly unhelpful thoughts. (the imposter ones, not the nails, they look pretty)

On top of it, once we start to have the thoughts, a barrage of feelings show up - feeling nervous, exposed, worried, inadequate, and frightened.... just to name a few.

Do you relate to any of these patterns?

Perfectionism. You may set high goals for yourself. Because your goal is perfection, the smallest mistakes may make you feel like a failure.

Attribute success to luck. You downplay your success because you do not believe you deserve the success, or you believe you are just lucky.

Unable to recognize success. Instead of celebrating your accomplishments, you worry that others will see “the truth” about your skills and abilities.

Fear of failure. Because of a fear of failure, you may set challenging goals and be disappointed when those goals fail. You might also take on limited tasks because you fear failure.

Difficulty asking for help. You might have difficulty asking for help because you believe asking for help will show that you’re wrong or unqualified.

The good news is, it is JUST A THOUGHT. And like any other thought, it can be replaced with new thoughts.

Here are SEVEN steps you can use to help you get past your imposter syndrome:

1. Acknowledge imposter feelings. Recognize when you start feeling like an imposter. Instead of engaging with your thoughts of self-doubt, acknowledge that it is a normal response.

2. Understand the root of the cause. Why do you think you feel like you don’t belong? Is it due to a fear of failure? Do you believe that you don’t deserve success? Why or why not?

3. Focus on facts, not feelings. When you start feeling like a fraud, focus on positive facts. For example, maybe you were chosen for a job interview because of your qualifications.

4. Ask yourself if that thought helps or hinders you. Does feeling fraudulent help or hinder you? Is that what you want to be? What kind of person do you want to be?

5.Reframe your thoughts. Instead of telling yourself that you don’t deserve success, reframe your thoughts to give yourself more credit and enjoy the experience.

• Own your accomplishments instead of attributing them to “luck” or “help from others.”
• Instead of setting impossibly high standards, set smaller goals so you can enjoy the process.
• Remind yourself there will never be the “perfect time.”
• Accept that we all have to start somewhere.

6. Accept that it’s okay to make mistakes. Instead of fearing failure, develop a healthy response to making mistakes. Accept that it’s normal to make mistakes and learn from each mistake instead.

7. Reach out for support. Having a safe space to receive support will help you reduce feelings of being an imposter. When you feel imperfect, make a mistake, or receive a compliment, your first instinct may be to hide. Instead, start reaching out to an encouraging mentor, coach, or colleague for support.

• Say “thank you” when you receive a compliment.
• Practice being honest when you feel imperfect, embarrassed, or have made a mistake.
• Share and celebrate your achievements and successes.

Imposter syndrome can make you feel like you’re not good enough, you don’t belong, or you are undeserving. But it’s important to remind yourself that learning and making mistakes do not make you a fraud - it makes you human. Instead of doubting yourself, take the above steps to build your self-esteem and self-worth.

If imposter syndrome is slowing your success down, and you'd like some support, reach out! This is one of many areas I work with my clients on. Stop holding yourself back, you are a gift to the world, share YOU.