By Ray Baptiste
Raise your hand if you have ever felt your success was due to luck rather than acknowledging your own abilities and efforts. Regardless of social status, career background, skill level, or expertise – imposter syndrome can affect anyone.
Any of us can feel the fear of being unmasked as incompetent or a fraud. Tom Hanks was quoted as saying, "No matter what we've done, there comes a point where you think, 'How did I get here? When are they going to discover that I am, in fact, a fraud and take everything away from me?' The civil rights activist, author, poet and Nobel Laureate Maya Angelou admitted that at times, she often felt like a fraud, once saying, "I have written 11 books, but each time I think, 'uh oh, they're going to find out now. I've run a game on everybody, and they're going to find me out.” Even Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks has spoken about feeling inadequate despite his success in transforming the company into a global brand.
But what exactly is imposter syndrome (otherwise known as ‘critical self-doubt’)? Basically, it’s just a feeling - however, this feeling leads us to doubt our accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a "fraud," regardless of evidence to the contrary. In saying that this self-doubt can lead to factors that may impact both professional and personal aspects of one's life leading to stress, anxiety and a lack of confidence.
Overcoming imposter syndrome requires a combination of self-awareness, mindset shifts, and practical strategies to build confidence and acknowledge your achievements. One of the first steps is to recognise that you are not alone and often the root cause stems from our early experiences, cultural expectations, perfectionism and being compared to others.
So how do you reframe that mindset and fear of failure? You start by seeing failure as the stepping-stone to success. J K Rowling had a failed marriage, she was a single parent to a 5-month-old child, and was living off benefits. However, she refused to roll over and began writing Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone all the time battling fear, poverty and depression. She had no idea how her life was about to change! How did this single mother become the world's richest author?
1. Don’t be Afraid to Fail.
Everyone fails at some point. Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a part of success. Learn from your failures and let them fuel your determination to improve. See it as an opportunity for personal growth/learning, self-analysis & feedback, insight & self-reflection, goal setting & visualisation and to become stronger.
2. Celebrate Your Success
Make sure you take the time to celebrate your successes. The size of that success doesn’t matter! By celebrating your achievements you are giving yourself the recognition and acknowledgement for your efforts and talents. This will boost your confidence and self-esteem and it validates your abilities and skills, making you feel more positive about yourself. Your celebrations can inspire and encourage others. When people see you celebrating your achievements, it can motivate them to pursue their goals and celebrate their successes too. It also can help to reduce stress & enhance well-being, which can have numerous benefits for your mental and emotional health.
3. Change your Self-talk (the inner critic)
Be mindful of the way you talk to yourself. Your inner dialogue has a profound impact on how you feel. Start to challenge negative self-talk by telling yourself "I am capable and can learn and grow." instead of "I'm not good enough”.
4. Embrace your Expertise – What is Your ‘Why not me’?
Recognise that you have unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that no one else possesses. Own your expertise and don’t be afraid to share it with the world. Your knowledge and insights are valuable and worthy of recognition. There is only one of you on the planet.
5. Seek Support
Talk to friends/family/colleagues about your feelings. Build a support system of mentors, and peers who believe in you and your potential. You will be surprised how many people can relate. Supportive relationships can provide reassurance and perspective, helping you see yourself more accurately.
6. Embrace Challenges
It’s okay to feel a little scared, it means you care about your work and remember you can grow from that feeling. Don’t shy away from challenges or opportunities. Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Embrace challenges as chances to learn and prove to yourself that you are capable of handling them. Remember if you have built a support system embracing challenges becomes easier.
7. Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same compassion that you would offer your peers/colleagues/family/friends. How many of you reading this forget this vital point?
Remember, overcoming imposter syndrome is a gradual process that involves changing your mindset, recognising your accomplishments, and being kinder to yourself. By reframing your thoughts, seeking support, and embracing imperfection, you can reduce the impact of imposter syndrome and build greater confidence in your abilities.
Embrace who you are, celebrate your achievements, and remember, you are more than enough.
Ray Baptiste - With over 30 years of recruitment experience, I’ve helped thousands of mid-career professionals and those over 50 find jobs that match their skills and passions. Whether you're just starting your search or fine-tuning your interview technique, I can provide the guidance you need to succeed.
If you're ready to take control of your job search and land your next role with confidence, I’m here to help. Contact me at ray@aionion.co.uk, or book a coaching session to start your journey toward your ideal career.
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