If you’ve read our blog on the causes of imposter syndrome, you will now know that it is caused by a faulty filter that makes your brain sort information in a way that is far from in your best interests. This causes you to doubt yourself, despite all available evidence to the contrary, and even impacts on your business.
So how do we overcome it? Well, these filters are pesky things that make us focus on the things that affirm the underlying belief – so in this case will focus your attention far more on any things you have done wrong, than the things you have done right. So overcoming imposter syndrome can be tricky, but it is definitely possible. By learning to overcome the underlying belief, you can change it to better serve you.
Here are a few tips to help you beat imposter syndrome:
1.Keep a log
Keep a log of the things you have done well, as they happen. Things you are proud of, things that others have praised, or things you accomplished today. When the imposter syndrome starts to show itself, you have evidence in black and white of the good things you have done and achieved to help counteract those feelings. Over time, this will help to change the filter to your favour as you are exposed to the good things you have done, not replaying the things that didn’t go so well.
2. Reality test
Try and reality test the thoughts going through your head. For example, if you think that the presentation you did wasn’t good enough, ask colleagues for feedback and then listen and believe what they say. Testing the negative thoughts in reality can help to suppress them and force that negative belief to get quieter and quieter.
3. Stop comparing
Stop comparing yourself to others. All you will see on social media is a curated version of the truth that isn’t actually in any way realistic. Seeing them celebrating all their achievements doesn’t mean that they came easy, or that they haven’t made a million mistakes along the way. Focus on your own journey and how far you’ve come.
4. Celebrate success
Learn to celebrate your successes. Instead of focussing on the little things that weren’t perfect, focus on the things that were genuinely good and walk away. Take time to enjoy your successes and stop sweating the small stuff. Every success deserves celebration, after all!
5. Be a mentor
Help someone out who is earlier in their journey. Sometimes, helping someone who isn’t as far along as you yet can help you realise your worth and appreciate how far you have come. Being a mentor for someone else can really pay off for both the person you are mentoring, but also for you, so it really is win-win.
6. Talk about your feelings
Talk to people about how you are feeling. Voicing the feelings of inadequacy can help you see that everyone feels that way and can help you get the reassurance from others that you are doing a good job, but also that you are not alone in feeling this. I have spoken to highly successful business owners with multi-million pound companies who are still scared that they are not good enough. Imposter syndrome affects most people and being open about it can really help you feel good about yourself.
7. Get a good coach
Find a coach who can help you explore these feelings more deeply. A good coach can help you to identify the root cause of the feelings you are having and help you to see the ways they are holding you back, as well as practical ways to overcome them.
If you want to access more resources to help you overcome imposter syndrome, check out our articles and services.
