Empower Your Journey: New Techniques for Managing Imposter Syndrome
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Imposter syndrome comes from all kinds of conditioning. Just ask Dr Valerie Young. But as the subject expert states: “Simply changing how you talk to yourself about a difficulty or a challenge changes how you approach it.”
Let’s be clear: if you have imposter syndrome, you are NOT alone. It’s a common issue. The persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of competence and success, hinders personal growth and limits potential. Here’s four techniques for managing self-doubt.
Mindful Self-Compassion: Recognise and acknowledge your feelings of inadequacy without judgment. Practise observing your thoughts so you don’t become overwhelmed by them. By treating yourself with kindness and understanding, you can break the cycle of self-criticism.
Positive Affirmations: Sit down with a cuppa and write a literal list of your strengths and achievements. Stick them on the wall and review regularly to reset your subconscious and build a more positive self-image. Over time, it’ll help shift your mindset.
Collaborative Reflection: Seek out a peer or mentor to share experiences; it’ll give valuable insights so that the scary thoughts become mere data. Collective reflection with your support network normalises the imposter syndrome experience, fosters community and validates your wins.
Goal Setting and Tracking: Set realistic goals and track your progress for a tangible way to measure success (again, it’s all just data). Chunk larger goals into smaller, achievable tasks; celebrate wins along the way. After a while, the concrete evidence of your capabilities can’t be ignored.
Ask yourself: “Where do I struggle with imposter syndrome? What steps can I take today to cultivate a more self-affirming mindset?” There’s bound to be actionable strategies that align with your professional goals. The journey to banishing imposter syndrome is tough but each step brings you comfortably closer to your true potential.
Imposter syndrome is a challenge but it can be tamed. If you need a reference book on the matter, try Valerie Young’s snappily titled ‘The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women (and Men): Why Capable People Suffer from Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive In Spite of It’.