Conquering Imposter Syndrome: 7 Key Steps To Embrace Your True Potential

Years back I won a company wide innovation competition that carried a US$10,000 monetary reward. It was a big deal. Months down the line a colleague was asking me about my process to deliver a winning submission. I struggled to really articulate myself. Deep down I didn’t believe I deserved this accolade and maybe I was just “lucky”. The real truth is I had worked really hard on the submission. I remember a few days before the final submission I had some very late nights because I really wanted to win. Why therefore did I suddenly think I did not deserve this success? I was to later learn about imposter syndrome, which the Oxford dictionary defines as the inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been achieved because one’s skills and efforts.

Left unchecked, imposter syndrome can hold you back from achieving your full potential and hinder progress. Several successful people including celebrities have openly shared how they also struggled with imposter syndrome. Over the years, from my own experiences and talking with friends who have gone through the same, I have learnt there are strategies to overcome imposter syndrome.

Step 1 : Acknowledging imposter syndrome is a crucial first step to dealing with it. Acknowledging the presence of something brings it into your conscious awareness which can help you to recognize the negative thoughts and self doubts. This then allows you to address your triggers more effectively. Rather than dismissing or denying them, acknowledging imposter syndrome can empower you to seek help and support.

Step 2 : Pay attention to your self talk and notice when you start doubting yourself and attributing your success to to external factors. You know how hard you work. Accept the compliments and accolades you receive with a simple “thank you “

Step 3 : Focus on progress not on perfection. Studies show that perfectionism is more prevalent in individuals who experience imposter syndrome. Instead of aiming for perfection, remember imperfections are a natural part of learning. Mistakes are a not always a reflection of incompetence. It’s important to learn from failures and apply those lessons in the future. I will one day share about my rookie marketer launch that I will never forget.

Step 4 : Share your feelings with trusted friends who can provide you a different perspective. I find sharing with trusted friends very helpful as these people believe in my capabilities, they remind me of what I have achieved because of my skills and effort.

Step 5 : Keep a record of your accomplishments, in as much detail as possible. I have been journaling for the last fourteen years, focusing on my wins and victories. Every now and then I go back to old journals and it’s always a confidence booster and a reminder of my capabilities.

Step 6 : Share your expertise with others. Teaching and guiding others helps reinforce your knowledge and validates your expertise in a specific area. More importantly,it’s a huge confidence boost!

Step 7 : Practice self compassion. Remember you are human. Extend to yourself the same compassion you would to a friend in similar circumstances.

By following these seven tips, you can build your confidence, break free from imposter syndrome and step boldly into your full potential.