How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome
And Be A More Confident You
Academy Award winning actress Kate Winslet confided: "I'd wake up in the morning before going off to a shoot, and think, I can’t do this; I’m a fraud." Fellow actor Don Cheadle shared a similar revelation: "All I can see is everything I'm doing wrong that is a sham and a fraud.
Self doubt and worrying about one's capabilities are a very common phenomenon amongst high performers and high achievers. This is commonly termed 'imposter syndrome' and is said to be on the rise.
What one has to be wary of is not that occasionally you may fear failing or feel 'not good enough', but that it may eventually affect your decision making skills and furthermore bring on anxiety and low moods.
With a fear of being found out, you may be constantly on your guard, wondering what people are thinking and looking for clues as to whether someone has unlocked your 'secret'.
You have thoughts which include the fact that everyone out there is so much more deserving, clever and accomplished than yourself. This dialogue revolves around quietly in the background of your subconscious mind until it becomes just the norm. Infact you believe it so strongly that whenever you enter a room, you immediately shrink in size mentally, as you wonder how you managed to get this far up the ladder.
Within your company you may have a team working for you, and often wonder how you got to the position you have reached. This feeling of unease has now become a daily occurrence.
Many people I have worked with have had what can be termed as 'imposter syndrome'. This can be one of the most debilitating feelings you experience as an individual. It can prevent you from achieving your goals, limit your potential, and leave you feeling like a fraud. But the good news is, it is possible to conquer imposter syndrome and live a life free of the fear of failure.
The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is to remember that just because you are feeling this way, it doesn’t mean that it is true. You may feel like you are not good enough or that you don’t belong, but these feelings are not based in reality.
The second step to conquering this problem is to focus on the positives in your life. Don’t let negative thoughts and doubts take over your mind. Instead, focus on the things that you have achieved and the progress that you have made. Remind yourself of the skills and abilities that make you unique and valuable.
The third step is to practice self-compassion. It’s normal to feel scared or uncertain, and it’s ok to make mistakes. Don’t be too hard on yourself and try to be kind and understanding. Remind yourself that everyone experiences imposter syndrome at some point and that it’s ok to feel this way.
Finally, make it a point to surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Find people who can lift you up and help you remember your worth. These people can be a source of strength and inspiration when you are feeling down. Imposter syndrome can be a difficult feeling to deal with, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With a little bit of effort and some self-compassion, it is possible to conquer it, and live a life free of fear and doubt.
You have the strength and courage to overcome imposter syndrome and live your best life.
If you are looking to work with myself on the 12 month Limitless Confidence Coaching Program then please reach out at
