How You Can Overcome Imposter Syndrome to Enhance Your Career
You received that coveted promotion you’ve been gunning for, so a celebration is in order. Only now, you have this unsettling feeling that you can’t quite explain. Or maybe there’s a tremendous new opportunity on the horizon, but you’ve convinced yourself that you’re not qualified.
For whatever reason, self-doubt has taken over, and your career is at risk of coming to a screeching halt. What you are likely feeling is commonly referred to as imposter syndrome, and you’re not the only one experiencing such.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is an experience of doubting your abilities and pervasive feelings of fraudulence or that you’re undeserving of your accolades. It’s believed that these feelings primarily affect high achievers. However, this can impact anyone at any point in their career.
The great news is that you are not ill, unfit, nor a total fraud. There are ways to overcome feeling like an imposter and take your career to the next level. Here’s how.
Talk About It
Have open conversations about challenges you are facing in the workplace with coworkers and supervisors. Doing so will help you overcome your concerns. It will also provide incredible relief by knowing that others have similar experiences.
Self-Reflect and Self-Accept
Identify what makes you feel unqualified, undeserving, or less confident in your abilities. When you find that these reasons have no legitimacy, practice positive self-talk. Reflect on your hard work and accept that you didn’t get where you are by chance.
Your confidence is the key to keeping imposter syndrome at bay. So, give yourself grace when you fall short and always look for ways to turn negatives into positives.
Acknowledge Your Achievements
Whether you decide to keep a desktop folder of email praises or a journal full of memorable moments, take note of your accomplishments. Not only will this serve as a friendly reminder to yourself, but it is necessary collateral when seeking a promotion. Don’t be afraid to celebrate your wins, big and small, with your colleagues. Sharing your success with others does not mean that you are bragging.
Continue to Grow
You don’t have to fake it until you make it, but you can experience a positive self-fulfilling prophecy. So, build upon your skills, continue to learn, and grow into the professional you aspire to be.
Remember that You’re Not Alone
Imposter syndrome is not necessarily a bad thing. Look at it as a trait of success. Remember that you are not alone in your feelings. Embrace the fact that others believe in your abilities and recognise your well-deserved accomplishments.