How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Have you ever thought to yourself, “Who am I to do this?!”
Maybe you're about to try something new - launch a new product, work with a new client, or offer a new course - and right after you feel the excitement of your idea, you start questioning yourself…
"Oh gosh I don't know what I'm doing!”
“What if I mess up and everyone finds out I'm a fraud...”
“I need to read one more book about this first.”
“I have to get one more certification.”
“One more degree.”
“THEN, I'll feel qualified."
“Then, I won’t be an imposter.”
There’s one problem with that…
Since you’re not an imposter to begin with, none of those things will make you feel qualified.
If you read that sentence in true imposter fashion and thought to yourself, “Ugh you have no clue, I don’t believe that…” then keep reading!
Imposter Syndrome is described as feeling inadequate despite evidence of knowledge or success. Read that again - especially the part about DESPITE EVIDENCE OF KNOWLEDGE OR SUCCESS.
Of course it’s important to value learning and growing. I also like having the appropriate qualifications. But there's a line between enjoying learning, and using learning as an excuse to stay safe and comfortable. It's very important you know the difference.
Most of the time we feel like imposters about things we’re wildly qualified to do or talk about.
When we feel like imposters we quickly discount our past successes and current knowledge. Which results in chronic self-doubt and overrides any feelings of success.
Where does this imposter feeling really come from? Why does it come up if we have the knowledge? And how do we overcome it?
First, you need to understand the root issue causing you to feel like an imposter.
I think of imposter syndrome as a side effect of low self-worth or perfectionism. This idea that if we’re perfect, then we’ll be worthy and qualified to succeed isn’t uncommon, especially among high achieving women. Consciously we know that’s ridiculous. No one’s perfect. No one knows EVERYTHING. But subconsciously we’re marching to a very different tune.
Perfection is not a prerequisite for success. It’s a deterrent of it.
You’re already worthy. You just have to learn how to see it. Perfectionism is a great way to hold yourself back from stepping out of your comfort zone and doing things that really matter to you. It will always keep you safe from being seen while risking your biggest goals and dreams in the process.
So if you want to over come imposter syndrome, we need to uncover what it’s keeping you safe from. Start by answering these questions below in a journal (preferably writing by hand):
When was the first time you remember feeling like you weren’t enough?
What’s so scary about being wrong?
What do you believe about failure?
What’s scary about being seen?
What’s so scary about being successful?
What limiting beliefs to you have around success (maybe that it can’t come easy or that you have to struggle in order to deserve it)?
If you felt worthy, what would that look and feel like? How would it change the way you take action (maybe even describe a past time where you felt competent and confident).
Once you’ve answered those and are clearer on the root belief or programming it stems from you can begin to work through it using the following steps so you can move forward towards high levels of self-worth and more fulfillment within your life:
Practice self-compassion.
When you realize what the root issue of your imposter syndrome is, sit with whatever emotions come up. Most of our programming happens when we’re young so it could be a result of something you haven’t thought about for years. You may need to take some time to feel those emotions now, so you can heal. Give yourself space. What would you say to a friend who’d had that experience?
How can you show up for yourself now? Maybe you need some affirmations that represent new empowering beliefs that will support your self-worth and goals.
I am worthy of success (or add in the specific thing you need).
My voice is important.
I am smart.
My experiences are valuable.
I am capable of making a positive impact.
Whatever it is you need to believe and hear, say that over and over to yourself each day.
Visualize yourself feeling confident and successful.
Our subconscious mind things in pictures. When you practice visualization you’re showing your subconscious mind detailed images of what’s possible for you. When it sees that over and over again it takes it as reality, becomes more familiar with it, and your brain will start to look for proof of why you CAN do it throughout your day. This is an important step in overcoming self-doubt and procrastination that often accompanies imposter syndrome.
You can also bring up a time in the past when you felt confident and competent. Visualize that exact time - what you were doing, wearing, feeling - and bring those confident and capable up and embody them as you go through your day.
Make a list of past successes.
Write out all of your past successes. Get detailed and describe how you overcame and achieved something - big or small. Don’t be shy here. It’s easy for those who struggle with imposter syndrome to belittle their accomplishments, but you NEED to acknowledge them if you want to be successful in the future. Whatever you focus on grows.
What did that success feel like? What strengths did you rely on to accomplish that? How can you call on those strengths and use that past experience to help you move forward now?
Search for proof.
I love the quote, “There are people less qualified than you doing things that you want to do, simply because they decided to believe in themselves.” I go back to that every time I feel unqualified to do something I feel called to do and it’s a great reminder. It’s also incredibly true. What you decide to believe about yourself is how your life will play out.
So if you know someone who is less qualified than you doing what you want to do take that as a sign that you can do it too! When we see others doing what we want to do it expands our minds and shows us that it’s possible for us to do that as well.
Take quick action.
It’s hard to hear our self-doubt when we’re busy taking action. When we act quickly we’re too busy being present in the moment and we don’t have time to over think and allow our imposter to have a say. Come up with one small action step you can take quickly towards your bigger goal. Go do it. NOW. Don’t over think it. Don’t over plan it. Just act.
Repeat this every day and before you know it you’ll be so much farther along, with a lot more proof that you DO have what it takes. When we take bite sized action steps it’s easier to stay consistent and get multiple wins under our belts. When we see all the steps we’ve taken this increases our levels of self-efficacy and helps up build strong momentum. Plus small consistent steps lead to big results.
Enlist accountability and support.
Find a like minded friend or community that’s a safe space for you can call on when you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. Let them know you’re imposter is getting loud and you’re in need of some encouragement. Relationships are so much better when we have open communication about what we need and this can help create a positive and uplifting environment. Make sure you also encourage them regularly too. This has to work both ways and it will also help you feel more capable. Energy is contagious, so when we lift one another up we rise too.
Fear is a natural part of stepping outside our comfort zones. In fact, I’ve found it gets the loudest right before we do something that means a lot to us. So next time your inner critic gets loud and you don’t feel worthy of your dream, ask yourself, “Is stepping out and trying - even potentially failing - worse than staying in my comfort zone and always wondering what could’ve been?”
Staying small feels safe in the moment, but the effects of not pursing things that are important to you will crush you later.
Ask yourself, “In 10 years, when I look back on this situation in my life, what choice would make me the most proud?”
Now go do that! Rooting for you!
