Doubting Your Skills? Here's How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
So let’s set the scene. As a professional, you’re good at what you do and have spent a lot of time learning and growing into your craft. One day you randomly catch yourself questioning your value and worth as a professional. “Am I actually good at what I do?” “Are people truly satisfied?” “How do I even know that I am just as qualified as everyone else in my field, at minimum?” Honestly, I would be lying if I told you that these thoughts didn’t cross my mind, too. Imposter syndrome is a real thing and is more common that you think. The name in itself sounds heavy but can simply be defined as a moment where you doubt your skills, talents and accomplishments with an internalized fear that you don’t fit in and may be exposed.
Imposter syndrome is ultimately another form of a limiting belief and can be triggered by a variety of things. Anxiety, even if it’s for a brief second, plays a major role and can be brought on when:
You’re taking on a challenging task or in the process of enhancing your skill set
When you identify as a “perfectionist” and are not meeting your goals
When there’s an oversight or error that’s been made
When you’ve surprisingly outdone yourself
If this resonates with you, the fact that you are questioning your skill set means that you are someone who not only values the work that you do, but also the people who you do it for. The first step towards overcoming imposter syndrome is recognizing that. Here are some other things to consider and try:
Check in with yourself. The minute you begin to question yourself, try to identify the source. Sometimes it may not even be related to the work itself but because you may be tired, hungry, dehydrated or anxious about something completely unrelated.
Tell those negative thoughts to kiss off. That’s the real imposter, not you. Please be kind to yourself, stick up for yourself, and hype yourself up! Just because you have an evaluative thought, doesn’t mean you have to give in to a negative moment. You’re good at what you do, that’s why you’re in the field that you’re in. And with any challenges that you may face, you are more than capable of pushing through and overcoming.
Stay connected to other professionals in your field. That’s the best way to keep up as you evolve. If you feel like you’re lacking in any way, there’s nothing like learning and getting support from like minded individuals. Staying connected also helps you gauge where you’re at in your own professional development and allows you the opportunity to learn something new.
Take a break. Even if it’s for a moment. How many times have we all been in situations where our emotions were high and after time passes and you reflect, you realized how silly you sounded? Imagine imposter syndrome as a wave, although those feelings and emotions may rise, they will eventually subside.
As always, we’re here for you. But most importantly when it comes to this subject matter, we really need you to be there for your authentic self. You’re so amazing and you’ve got this.
Be well,
-The Consulting Firm