Many of us struggle with self-doubt despite our success. Edel Walsh outlines practical strategies to help you overcome impostor syndrome and believe in your achievements
Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough, despite evidence of your accomplishments and abilities? You’re not alone.
Many high-achieving individuals experience impostor syndrome, a phenomenon whereby people doubt their skills, fear being exposed as a fraud and believe they don’t deserve their success.
Here are some strategies you can utilise to help overcome impostor syndrome:
Acknowledge your achievements
Take time to reflect on your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.
Keep a journal or list of your successes and revisit it regularly to remind yourself of your capabilities and achievements.
Challenge negative thoughts
When impostor thoughts arise, challenge them with evidence to the contrary.
Remind yourself of past successes, positive feedback from others and your unique skills and strengths. Replace self-doubt with compassionate self-affirming thoughts and beliefs.
Embrace vulnerability
Understand that impostor syndrome is a common experience shared by many successful individuals.
Embrace vulnerability and share your feelings with trusted friends, family members or mentors who can offer support and perspective. You will likely find that others can relate to your experiences and provide encouragement and reassurance.
Set realistic expectations
Accept that perfection is unattainable and that everyone makes mistakes or encounters setbacks.
Set realistic goals for yourself and celebrate progress rather than fixating on perceived failures or shortcomings.
Remember that setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning.
Practice self-compassion
Treat yourself with kindness and compassion, especially during times of self-doubt.
Practice self-care by prioritising activities that nourish your mind, body and soul. Be gentle with yourself and recognise that it is okay to ask for help, take breaks when needed and prioritise your well-being.
Seek support
Don’t be afraid to seek support from others when impostor feelings arise. Reach out to mentors, coaches or therapists who can offer guidance and support as you navigate feelings of self-doubt and insecurity.
Surround yourself with a supportive network of individuals who believe in your abilities and can provide encouragement and validation.
Remember, overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort and self-awareness to challenge and change ingrained thought patterns and beliefs.
The next time that nagging voice in your head whispers, “You don’t belong here,” answer it with a smirk and scroll through your list of achievements. Imposter syndrome may show up uninvited, but it doesn’t get to run the show.
With the right tools, you can quiet that inner critic and take up the space you’ve rightfully earned.
Remember that you didn’t get where you are by accident. You got here by working hard, showing up and pushing forward, even when doubt tried to slow you down. This is not fraudulence; it is resilience.
So, update your LinkedIn, take the credit, and most importantly, believe people when they say you are good at what you do—because you are.
Edel Walsh is a career coach. For more information, check out www.edelwalsh.ie.
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