3 Ways to Kick Imposter Syndrome

What’s Imposter Syndrome? It is a core negative belief that you are inadequate and unworthy. This way of thinking can greatly damage your professional growth.

Because you fear being exposed as an impostor, you may do things to avoid embarrassment and humiliation. For example, you may procrastinate and never finish a project to avoid the shame of criticism.

It can also turn you into a to-do-list addict, which is just a trick to keep yourself feeling validated.

Overall, the fear generated by not believing in yourself can keep you playing small and hold you back from growing and advancing in your career.

Don’t worry… you can change this way of thinking! Here’s some helpful steps:

1. GO ON OFFENSE

One of the best professional and personal development skills you can develop is learning how to request and receive constructive feedback.

While getting random unsolicited advice can sometimes be scary, research shows when we proactively solicit feedback, we perceive it as being more helpful.

Look for opportunities to show your work to other people — whether with your team or with a trusted mastermind group of other entrepreneurs who support you.

2. SAY IT AND BELIEVE IT TO BE TRUE

Those with Impostor Syndrome commonly undermine themselves by using minimizing language like:

• “Oh, it’s no big deal”

• “That was nothing”

• “I was just lucky…”

By demeaning your accomplishments, you’re diminishing yourself.

3. WELCOME PRAISE

Stop pushing compliments away. Accepting compliments or accolades for your work is not egotistical, despite what your inner critic might be telling you.

The next time you’re given a compliment, internalize it as fact. Don’t judge yourself against what was said, or analyze it for deeper meaning.

Gracefully accept compliments and leave it at that. There’s no reason to launch into an explanation of how it was “nothing,” or it was just luck.

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