Do you doubt your accomplishments? Fear being exposed as a ‘fraud’. You might suffer from imposter syndrome. 

Imposter Syndrome is not a disease or an abnormality, but rather a response to certain situations and triggers. It’s common in the workplace, especially in high-achieving individuals. The fear of being ‘found out’ can be paralysing, affecting one’s ability to enjoy their work, pursue new opportunities, and fulfil their potential.

Recognising Imposter Syndrome is the first step towards overcoming it. 

Here are some common signs:

1. Self-Doubt: An overarching sense that you are not competent or skilled, despite evidence to the contrary.
2. Attributing Success to Luck: Believing that your achievements are due to luck, timing, or deceiving others into thinking you are more intelligent and competent than you believe yourself to be.
3. Downplaying Success: You downplay your success and dismiss it as unimportant or believe that anyone could have done it.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome involves reassessing your self-perceptions and learning to value yourself and your work. 

Here are some strategies:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: When you start feeling like an imposter, acknowledge these feelings instead of ignoring them. Understanding why you feel this way can help you to combat these feelings.

2. Talk About Your Feelings: Share your feelings with trusted friends or mentors. People who have more experience can reassure you that what you’re feeling is normal, and knowing others have been in your position can make it seem less scary.

3. Reframe Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Instead of viewing failure as a reflection of your abilities, see it as a chance to learn and improve. Everyone makes mistakes, and successful people see failure as a growth opportunity.

4. Develop a Healthy Response to Failure and Mistake Making: Henry Ford once said, “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently”. Instead of dwelling on your mistakes, focus on leveraging them for growth and resilience.

5. Visualise Your Success: Confidence comes from success, but success comes from confidence. Visualise your success to build the confidence that will lead to future successes.

6. Seek Professional Help: If self-help strategies aren’t helping, consider seeking help from a professional. Therapists and counsellors are trained to help you understand and overcome Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter Syndrome can be a significant barrier to a fulfilling career. However, by recognising the signs and adopting strategies to overcome it, you can begin to shift your self-perception. Remember, everyone experiences moments of doubt, and you’re not alone. With time and practice, you can overcome your imposter syndrome and embrace your achievements with confidence.