Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that makes people think they don’t actually belong in their position. No matter how many years you’ve worked in your field, nor how specialized or extensive your training might have been, if you suffer from it, the fear of being found out as a fraud can become overwhelming.
Even the most highly qualified and dedicated professionals can fall victim to impostor syndrome. In severe cases, an unshakeable belief that accolades, awards and other forms of recognition are undeserved can lead to debilitating self-doubt.
Thankfully, it is possible to regain self-confidence. To help, 13 professionals from Forbes Coaches Council discussed the best ways to break free of impostor syndrome.
Forbes Coaches Council members offer their best advice for conquering impostor syndrome.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.1. Seek A Mentor
Identify areas where you most lack confidence, then find a mentor who obviously has strength there. Ask if they’ll share the ways they’ve built their strength. You may not get a “yes” from the first person you ask. Don’t quit; find someone else. Then, listen to and try their advice. When you do, you are likely to strengthen your abilities and confidence and have a new advocate too. - Jennifer Wilson, ConvergenceCoaching, LLC
2. Start Owning Your Value
Most people never give themselves the credit they deserve. After years of becoming an expert, you have to start to own your value. Take a moment and write down why you are good at your job. It’s not just the tasks you are capable of doing, it is how you do the task that makes you different. Think through your thought process and identify not just what you do, but why you do it that way. - Christie Garcia, Mindful Choice, LLC.
3. Take A Quality Assurance Assessment
In most fields, there are simple QA assessments that allow you to receive feedback from supervisors and clients. This can reveal your strengths, weaknesses and blind spots for the purpose of building the confidence you are lacking. - Brent McHugh, Christar International
4. Separate Feelings From Facts
Impostor syndrome is a pattern, which means it can also be broken. Often it has nothing to do with the education or experience (or lack thereof), but more to do with poor self-worth or self-doubt that stems from earlier experiences. Separate feelings from facts by getting real examples and feedback from people you respect. Generalize the positives, isolate the negatives and flip the script: Change “I can’t do” to “I can learn.” - Petra Zink, impaCCCt
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5. Keep A Log Of Accomplishments
It’s normal to experience moments of impostor feelings when you are taking on challenges and stretching beyond your comfort zone. But when you refuse to allow doubt to dictate your choices, you’re able to accomplish more than you may have thought possible. Keeping a log of your accomplishments is a great way to reinforce your successes and build up your confidence. - Jay Rai, www.jayrai.com
6. Talk To Delighted Customers
Talk to your delighted customers and ask them what they liked and valued about your service and/or product delivery—every aspect of it. Really try to understand the value that you bring from their perspective. Be brave, ask for referrals and testimonials. Let their “tokens of appreciation” drive you onward. What is the best “token of appreciation?” The business that you shared. - Antonio Garrido, Absolute Sales Development
7. Control Your Inner Critic
It seems your lack of confidence isn’t stemming from external factors such as education, training or experience, but rather from your internal dialogue. If you find yourself negating every compliment you receive, then the issue isn’t skill set; it’s an uncontrolled inner critic. The first step to reining in harmful self-talk is awareness. Tune into the messages in your head. - Cheryl Czach, Cheryl Czach Coaching and Consulting, LLC
8. Believe In Yourself
Confidence starts with belief: in ourselves, in the possible rather than the impossible and in the idea that we will always be the best we can be and do the best we can do. Confidence doesn’t mean we know what will happen, but that we believe, no matter what happens, we are doing the best we can in every situation. Believe in yourself. - Paul Ward, The Global Centre for Conscious Leadership
9. Invest In Learning On The Job And From The Best
Formal education only counts for 10% of your development. Gain confidence by investing in the remaining 90%, namely: practicing and learning on the job (70%) and learning from the best (20%). Confidence is the end result of reliable experiences, tests and trials. Be courageous yet humble first, and you’ll be confident next. - Frederic Funck, Center for Creative Leadership
10. Roll Up Your Sleeves
Roll up your sleeves and get down and dirty. If you are not feeling confident, it means that more needs to be done to apply your training and education. Make impostor syndrome work for you by going back into the arena. One day, consistently showing up will make you feel confident. - Devika Das, CORE Executive Presence
11. Give Yourself New Incentives
Perhaps it is time to give yourself some new incentives, such as a new salary increase that you will use for a small or new investment. This will refresh your prospects and give you new momentum. It’s also not a bad idea to ask for a little time off from work just to get some rest. - Jill Douka, Global Academy Of Coaching
12. Change Your Environment
Confidence comes from a feeling of self-assurance in your abilities. Give yourself space from environments where you cannot be your best self; spend more time in your comfort zone, doing what you do best. When you’re ready, step back out of your comfort zone to take on new challenges.Often it’s not about your ability, but about creating space to do what you’re good at. - Alan Trivedi, ADAPTOVATE
13. Go With Courage Instead
Forget confidence; go with courage instead. What is it that you are looking to do? What problem are you looking to solve? Let those be the drivers that give you energy until you are confident. - Mike Ambassador Bruny, No More Reasonable Doubt
