Many ambitious high achieving professionals fear that they are not really as bright and capable as others tend to think they are. As they climb the career ladder they have apprehension and self-doubt. Although they have accomplishments, they tend to attribute these achievements to luck. All this weighs heavily on an already full plate.
Several years ago, I attended a presentation by Dr. Valerie Young about what she referred to as the “Imposter Syndrome”. It has stuck with me because I frequently come across successful business leaders who seem to be afflicted by this. As a business owner and former corporate employee, I admit to having my own demons in this area. Often when I hear feedback from a coaching client or event planner, I discount the impact that my words and strategies have made. I worry that I’m not good enough, smart enough or savvy enough to make a positive difference in people’s lives. So, despite contrary evidence to this, my complex self-doubt thinks otherwise. Insecurities can make us question ourselves and our capabilities.
Seemingly very successful business leaders at every level of the organization, entrepreneurs, rising stars worry that they’re not as great as others think they are. Although they’ve faced every challenge, received recognition and promotions, their customers think they’re a super star, they fear that they will be found out!
The imposter syndrome can hold you back from pursuing dreams and goals. It prohibits you from feeling pride and a sense of accomplishment. It can cause you to work harder than anyone else to convince yourself that if you were really as smart and capable as everyone else believes, you wouldn’t have to work so hard. The fear can be paralyzing and terrifying, if you allow it!
If you are one of the millions suffering from the imposter syndrome, there are effective ways to help you cope. Re-examine your expectations of yourself. If you tend to have perfectionist tendencies and the conviction that you shouldn’t be struggling at all, reflect on this by asking yourself ‘why’. For instance, for a client of mine who is a technical professional that will be taking a new position as an Operations Manager very soon, “why would you know how to be an exceptional Operations Manager if you’ve never done this before?” By shifting her energy away from the self-doubt caused by the Imposter Syndrome, she began focusing on what skills, knowledge, and resources she already has to build upon and what relationships are already in her network that she can expand on and learn from. She shifted from not being able to make any mistakes to minimizing mistakes and risk and using any mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. The faith and confidence her company has in her is giving her the courage to step in and be as great and capable as everyone else already thinks she is.
Stop doubting your own abilities and skills! Realize you’re not the only one that suffers from the imposter syndrome! Some experts estimate as many as 70 percent of people have this feeling of fraudulence at some point in their lives, while as many as 30 percent of people may experience it consistently.
For tips and strategies to help you deal with the Imposter Syndrome, click here.
