Want to be a #ThoughtLeader, but feel like a fraud?

How to Tackle Imposter Syndrome and Strengthen Self-Confidence

According to the Harvard Business Review, imposter syndrome is the ‘feeling of inadequacy that persists despite evident success.’ Those with imposter syndrome feel constant self-doubt and a sense that they are “frauds” at what they do, despite having plenty of success in their field. 

While imposter syndrome can be frustrating, the good news is that everyone has dealt with it at some point. Even the most accomplished thought leaders know what it’s like to feel inadequate. We’re all human, after all! 

Here are a few simple, actionable steps you can take to combat imposter syndrome and strengthen your self-confidence. 

ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR FEELINGS  

When imposter syndrome sets in, take a few moments to pause and recognize your feelings. Acknowledging them will stop them from taking over and affecting your productivity. 

  • Grab a journal and immediately write down exactly how you’re feeling in clear and specific terms. Letting it all out on paper will feel great, and will help you figure out how to address each of your feelings tangibly

  • Talk to a friend, family member or someone in your network

  • Be patient with yourself. It’s easy to feel helpless when imposter syndrome hits, but you are human, and it’s normal to feel this way at times

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Everyone has experienced some form of imposter syndrome at some point, no matter how successful they are. Sometimes all you need is a bit of perspective to get you back on track! Here are some very influential people who know a thing or two about tackling pesky self-doubt: 

  • Arianna Huffington: “The greatest obstacle for me has been the voice in my head that I call my obnoxious roommate. I wish someone would invent a tape recorder that we could attach to our brains to record everything we tell ourselves. We would realize how important it is to stop this negative self-talk. It means pushing back against our obnoxious roommate with a dose of wisdom.”

  • Natalie Portman at her Harvard Commencement Speech: “I felt like there had been some mistake, that I wasn’t smart enough to be in this company, and that every time I opened my mouth I would have to prove that I wasn’t just a dumb actress.”

  • Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz: “Very few people, whether you’ve been in that job before or not, get into the seat and believe today that they are now qualified to be the CEO. They’re not going to tell you that, but it’s true.”

KEEP A TANGIBLE RECORD OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Imposter syndrome can cloud your self-confidence and make you forget what you’ve accomplished. Keep a physical record of your wins that you can come back to if you feel imposter syndrome creeping in. 

  • Open up a Google doc and write down the accomplishments you’re most proud of, whether it’s links to projects you’ve completed, a portfolio of your best work, impressive stats etc.

  • Keep a record of positive comments from those you may have helped

  • Note down words of encouragement and praise from your network, mentors, and fellow thought leaders

Click here to learn how to collect reviews and testimonials!

PROCEED WITH CONFIDENCE

Even if it LOOKS like people know what they’re doing on the outside, in reality, we are all just trying our best to figure things out as we go. Imposter syndrome makes you feel like a “fraud”, but that’s just your mind playing tricks on you! Keep this point in mind and proceed with confidence.

  • Read interviews with “successful” people, preferably in a similar field, who share their own experiences with self-doubt 

  • Have a coffee with someone in your network you admire, and ask them how they deal with imposter syndrome. Make them give you specific examples! Perspective can work wonders and can help you feel less alone

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

One of the best antidotes to imposter syndrome is actually knowing what you’re talking about. Keep up to date with industry trends, regularly update your skills, and learn the ins and outs of your field so well that your credibility is unbeatable.

  • Attend workshops, classes or virtual events

  • Read books and articles on your field

  • Listen to podcasts

  • Learn from other experts 

Click here to learn how to build authority online!

It’s easy to look at the success of those around you and feel like an imposter in your field. But even the most powerful thought leaders have experienced and dealt with imposter syndrome, and so can you! Combat it by reaching out to others, recognizing your feelings, and keeping your skills and knowledge up to date.

Dealing With Imposter Syndrome And Self Doubt

Does crippling self-doubt get in the way of your growth? Then you might have a case of imposter syndrome. In our online course, TLCxDNA, you’ll not only learn what imposter syndrome is and how it affects you but also clear tactics you can adopt to move past it and focus on your professional presence and digital authority.

Thought Leadership, CourseTara Clark