We can often have feelings of self-doubt and feel like an imposter in the role we have at work. But what is imposter syndrome? It can sometimes be crippling and prevent us from being the best version of ourselves. We are only human! On the Health & Wellness Practioners Podcast Jen unpacks…
- what is imposter syndrome
- symptoms and signs that it’s creeping into your life and work
- what to do if you have imposter thoughts
- whether it’s important to overcome them
- how to keep going even when you feel uncomfortable
Here are some key takeaways.
- One definition of Impostor Syndrome is an internal experience of feeling like you are not as competent as other people perceive you to be.
- Impostor thoughts tell us that we are going to be found out, or we are not creative/smart/skilled enough.
- If you went through the data on whether or not those thoughts are supported, you would probably find out that you are exactly where you are supposed to be.
- Other people can do your job, but they can’t do it the way that you do it.
- Impostor Syndrome often shows up as Impostor Thoughts. These can sound like constantly comparing yourself to others, having an inner belief that doesn’t celebrate your success, moments of self-doubt, or feeling the constant need to prove yourself.
- We have to start with looking at the messaging that we are taking in that is telling us we are not enough, and then get data focused. Use your analytical skills to find the facts around your Impostor Thought.
- You don’t have to overcome Impostor Syndrome to be successful, but you do have to keep going. In order to move forward, you need to build your competence first.
- We need to believe we are competent in an area to feel confident in that area, but that begins with being uncomfortable and stretching yourself.
- Perfection will get in the way and make you feel like maybe you should slow down. This can feel like exercising control over your situation, but it could also be a form of protecting yourself from feeling inadequate.
- Looking at lessons as opportunities instead of failures is part of the process.
It takes a lot of courage to be at the center of what you’re building and it comes with a lot of struggle and hard days. So it’s important to be there for yourself when those harder days pass.
You also must remember that no matter how much experience you have within your domain of expertise, starting something new will always come with a learning curve. Give yourself the grace you need to start the competency/confidence cycle again.
Be kind to yourself.
Trust that the skills that got you here are the skills you need for the future, you may just need them in a different way.
Visit the Health and Wellness Practitioners Podcast, Tune in on Apple Podcasts or Listen here on Spotify.
Jen’s Book Recommendation: Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
