How to start tackling feeling like an imposter at work
Today on the blog, Lindsey from Start to Thrive talks to us all about imposter syndrome and gives us three useful techniques to help manage it.
Lindsey’s tips and insights are a great way to deal with feelings of imposter syndrome or imposterism that effects so many of us, so let’s dive in >>
Most of us will experience it at some point in our lives, it’s a crippling pattern of not feeling good enough or worthy enough.
We find it almost impossible to acknowledge our own skills and strengths. We compare ourselves to those around us and believe that everyone else has got it all figured out and that we are lacking; the fear that they will soon notice this and “out” us as a fraud will play on our minds to the point of freezing us into inaction. And to add insult to injury, when we do achieve something, when we are successful- even when this is recognised and applauded by those same individuals who seem to know and have it all, we bat it off, we consider ourselves just lucky and reject the notion that perhaps we deserve the pat on the back.
I know the feelings well. I’ve worked in procurement all my career – I’ve managed, trained, coached, and mentored people how to buy and buy well. And yet when recently I have been wanting to bring this skill set into my service offering, I noticed increasing imposter feelings. What have I got to offer? Do I actually know what I am doing? It’s frightening and deeply frustrating. And those feelings are not the truth. They are not fact.
You think, “Why would anyone want to see me again in a movie? And I don’t know how to act anyway, so why am I doing this?” Meryl Streep
There are many techniques to manage these feelings, here are three to get you out the blocks:
- Keep a success diary. It’s a quiet and private way to help build up your confidence. Make a record of things that have gone well and your input. Write down compliments and thank you’s you have received about your work. On the days when you can’t see your value, look back on what you have already achieved.
2. Talk about it. Eek – I know! But seven in 10 people will be in the same boat as you. Really accepting it’s not just you is powerful. Find a mentor at work, perhaps your manager: ask for feedback, share your concerns. Saying something out loud and having a sounding board is incredibly valuable.
3. Choose a challenge. Volunteer yourself for a project at work – say yes to stretching yourself. Perfection is not real and not expected, so put yourself in a position to succeed. It’s fantastic for self-confidence, for side lining your inner critics and showing them whose boss; and it’s a lesson in getting familiar with good enough.
There will always be times when we doubt ourselves, that’s human, but these feelings do not have to dominate our lives.
Practice these mechanisms and you retrain your brain in more helpful and positive thought patterns. The aim is always for greater self-awareness so that you can observe and call yourself out when you are stuck in an unhelpful story loop, as opposed to reality and fact.
If you are curious about how Lindsey can work with you, you can book a free initial 30 minute coaching session with her here and there’s no hassling from Lindsey if it’s a no thanks after that.
Join the crowd to be first to receive fresh perspectives from Start to Thrive’s weekly blog, and exclusive access to offers & free resources via the quarterly newsletter. Sign me up.
