Imposter Syndrome: How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Maintain Confidence

Do you often feel like you’re faking it and fear you will be discovered as a fraud, despite your skills and accomplishments? If you answered yes to those questions. It is very possible that you suffer from imposter syndrome.

Psychologically, imposter syndrome involves doubting your abilities and fearing that you will be exposed as a fraud no matter what.

As a result, self-esteem and confidence can suffer, risk-taking is discouraged, and you feel a sense of unfulfillment, which can be detrimental to your personal and professional development.

Here are some strategies to help you overcome imposter syndrome.

Identify the triggers and recognise the feeling

Recognising imposter syndrome and acknowledging its negative self-talk are the first steps to overcoming it.

Take note of the situations and tasks that trigger your inadequacy feelings.

The better you understand these triggers, the easier it will be for you to manage.

Acknowledge your accomplishments

Don't dwell on negative thoughts; instead, focus on all the accomplishments and milestones you have achieved.

Embrace your dedication, commitment, and hard work, and what makes your work unique. Don't worry about what others are doing, focus on you!

Write down your strengths & weaknesses on paper. This is to remind yourself of your skills and how to tackle any obstacles that come your way.

Think differently

One of the main keys to overcoming imposter syndrome is to change your perception of yourself and your skills. Focus on your strengths and abilities instead of your inadequacies.

It is natural to make mistakes, they do not define your worth or skill, but this is how we all learn.

As we said before focus on your strengths but be aware of what you believe are your weaknesses, don’t think of them as a weakness just undiscovered strengths, you just may need guidance on how to discover it.

Talk It Out

Whether it's a friend, family, or professional, opening up to someone you trust about your feelings & self-doubt can provide valuable insights and support.

Sometimes they can give you great advice, support, or even constructive criticism, these are all key in helping you beat imposter syndrome. A problem shared is a problem halved.

Just be open to taking constructive criticism as it’s not there to make you feel bad it’s there to help you improve it just depends on how it’s delivered to how it’s received.

Coaching & Guidance

If this blog has been helpful to you and you would like to learn more about this topic or how to increase your strengths, please contact us to arrange an individual coaching session.

It is possible to overcome imposter syndrome through self-awareness, validation, positive thinking, support, and encouraging environments. Don't forget that self-doubt doesn't reflect your ability or accomplishment, and that you can overcome and grow from them.