We’ve all been there.
From the outside, it may appear like you’re a powerhouse — a successful businesswoman with all of your ducks in a row. But do you ever feel overwhelmed by that pressure to be successful and, at times, struggle to shake off the feeling of being an imposter? You have so much knowledge and experience, but there are days when it doesn’t seem like enough?
I understand. Imposter Syndrome feels very real and is something many women in powerful positions deal with. The good news is that you can conquer these thoughts and move forward without fear! In this post, we will explore simple yet effective ways how to overcome imposter syndrome while amping up success, which will help ensure your winning streak continues. Let’s dive into how you can embrace your power as an amazing leader!
Breaking Down Imposter Syndrome- Where Does it come from?
Everyone has times when they feel like they’re not enough or don’t belong, this is often referred to as imposter syndrome. When suffering from imposter syndrome, you feel like a fraud, it can make living in the moment and achieving success feel like impossible tasks. In fact, there are many root causes of imposter syndrome including overcompensation, high expectations, lack of validation, and social comparison. It can cause you to feel overwhelmed with emotions such as anxiety and depression. Battling an internal struggle with yourself can hinder your ability to reach success, which can be frustrating for intelligent women like us. However, understanding what’s happening and how to manage it is a great first step in overcoming your struggles with imposter syndrome and ultimately unleashing your potential.
Does Imposter Syndrome Ever Go Away?
Great question! Imposter syndrome doesn’t go away, but it’s manageable with time and using the tools listed in the next section. For example, reframing your thinking, focusing on your strengths, seeking support, and embracing your imperfections are all ways to fight imposter syndrome. Remember that you’re not alone. Even the most successful people (cough, Beyonce, cough) have experienced it. With the right mindset and tools, you can overcome imposter syndrome and achieve the success waiting for you.
What are the 5 types of imposter syndrome?
Did you know that there are actually 5 types of imposter syndrome?
- The Perfectionist: This is the type of imposter syndrome that affects those who feel like they need to be perfect in everything they do. They set extremely high standards for themselves, and when they don’t meet them, they feel like a fraud.
- The Superwoman/man: This type of imposter syndrome affects those who feel like they need to do everything themselves and be everything to everyone. They feel like they’re never doing enough, and that they’ll be exposed as a fraud if they don’t keep up the pace.
- The Expert: This type of imposter syndrome affects those who feel like they need to know everything about everything. They’re afraid of being exposed as a fraud if they don’t have all the answers, so they spend a lot of time researching and preparing for everything.
- The Natural Genius: This type of imposter syndrome affects those who feel like they need to be naturally gifted at everything they do. They’re afraid of being exposed as a fraud if they have to work hard at something, so they tend to avoid things that they’e not immediately good at.
- The Soloist: This type of imposter syndrome affects those who feel like they need to do everything themselves and that asking for help is a sign of weakness. They’re afraid of being exposed as a fraud if they don’t have all the answers, so they tend to avoid collaboration and support.
How to Put Imposter Syndrome in its Place!
First: Reframe Your Negative Thoughts
Life throws some obstacles at you, and how you choose to manage those thoughts can make a big difference. We all fall short sometimes, but reframing your thoughts will help you retain your confidence. Instead of thinking that you don’t have the skills necessary, reframe what happened as a learning experience and use those skills in the next challenge. As successful women, we need to take care of our thoughts and feelings by focusing on the positive capabilities that we already possess! Think about stories of other successful women who have also had thoughts of feeling like an impostor yet still managed to succeed, these thoughts don’t define us, and if anything, they should give us the motivation needed to overcome them. Look at Serena Williams, Bershan Shaw, or Cheryl Polote-Williamson – each has used setbacks to step up. Refresh your thoughts and speak kindly to yourself even when those moments come up.
Second: Build a Support Network
It’s no secret that thoughts of not belonging can creep up even for successful women. Building a support network is essential to tackling these thoughts head-on. This can be done by seeking out women who have similar interests, values, and opinions. Finding a solid group of friends or even an online or local support group may give you affirmation and peace of mind in times of feeling overwhelmed. Everyone needs a little bit of extra love and support sometimes – so why not build a strong network around yourself today?
Third: Celebrate Your Wins and Acknowledge Your Accomplishments
Women are a powerhouse of capability and potential and can often be successful in the most unexpected ways. It is so important for successful women to take the time to celebrate their wins and acknowledge their accomplishments. The feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome experienced by successful women must not prevent them from enjoying their accomplishments. Instead, successful women should constantly remind themselves that they have done amazing work and achieved great success. Giving recognition to your successes not just strengthens your self-confidence but also encourages others, especially other successful women, to do the same! Celebrate your wins and acknowledge your accomplishments – you deserve it, Queen!
Identifying and Taking Actionable Steps to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
As successful women, we have all experienced the feeling of imposter syndrome at least once in our lives, of falling short and questioning our worth. It might be tempting to slump into a downward spiral of negative self-talk and inaction, but it’s possible to turn your mindset around. Identifying the early signs and symptoms of imposter syndrome is key to taking actionable steps to overcome it. Once you know what’s holding you back, you can start making meaningful changes by challenging those irrational beliefs and reframing how you think about yourself and your potential for success. Taking small steps towards bettering yourself helps build confidence which translates into bigger life changes down the road.
Imposter Syndrome can be a challenging experience for many. While you may stumble along the way, it is important to remember that you have the courage, resilience, and strength to overcome it. It takes practice, patience, and finding the right tools that work for you to identify your internal dialogue and reframe your negative thoughts into something positive. Reach out to supportive people in your life by building relationships with trusted confidantes, mentors, or peers who can help bolster and encourage your personal growth. Celebrate your wins no matter how small they are, and acknowledge those accomplishments with pride so you can recognize the success you’ve achieved along the journey! Lastly, dive into resources that serve as an inspiring reminder of how capable, strong, and motivated you really are when it comes to taking actionable steps toward success.
How do you embrace a success mindset and kick imposter syndrome to the curb? We want to know!