Yes, It's Real. Here's how to deal with imposter syndrome

Have you ever experienced a nagging doubt that you just can be found out not to be good enough? Or have you ever put your success all the way down to luck or timing?

Have you noticed a necessity to be perfect, and an intense desire to avoid making mistakes because they'd ‘prove’ you're not up to the job?

Would you wish to feel more confident, and put yourself forward for new projects, opportunities or promotion?

In this article, we are going to take a look at 5 strategies that are designed to assist you at work.

1. Fake It Until You Make It

Faking it until you make it can help to build your confidence over time and eventually make the emotions of insecurity go away. When starting a new role, make an effort to go through the motions and hopefully people will believe you until you really gain the experience you need.

2. Honour Your Success Rather Than Failure

The tendency to downplay success and discount it's marked in those with imposter syndrome. They may attribute their success to it being an easy task or having support and often have a hard time accepting compliments. Again, they think their success is right down to luck, good timing, or having fooled others.

In those moments when you feel like an imposter at work, remind yourself that you are good at what you do by focusing on your successes rather than your failures. This can help to give you a more positive outlook and provide you with a boost in morale and self-esteem.

3. Don't Compare Yourself To Others

Give yourself the time you need to grow into your role by setting SMART goals for yourself that are actually achievable. This can enable you to gain much-needed confidence boosts every time you hit one of your goals and help you to feel like you are the right person for the job.

4. Ask For Help & Be Yourself

When you are feeling unsure about yourself, especially if you are in a new role or company, it can be easy to become negative or self-critical.

By talking to people who are good at what they do, you will be able to take advantage of their knowledge and experience to further your career.

5. Reward Yourself

Have a reward system in place or create one to help you stay motivated. Whatever works for you, make sure that you are regularly rewarding yourself for all the hard work that you are doing. This will help to keep your morale high and prevent you from feeling like a fraud.

Final Thoughts

Remember these 5 strategies and you should feel more confident and perform at your best.

The opportunities are waiting for you!