FLEETDRIVE
Second, reframe the situation. Instead of groaning at its arrival, recognise it is as a sign of growth. Is fear creeping in? This means something of great importance to you is on the horizon. Re-orient your frame of thinking from“ this is scary and impossible” to“ this is a great opportunity to grow, succeed, etc.”
2. Get to know your imposter.
Once you’ ve welcomed your imposter, identify it. When you recognise the root of where the selfdoubt is coming from, it is easier to dissuade the imposter syndrome’ s voice.
According to Lisa, there are a few types of imposter syndrome voices. The first is the perfectionist, which equates one small mistake to instant failure. It would rather sit out on an experience to preserve perfection, rather than go through it and learn.
The second is the natural genius. The natural genius assumes that they have to learn something fast, or else they’ re incompetent or stupid. Like the perfectionist, the natural genius won’ t leave room for mistakes or see the value of the journey instead of the destination. They don’ t
realise that no one is born a“ natural” at anything.
The third type is the expert. Before they jump in, they feel they must know everything about the subject. They feel they must live up to expectations because there is a fear that they will be“ exposed” as a“ fraud.”
The soloist thinks that they must do everything on their own. This voice assumes that asking for help is bad and will leave them with no credit. They carry the burden of everything on their own.
Last is the superhuman type, which assumes that they have to do everything right. Again, there’ s no room for mistakes and everything’ s up to them. We all assume multiple roles in life, but this voice doesn’ t give the person a break. They must be perfect in all roles and must balance everything without the help of others.
3. Question your imposter.
Once the imposter starts questioning you, question it back. The imposter likes to jump to conclusions, so ask for proof! If you make a mistake, why does that mean you’ re a failure? Or that you’ re fired? Or that you’ re incompetent?
ISSUE 56 DECEMBER 2025 / WWW. AFMA. ORG. AU 7