Fear of Taking Risks and Stagnation
People with imposter syndrome often hesitate to take on new opportunities because they fear failing or being“ found out.” This fear prevents them from applying for jobs, pursuing promotions, asking for a raise, speaking up in meetings, showcasing talents, or trying new challenges, thus limiting their personal and professional growth. Not stepping out of their comfort zones also leads to stagnation, resulting in missed opportunities and limited progress.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Do you struggle with imposter syndrome? Hope is at hand. Imposter syndrome is not a life sentence and can be overcome. With awareness and practice, you can break free from its grip and embrace your worth. Here’ s how:
Recognize and Acknowledge It
The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is recognizing when it shows up. Pay attention to the negative thoughts that creep into your mind. When you catch yourself thinking,“ I don’ t deserve this,” or“ I am not good enough”, stop, and challenge that thought. Why do you think you don’ t deserve it, or you’ re not good enough? Would you say that to a friend? If not, don’ t say it to yourself, either.
Reframe Your Thoughts
Instead of telling yourself,“ I just got lucky,” or“ I don’ t deserve this,” replace it with,“ I worked hard for this opportunity, and I absolutely deserve it.” Positively acknowledge your efforts and achievements. Remind yourself that success is not just about talent but also about perseverance and dedication- and you did it!
Maintain a“ Wins” Journal
Maintain a journal of your achievements- big and small. Write down compliments, successful projects,
and moments when you stepped outside your comfort zone and thrived. When self-doubt creeps in, revisit this journal to remind yourself of your accomplishments. Acknowledge that you, yes, you, did those things and are well able to do much more.
Talk About It
One of the most powerful ways to overcome imposter syndrome is to talk about it. Share your feelings with a trusted friend, mentor, coach, or therapist. Explore where this belief may have come from. Let them reflect back to you how capable you are and affirm that others are not making a mistake by picking you- you are not a fraud! You will also likely discover that they have felt the same way at some point, and that you’ re not alone in your struggles. Find out how they overcame imposter syndrome and apply what works in your life.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparison steals joy. Social media makes it easy to believe that everyone else has it all figured out, but the truth is that most people only share their highlights on social media. Real life is a mixed bag. Develop confidence and learn to like yourself by seeing yourself as unique, worthy and a brilliant work in progress, recognizing your achievements and strengths, together with your areas of improvement. Rather than measuring yourself against others, focus on your own journey and growth.
Accept That Perfection is a Myth
Nobody is perfect- not even the people you admire. As you push for growth and excellence, understand that mistakes and setbacks are part of life, and the key is how you handle them. Instead of dreading failure and‘ exposure’, see failure as an opportunity to grow, learn and improve. Develop resilience as well- when you face set-backs, rise with power and strength, and build towards excellence and more growth.
Celebrate Achievements
Don’ t downplay your successes. Acknowledge and celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and reinforce your confidence and self-worth. Pause and savour the moment. When someone compliments you, rather than saying“ Oh, it just happened.” Or“ I was lucky”, accept it with a simple“ Thank you.”
Seek Support and Mentorship
Find good role models and mentors and watch how they handle success and recognition. Find out if they have struggled with imposter syndrome, and let them guide and reassure you. This will help you navigate your own journey with more confidence.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Challenging and changing deep-seated beliefs does not happen overnight. It happens a day at a time. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on growth. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. There may be days when the old beliefs come knocking. Just send them packing, embrace the new you and keep going. Each step forward- no matter how small- is a victory.
Be Kind to Yourself
Finally, practice self-compassion. You are not an imposter; you are a work in progress, just like everyone else. You belong and have been recognized for your efforts and hard work. Celebrate yourself and give yourself the same kindness and encouragement you would give to a friend facing self-doubt.
Imposter syndrome may try to convince you that you’ re not enough, but the truth is, you are more than enough. You are not a fraud. You are competent. Your achievements, hard work, and journey all matter and speak for you. The next time you hear that little voice whispering,“ You don’ t belong here,” silence it with the truth: You do belong. You are capable. You are worthy. And you are exactly where you are meant to be. Period.
Caroline Nyamwaya Mwazi is Chief Change Catalyst of Huru Consult Limited, a Nairobi-based management and training consulting company. She is also the Lead Coach for the 12-month Go for Gold! Group coaching programme. Connect with her on LinkedIn @ Caroline Nyamwaya Mwazi. To get the Go for Gold! planning tool for reflecting and setting tangible goals, send an email to: Info @ huruconsult. com.