Did I Deserve This? The Imposter Inside Makes Success Feel Unearned

Let's be honest for a minute.

We've all experienced moments of self-doubt. It can happen when we stare at a well-deserved promotion, a glowing client review, or a successful project, and hear a tiny voice whispering, "Did I deserve that?"

That nagging voice questioning our achievements and whispering insecurities is called IMPOSTER SYNDROME.

While it may seem like a personal struggle, imposter syndrome is surprisingly prevalent among high-performing professionals. The pressure to excel, coupled with the constant comparison game on social media, can make it hard to internalize success.

It doesn't matter how many years of experience you have, how many accomplishments line your resume, or how many times you've proven yourself.  Imposter syndrome is a sneaky little gremlin that can creep into the minds of even the most accomplished professionals.

This internal critic can be incredibly disheartening.

However, it's a feeling, not a fact. Just because it feels real doesn't mean it's true.

Here's what we can do to silence the imposter within:

• Cultivate a "Strengths Spotter" Mentality:  Often, imposter syndrome blinds us to our strengths. Dedicate time to reflecting on your accomplishments, past successes, and positive feedback. Create a "strengths statement" to remind yourself of your unique value proposition.
• Practice "Imposter Impostering":  This playful approach involves challenging the voice's negativity. When the imposter whispers "fraud," counter with evidence of your skills and achievements. Ask yourself: "Would I say this to a colleague who accomplished the same thing?"
• Embrace the Power of "Yet": When faced with a new challenge, the imposter might scream, "You can't do this!" Reframe it as "I haven't done this YET, but I'm a fast learner and willing to put in the work."  This growth mindset fosters resilience.
• Frame Mistakes as Stepping Stones:  Imposter syndrome thrives on the fear of failure.  Reframe mistakes as learning opportunities. Analyze them, learn from them, and leverage them to improve your skills.
• Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs:  The imposter often whispers negativity based on past experiences or societal expectations. Identify these limiting beliefs and challenge them with evidence of your achievements and skills.
• Celebrate Every Milestone, Big or Small:  Don't wait for the big promotion to acknowledge your achievements. Did you close a deal? Did you master a new software? Celebrate these victories, big and small.
• Invest in Continuous Learning:  Staying stagnant fuels imposter syndrome. Commit to continuous learning through courses, workshops, or online resources. This keeps you sharp, confident, and adaptable.
• Find Your Tribe:  Surround yourself with supportive colleagues and mentors who believe in you. Their encouragement can be a powerful weapon against the imposter.

Remind yourself that we're all works in progress.

By being by being open about it in a safe environment, implementing these strategies, and focusing on the journey of growth, you can silence the imposter and step a little closer to believing in the brilliant professionals you truly are.

Ausra Bijaminiene

Professional Breakthrough Mentor

www.boutiqueleadership.com

#leadershipdevelopment #impostersyndrome #careerdevelopment #growthmindset #happyatwork