Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Life requires growth. Growth is all about expansion and expansion demands stepping into unknown territory. It requires you to become more than you were before and because that can be frightening, the feeling of being an imposter is often found to be lurking in this place of becoming. Feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you’re not capable, it’s simply an indication that you don’t recognize all that you’re capable of.

Imposter syndrome simply says, “I’m scared, I don’t feel capable and I’m worried that someone will find out I’m not good enough to be here.”

Imposter syndrome isn’t an indicator that you’ve taken the place of someone more qualified, it doesn’t state that you’ve overinflated your ability nor does it demonstrate that you’re in over your head. Imposter syndrome simply says, “I’m scared, I don’t feel capable and I’m worried that someone will find out I’m not good enough to be here.” Instead of trying to bully your way through this insecurity, we suggest a gentler approach that will have long-lasting positive effects. When you look at the cause of the problem and not the symptoms you’re experiencing, you’re allowing yourself to grow because you’re gaining valuable self-knowledge.

The challenge is the task you want to accomplish, the insecurity is the belief you’re holding about your ability to complete the task

Imposter syndrome is a statement about yourself. It doesn’t say anything about the work or challenges you’re facing, it’s merely an indicator of insecurity. The area you find challenging will most often not be your area of insecurity but a decoy to make you believe it’s the source of the problem. The challenge is the task you want to accomplish, the insecurity is the belief you’re holding about your ability to complete the task. Doing the task will help alleviate some of the feelings of being an imposter but it won’t eliminate the insecurity. The only way to be free of the fear that you don’t have what it takes is to go right to the source.

The truth about this condition is that you believe you’re not good enough. You fear that others will discover that you’re a failure and you dread the humiliation that will follow when your lie of being worthy is exposed

Let’s remember that imposter syndrome occurs when you’re living a lie. The syndrome shouts, “You’re not good enough” but that’s a false perception. The truth about this condition is that you believe you’re not good enough. You fear that others will discover that you’re a failure and you dread the humiliation that will follow when your lie of being worthy is exposed. The syndrome has tricked you into believing that you’re not enough, that you don’t and never will have what it takes, and that the only way for you to move forward in life is to cheat and pretend you’re better than you are. We must remind you that no one is perfect at their craft the first time they try. Everything you master requires knowledge, practice, and patience. Imposter syndrome insists that others know how to do everything instantly and because you don’t you’re a failure. Yet, becoming more proficient at anything takes commitment, and commitment to craft is always rewarded with greater ability.

Instead of looking at what’s wrong, we advise that you gather evidence about all of the ways in which you’re accomplished, capable, and have the necessary skills to get the job done

If you’re suffering from imposter syndrome you’ve allowed a lie to represent the truth so it’s time to go to the place where that lie began. However, instead of looking at what’s wrong, we advise that you gather evidence about all of the ways in which you’re accomplished, capable, and have the necessary skills to get the job done. To do this, break down the area in which you feel like an imposter into the qualities required to do that task successfully, then set it aside. Now make a list of your best qualities, your strengths, and areas of interest. Jot down your achievements in all of these areas. These are the ways in which you’ve succeeded in any activity. Now that you have an understanding of all that you are and all that you do well, take a moment to really see yourself. See how you’ve contributed, made a positive impact, or helped advance an idea. Be sure, to be honest, and create an in-depth list. You must commit to truly seeing yourself if you are to overcome this insecurity. False modesty doesn’t serve you or society it merely helps you hide. Once you’ve absorbed the truth of who you are by reading over your list go back to the list you made about the qualities required for the task. Without allowing fear to cause you to shrink away compare the two. Compare your list of strengths, attributes, skills, and accomplishments with whatever is required from you by the task that’s making you feel like an imposter.

Instead of reacting in fear, know who you are, know what you do well and walk in faith that when you’re being true to yourself the right opportunities will present themselves

If you really are qualified for the position you’ll see that the two lists mirror each other. This means you have the raw talent for the job and you’ll gain mastery with continued experience. If the lists don’t match, don’t worry, instead breathe a sigh of relief. Now you know you’re trying to be someone you’re not and it’s a waste of time to pursue this path. So, instead of feeling bad, take action. It’s time to find the place where you do belong. Review your list of personal strengths and then start seeking opportunities that require those skills. There’s no need to be something you’re not because you fear there’s no opportunity for you. Instead of reacting in fear, know who you are, know what you do well and walk in faith that when you’re being true to yourself the right opportunities will present themselves.

It’s never a matter of you not being good enough but it may be that you’re trying to force yourself to be someone you’re not and then feeling bad that you’ve failed

You’re not an imposter trying to pretend you have talents and skills. Each one of you has brought a valuable gift to share. It’s never a matter of you not being good enough but it may be that you’re trying to force yourself to be someone you’re not and then feeling bad that you’ve failed.