Owning your own business or being great at your job is something that we all aspire to achieve. Yet it seems that even when we get there, we are all under the impression that we are seen as a fraud. We feel that at any moment people will find out that we are just winging what we do, we are not meant to be there and they will rip the rug from beneath our feet. What’s important to know is that this is far from the truth. Instead of being a fraud, you are most likely just suffering from what is known as “imposter syndrome” and is not an uncommon thing. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in a recent survey, 9%–82% of people experience impostor syndrome at one time or another. The numbers can change and fluctuate depending on who participates in the particular study, but it still shows the large numbers of people that can suffer from it. While imposter syndrome is most likely inevitable, it is something that you can get over. Once you do, you will find that you do much better within your business life and believe in yourself more. No matter if you are work in IT and are looking are systems such as business cybersecurity which you can learn more here, or if you are a sales rep or a CEO, you can always suffer from imposter syndrome. Here are some top ways to stop imposter syndrome…
Learn to recognise your achievements don’t just happen by chance
When you sit back and look at how you are feeling about success, it is important to recognize if some of those are resembling imposter syndrome. syndrome. It might include feelings such as if you feel that you have simply “got lucky” to be where you are. You might feel this way, but in fact, you need to recognise that you worked hard to be where you are today. Starting a business or working a position is always a challenge and the fact you are doing it is something that you need to learn to be proud of. Recognise what you have done, accept it and thank yourself for the brilliant things you have done. It is important to keep in mind that things don’t happen by chance. They happen because of the great things that you do and it is important you acknowledge this.
Give yourself praise
When you are self-employed or run a business, it can be easy to overlook the successes that you achieve Instead you need to learn to recognise the achievements that occur within your working life. Instead of brushing over things that you achieve, learn to celebrate them. It could be the smallest achievement to the rest of the world, but for you is something big. Take your time to sit back and look at how far you have come. It might be that you have made your first sale, reached a milestone visitor to your website or got a new newsletter subscriber and reached a certain number. No matter what you have reached, take the time to praise yourself and you will feel much more certain in future achievements.
Recognise when feeling like an imposter can feel legitimate, but remember you are meant to be there.
There are certain situations in life where we could find that we are the outsiders in a situation. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be there. It is important to recognise that just because you are (for example) the only woman or a person with a disability to be in a certain situation within a certain organisation or role, that you shouldn’t be there. If you are feeling self-doubt, anxiety, or like you shouldn’t be in a situation, remember that it is not a reflection on you, your talents or your skills and is actually something to be proud of. You will help to end certain social stereotypes and can make the company a better place.
Know that you are not alone and seek others to talk to: imposter syndrome is nothing new.
Even the largest of employees or employers in the business world can feel like they are suffering from imposter syndrome. It is important to remember that even the most successful people that you have ever looked up to have probably experienced imposter syndrome and might even still experience it to this day. Look up to how they conduct themselves, the career they have made and think, if they still feel self-doubt and can achieve great things, then you can do it too.
Stop expecting to perform perfectly every single time
One of the biggest triggers for imposter syndrome is thinking that you need to be perfect at everything you do, every single time. When in fact, this is far from the truth. The majority of people who suffer from imposter syndrome are high achievers and set very high standards for themselves in both their working and personal lives. Unfortunately, this can mean that you compare yourself to others that you perceive as “perfect” and this can make you feel even worse about yourself and your own achievements. Instead, try not to compare yourself to others and think of yourself and your own jobs and achievements as a separate entity. Don’t compare yourself if you can help it as it will only make you feel worse, even if you are doing better than the person you are comparing yourself to.
Measure and track your achievements
When you are suffering from imposter syndrome it can be hard to think that you have done something well. To try and fight this unwarranted feeling, keep track of the things that you can see show what a great job you are doing. This could be anything from the number of sales you are making to the monthly page views you are bringing from a blog. No matter what you do, this can help you to visually see what a difference you are making and try to hopefully combat imposter syndrome.
