How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Don’t you wish there were a simple pill for all that ails you? How great if you could pop one to help you instantly get over a disappointment or a hurt heart. Hmmm. In my case, I would love to have something that would help me deal with feeling “less than.” I’m a person who fosters big ideas, who loves to dream big. Yep. And that’s always easy in the “dreaming stage.” You can SEE that idea coming into its own. You tend to leap forward to the final result. It’s that carrot that gets you started. But then, you get started. And once you do you begin to see ALL the reasons why this idea either hasn’t been done before, or hasn’t been done well. IT’S HARD. Lol. 

In the early stages of starting something new we all have doubts. We’re excited, sure. And motivated. We’d better be. But if we don’t have some doubts then we’re not being realistic about what it might take to bring something to life.

Having doubts is normal. But you can’t camp out there.

One of the insidious results of these doubts is imposter syndrome. Even though you may have a great track record for starting something new, you’re not sure the net result was on YOU or just a happy accident. Worse, you don’t feel like you deserve the success, and are pretty sure you can’t do it again.

Here’s what the Oxford Dictionary says about this experience: the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills.

Anyone know this feeling? Almost everyone has been here before, some of us might suffer from this more than others. Well, here are some tips for dealing with this syndrome. Hope one or two resonate!

Give Your Last Success A Look

Look back on a successful endeavor - and let’s be honest, EVERYONE has one, a walk yourself how you approached, what you chose to do and why, and what were pivotal moment that created a positive outcome. Were there times where you were confronted with feelings of doubt? Of course there were. What did you do? How did you overcome? What did you learn?

Ask A Friend Or Loved One

There is most assuredly at least one person in your world that was there for you biggest success. They were either an ear or a shoulder. Mine is my husband, and my co-workers. When in doubt, I circle back to the people that know me best. I might ask them for insight, but mostly I ask them for support. And I have them remind me that I’ve done something like this before. I can do it again. 

Read About Other Idea Makers

There are some really inspiring people out there. Even if you feel that are WAY out of your league go ahead, read about them. Read their memoirs. History does repeat itself, and it may just repeat in you. But more importantly, you might not only glean inspiration, their journey may just unlock a new idea in your. Better yet, it might confirm your path and give you courage.

I could go on. This article by the Harvard Business Review a look. It’s filled with helpful insights. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome