Unmasking Imposter Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome is a silent, pervasive phenomenon that affects countless individuals, regardless of their professional achievements. It's a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as frauds.
At Wondersource, one of the many areas we support employees with is imposter syndrome. We often hear from employees that they thought imposter syndrome was only experienced by entrepreneurs or females starting out in their career. When they learn more about it, they’re relieved to know how common it is. It gives them permission to acknowledge their own experience with it which is the first step to reducing it's power. So if you’re someone who’s experienced imposter syndrome, please know that you’re not alone. It can be felt by everyone from CEOs to famous actors and athletes. As Howard Schultz, CEO and founder of Starbucks, put it, “Very few people, whether you’ve been in that job before or not, get into the seat and believe today that they are now qualified to be the CEO. They’re not going to tell you that, but it’s true.”
In this blog post, we'll delve into the depths of imposter syndrome, share some statistics, and provide practical strategies to overcome it.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome thrives on self-doubt, often making high-achieving individuals feel like they don't deserve their success. It's essential to recognise that these feelings are irrational and detrimental to personal and professional growth.
Imposter Syndrome Statistics
Widespread Phenomenon and Diverse Impact: Imposter syndrome is far more common than you might think. According to a 2020 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Science, an estimated 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives regardless of age, race or gender. Take for example Tom Hanks and Sheryl Sandberg two of the most successful people on the planet both struggled with imposter syndrome. Tom Hanks said, “No matter what we've done, there comes a point where you think, 'How did I get here? When are they going to discover that I am, in fact, a fraud and take everything away from me?'“ And Sheryl Sandberg said; “And every time I didn't embarrass myself—or even excelled—I believed that I had fooled everyone yet again. One day soon, the jig would be up.”
Impact on Career Advancement: Imposter Syndrome can hinder career progression. Research by Valerie Young, an expert on Imposter Syndrome, suggests that those affected are less likely to seek promotions or take on leadership roles.
Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Self-Reflection: Start by recognising your accomplishments. Keep a journal of your achievements and revisit it whenever self-doubt creeps in.
Normalise Failure: Understand that failure is a natural part of any journey. Embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Lean into Vulnerability and Talk About It: Share your feelings with trusted friends, family, or colleagues. They can provide support and often share their experiences with imposter syndrome.
Seek a Mentor or Coach: Having a mentor or coach can be a game-changer. They offer guidance, help you set realistic goals, and provide valuable feedback.
Celebrate Your Achievements: Acknowledge your successes, no matter how small they may seem. Celebrate your wins, and be proud of your accomplishments.
Change Your Self-Talk: Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Challenge the negative thoughts and replace them with statements of self-worth.
Professional Help: If Imposter Syndrome is severely impacting your life and career, consider seeking support from a therapist or counsellor who specialises in this area.
Conclusion
Imposter syndrome is a challenge the majority of us face but it can be overcome with self-awareness and the right strategies. Remember that your accomplishments are not accidents, and you deserve the success you've achieved. By embracing your achievements and practicing self-compassion, you can unmask imposter syndrome and pursue your goals with confidence. You are capable, you are deserving, and you have the potential to achieve great things.
If this is something you think your team might benefit from, we’d love to hear from you! Our mental fitness and professional development programs empower employees to feel more confident, healthy and achieve way more. Reach out to hello@wondersource.co to learn more.
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