How To Erase Imposter Syndrome

Over the years, I’ve found that much of what holds us back begins in our own minds. Thoughts can be hard to tame, and when left to run wild, our brains can invent some truly distorted versions of reality.

One of these unruly distortions is often referred to as imposter syndrome. This is the belief that you’re not as competent as you appear to be, even if you have the skills and are capable. Basically, it’s thinking that you’re not qualified to do the work that you’re already doing.

But it’s time to stop letting imposter syndrome hold you back. Today, we’ll discuss the layers of imposter syndrome, how to get to the root of these distortions, and how to move forward with more self-assurance.

Is it a belief or a block?

The answer is both. Imposter syndrome is rooted in limiting beliefs. These are thoughts and opinions that you believe to be absolute truth, even if they aren’t true at all. In the case of imposter syndrome (as it shows up in one’s career), the limiting belief is that you aren’t proficient enough to identify with your title.

When you fall into the trap of imposter syndrome, the feeling can be crippling, but it doesn’t have to control you. At the core, this is simply a mental block that you have to face head-on to find a way to break through it. You must establish new ways of thinking to overcome this undeserved notion that you’re posing as something you aren’t.

Find out where limiting beliefs are coming from.

When you see yourself as a fraud, you’re questioning your value, contributions, skills, and/or talents to some degree. But it probably goes even deeper than that. Perhaps an experience you had in your past is causing you to believe that you’re unworthy in some way.

In order to move past these limiting beliefs, it’s imperative to dig deeper. You must find the root cause of your distorted thinking so that the next time it pops up, you’re able to change your perspective. Only then will you be able to move forward in achieving your goals!

The next time imposter syndrome keeps you from acting like the qualified professional you are, examine how you were feeling in that moment. Did you feel lesser-than, uneducated, unprepared? Once you’ve labeled that feeling, keep digging. Look at the facts. Is there any indisputable proof that those thoughts were valid? If not, can you identify why you might have been having those thoughts?

This is deep work. Sometimes it can get emotional. But it’s worth it to understand your own mind. The better you understand yourself, the more honest you can be and the more you can champion yourself in the future.

Forge ahead with confidence.

You’ve struggled through feelings of being a poser. You’ve dived deeper into the limiting beliefs that these emotions stem from. Now, it’s time to master moving forward with conviction, believing that you are capable and worthy.

The next time you’re feeling like you’re just pretending to be good at what you do, pause. Ask yourself if you have any indisputable evidence that suggests that you are unable to perform your duties well? If you feel like the work you do doesn’t matter, then reflect on previous occasions when you made a difference. These feelings are likely just a backslide into the limiting beliefs that you’ve already dissected.

This is an exercise I tell my clients to do when impostor syndrome creeps up. Say out loud to yourself (maybe even in the mirror), “I am not an impostor. I deserve to be here. I belong here. I will not doubt my self-worth, my value, or my competency.”

Saying things out loud makes it easier for your brain to accept them as truth. Whereas, keeping thought inside your head can allow them to get muddled. These affirmations can be used as often as needed. You might even find that they become a normal part of your routine, and that’s okay!

Working through imposter syndrome can take time, but know that you’re worthy of the effort and by doing the work, you’re proving that you deserve your seat at the table!