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If you tend to doubt your own skills and accomplishments, despite what others think, you may have imposter syndrome. This term describes someone who feels they aren't as capable as others think and fears they’ll be exposed as a fraud. Although imposter syndrome isn’t an official diagnosis, many psychologists realise that it’s a serious form of self-doubt. Read our tips to on how to overcome it below.

 

Remember You're Not Alone

It helps to realise how many hugely successful people, both male and female, have built amazing careers while regularly coping with imposter syndrome. This should provide you with some comfort considering people that have spoken out about dealing with it include Civil Rights Activist, Maya Angelou, and actress Tina Fey.

Let Go of Perfectionism

Perfectionism only feeds into your impostor syndrome. When you feel like a fraud, it's usually because you're comparing yourself to some ‘perfect’ outcome that's either impossible or unrealistic and holding yourself to that standard can be counterproductive.

Be Kind to Yourself

Negative self-talk is a bad habit and goes hand in hand with imposter syndrome. Be kind to yourself by changing the way you talk to yourself in your head by practicing positive self-talk. Not only can it help you become less stressed and anxious, but it can also help you build the courage to do things that'll bring you greater rewards.

Talk to Your Manager

No one should suffer in silence. Sharing your thoughts with someone else will make you better equipped to deal with your impostor syndrome. Your manager will be able to help you talk through your struggles while giving you a more objective point of view. They may also share their experiences too.

Say Yes to New Opportunities

It’s common for people who have impostor syndrome to turn down great opportunities because they don't feel like they wouldn’t do a good job. It's important to distinguish between the voice in your head saying you can't do it because you're not worthy and the one saying you can't do it because you have too much on your plate.

Measure Your Successes

When you feel like an impostor, one of the hardest things to grasp is how much of a role you have in your own successes. You might default them to luck or others' hard work, when in fact, your own work, knowledge, and preparation had a lot to do with it. To help show yourself that you're actually doing well, keep track of your wins in a private document.

 

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