5 TIPS ON HOW TO OVERCOME IMPOSTER SYNDROME AT WORK
Imposter syndrome is the worst… you know.. that little voice that keeps saying you don’t deserve to be in your position. You can’t do it. It’s beyond your reach. They are way smarter than you. Your opinion and voice do not matter, keep quiet. You are an imposter. Honestly, it’s the worst and it can have a major impact on your productivity as well as block your career progress. If it’s severe and you have tried many ways to overcome it, I would definitely recommend seeking professional help. Here are a few tips that could help you overcome imposter syndrome at work.
Keep track of your achievements
Keeping track of your success helps put things back into perspective when you're dealing with imposter syndrome. There is a reason why you got hired for the job that you’re in. There is a reason why people want to hear your thoughts and opinions during meetings. Have a file where you keep track of all the milestones that you’ve accomplished so far in your current role or at the company in general. Nothing is too small. Soon you will realize that you deserve to be in your seat. This really helps overcome that negative voice.
No one knows everything
Even though sometimes it may seem as if your co-workers are just incredible at their job, they also do not know EVERYTHING. Sure there might be co-workers that are good in certain aspects of the job but that doesn’t mean they have ALL the information or solutions there possibly are. Knowing this helps you to understand that it’s absolutely fine that you don’t know everything too. Asking questions doesn't mean you are not capable of doing the job. Asking for help doesn’t make you look weak. Actually, it’s all part of the process of growing and being open to keep learning even if you have been with the business for years. If you see that someone never asks questions, that is up to them however please note that no one in your company has ALL the knowledge, not even the owner or CEO. And if this helps, remember that you always know more than someone else in the company.
Have a support group
Having your go-to people at work can definitely help to boost your confidence. This could for example be your manager or some of your peers. Talking about this and explaining how it is hindering you in a certain way at work, can at times take the load off your shoulder. It even helps if you hear from others that they have similar experiences as well. It helps to know that you’re not alone or weird to feel this way. Your support group is there to encourage you and offer help in any way they can. They often also know what you’re good at and are there to remind you of it.
Understand your superpowers
Understanding your superpowers is definitely one of the key things to overcome imposter syndrome. You don’t have to be an all-rounder or a perfectionist at your job. Even though seeking perfection sounds like a dream, the process of it can burn you out. Really understanding your strength and what skills you excel at at work will make you understand WHY you got the role in the first place. It could be that you currently saying, well I’m not good at anything. Hmm most of the time, that ain’t true. Sometimes, it takes time to really understand what you’re great at. Take a piece of paper and just brainstorm on the skills you’ve recently received compliments on. Think of some of the feedback you’ve received from your manager or peers. I’m sure there will be at least 1 thing you will be able to jot down if not many. Sometimes we are walking around with a blind spot, ask your support group at work to give you feedback on what they think are your strengths. If you want to know what your manager thinks as well? Ask for it.
Hype yourself up
At times it also takes some affirmations and being gentle to yourself to boost your confidence. Before every meeting just talk to yourself and say things like ‘‘I’m going to own the meeting because I have what it takes’’ ‘‘We are all here to learn so it’s okay if the meeting is not perfect’’ ‘‘No one knows everything’’ ‘‘I know my strength!’’ ‘‘What is the worst that can happen’’ “look how far I’ve come in my career’’. Hype yourself up girl! It might sound kinda airy but this really helps build the confidence you need to overcome imposter syndrome. You can say affirmations to yourself in whatever way you feel comfortable. Is it through writing on post-its and sticking it on your computer screen? Is it by talking to yourself in the mirror? Is it while you’re taking a shower? It’s totally up to you as long as you become your own cheerleader as well.