Do you ever feel like you don’t deserve the success, the accolades, or the recognition? As if you’re pretending to be a leader or expert and everyone will soon discover you’re a phony?
You’re not alone! Studies have shown that up to 75% of female leaders and executives experience imposter syndrome at some time in their careers. And it’s one of the challenges that business owners I spoke to brought up.
The Question is: Why are we feeling like imposters?
The first thing to consider is imposter syndrome is not rare among high-achieving individuals. As a leader, it’s something you may feel from time to time and it happens to the best and the brightest. Just recently, Coco Gauff, the #6 tennis player in the world at the ripe age of 19 admitted that she often suffers from Imposter Syndrome. Coco?! She’s barely just beginning.
Imposter syndrome can affect anybody. It can cause worry, self-doubt, and even sadness, all of which have a negative influence on our mental health and well-being so you have to be mindful of how and where it sneaks up on you.
May is Mental Health Awareness month so we want to focus particularly on our well-being this month.
If you’ve suffered or are suffering from imposter syndrome, here are a few things that will help you to overcome those feelings:
- Celebrate your accomplishments and the hard effort that went into them. Celebrate all the wins, all the time.
- Talk to a trustworthy friend or mentor to help you reframe your beliefs. Remind yourself how amazing you are.
- Work with a mindset coach or counselor to define practices that support positive thinking.
- Build a strong support system and rely on them when needed.
If you ever feel inadequate or as if you don’t belong, remember that you’re not alone. Find ways to appreciate your accomplishments and don’t be hesitant to seek help when you need it.
We’re all in this together!