Get Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Welcome!

If you are reading this, you have stumbled upon my very first blog post. I appreciate you being here. My hope for starting this blog is that I create a platform to share my thoughts, experiences and expertise. Maybe someone will read it and feel like it resonates with them. Or maybe someone else will find a neat new-to-them tool for dealing with stress or overwhelming worry. Or maybe someone will even find a fun new book to add to their to-be-read list. Whatever the outcomes, I know it means a lot to me to be doing it and perhaps it will mean something to someone else too. 

Imposter Syndrome: The struggle is real

Just like a lot of people that I work with, I too sometimes struggle with feeling like an imposter. I can get caught up in overthinking and feeling like something I’m working on isn’t good enough. That desire to have everything look or feel just right before showing it to the world - or anyone really. 

Imposter syndrome is a phrase I hear a lot. From clients, from friends, and even in the news. It is that sense of feeling like a fraud (usually despite legitimate credentials and experience) and being fearful of being “found out.” This can often lead to people minimizing their accomplishments, experiencing a lot of negative self-talk that can create overwhelming stress or anxiety, and can even hold people back from pursuing goals.

That’s a bit like how this journey to starting this blog has felt. I knew I had things I wanted to share with the world and helpful tools that could benefit others. Yet, that nagging voice of doubt would continue to shout at me from inside my own mind:

Are you sure?

What if no one reads it? 

What if EVERYONE reads it? 

What if they all think you sound stupid? 

And the list goes on. But I know many of you can relate to those thoughts and inner voices. We all have them. Some are louder and more persistent than others, but they’re there. There is another voice as well, one that may not be as loud. She might need to be handed a megaphone to be heard - but your inner cheerleader exists as well. You just need to listen a little more closely and create some space for her to project. 

Find That Inner Cheerleader

You might have trouble coming up with things that the inner cheerleader might say. If that is the case, just consider what you would say to your very best friend if they needed some encouragement. We usually don’t have nearly as much trouble coming up with nice and uplifting words for our friends. In this situation, I might imagine responses like: 

Hell, yeah - good for you!

Who cares if no one reads it? It’s their loss!

If everyone reads it, then great! That is why you are putting it out there, to be read. 

Try not to worry so much about what other people think. I believe in you and I hope you will too. 

Remember: good is good enough

The decision to start was easy. It is the follow through that has been more difficult. The idea of trying to get a post just right before putting it on display. I am human and can fall into all the same traps as anyone else. I am also very aware of the old saying “don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” We all experience self-doubt at some time or another. And self-doubt is just a series of thoughts. If we let those thoughts take control, they will steer us right into a pit of despair or avoidance. Alternatively, if we acknowledge those thoughts and choose to take action instead toward our goals and values despite their presence - we can have much more fulfilling experiences. And in honor of that, here I am, putting myself out there. Imperfectly and armed with the knowledge that just doing it is good enough. 

Summary/TL;DR

Imposter syndrome can hold you back by making you feel like a fraud, despite your qualifications and achievements. Overcome it by acknowledging those negative thoughts, boosting your inner cheerleader, and embracing the idea that "good is good enough." If you're struggling with self-doubt or want tools to help build confidence, reach out for support to move past imposter syndrome and pursue your goals with greater ease.

Work with me

If you are interested in implementing strategies that can help you overcome your own impostor syndrome, please reach out. Click here for my contact information to schedule a 10-minute, no-obligation meeting to see if we are a good fit. Let me help you silence your inner critic and improve your overall mental well-being.