Imposter syndrome - 5 ideas to re-focus and energise you
My latest podcast with the Medical Women’s Federation is now out (episode 11) and the focus this month for me is on imposter syndrome and critic creep.
In my coaching and training this is a re-occurring theme that arises. It connects to:-
A feeling that others have overestimated your abilities and at any moment they’ll discover that you’re not as good as they perceived you to be.
A persistent tendency to put successes down to luck, good fortune or because of the support of other people. Not because you are talented and rock on at what you do.
The International Journal of Behavioral Science, highlighted that 70% of people are affected by workplace imposter thoughts at some point in their careers and lives. Each of you will have different workplace pressures in your roles, the internal symptoms often remain the same
Critic Creep - 5 small things to try!
Be your own best friend – Often we are not as compassionate as we could be and the ‘could have’, ‘should have’ pop in about what you haven’t done rather than focusing on what you have achieved. Try to talk to yourself as you would your best friend.
I have a smile file, nothing fancy but it reminds me of what I have achieved and the impact (however small) I have had. I created it on my phone.
This won’t be everyone’s thing, but if you are able to write or think about some supportive sentences and can help you to maintain more of a positive self-talk. For example two of my go to sentences are:-
"I surround myself with people who want me to succeed and be happy.”
“I am compassionate to myself and recognise that asking for help is a sign of strength.”
Self limiting beliefs can fuel critic creep and it is important that you get clarity on what your specific self limiting beliefs are. These can range from perfectionism, pleasing others to being strong. Email me, if you’d like me to send you more on this - very happy to do so.
Focus on you. No one is going to help you to take control of your career but you. As a visual thinker, I often career sketch ideas. This activity could be fun to try.
