How to Eliminate Imposter Syndrome Now!
I had an interaction with another therapist recently. She contacted me to collaborate on the services that we each provide with a shared client. I know that collaboration is such a beautiful thing because you can learn and find new ideas for supporting clients.
Yet, when she first reached out, I went into a shame spiral with imposter syndrome.
My automatic thought was that I had done something wrong and she wanted to talk to me in order to call me out. These thoughts burdened me for a couple of days. However, when I finally talked to her, it was a fantastic call. She thanked me for the work that I was doing and gave me insight that will help me in doing an even better job. There was absolutely no judgement, just appreciation for the work that we were each doing.
People believe that they are intellectual frauds and fear being recognized as imposters.
So, why did I feel like an imposter when I love the work I do and I am continually working to improve myself to improve personally and professionally? Dr Pauline Clance studied imposter syndrome and the imposter phenomenon and found that there is a pervasive psychological experience in which people believe that they are intellectual frauds and fear being recognized as imposters. Many people also experienced anxiety and fear of failure. Just because you understand imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re completely immune to it. I even teach a workshop on understanding it and how to become better because of it.
70% of people have suffered from imposter syndrome
The reality is that most of us experience imposter syndrome at various times. In fact, a Twitter poll found that 87% of people have experienced imposter syndrome and a 2007 study by Gravois found that 70% of people have suffered from feelings of being an imposter!
I would venture to guess that most people who experience imposter syndrome are actually doing just fine in the work that they do. That’s why my colleague, Melissa Shaw from Knot Therapy and I created our own workshop for entrepreneurs and professionals who struggle with imposter syndrome. We have led workshops for female entrepreneurs from various industries and real estate agents from a local brokerage.
It’s not just luck that has gotten you to where you are
This is such important work for professionals because if we don’t address our feelings of inadequacy, they can build. Not only that, but many people say that it is “just luck” that has gotten them to where they are today. Acknowledging our hard work and our unique strengths can help us to overcome the feelings of not being as good as others or not being enough.
Helping your employees with imposter syndrome increases confidence and retention
Overcoming feelings of being an imposter in the workplace is important to the success of a business because the confidence of employees increases. When employers provide workshops for their employees of this type, it also increases retention because most millennials are looking for employers that value their development. According to Forbes, 86% of respondents in one study said that they would change jobs if it meant more opportunities for professional development.
Even if you’re self-employed, continually engaging in personal and professional development will decrease burnout and increase efficiency. So, if you’re anything like me, you may experience imposter syndrome at times, but you can quickly reframe a situation and find that you have a unique set of skills or strengths that make your role important.