THE POWER OF IMPOSTER SYNDROME: HOW TO USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
THE POWER OF IMPOSTER SYNDROME: HOW TO USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
If you're a high-achieving female entrepreneur, professional, or business leader, you know the feeling of impostor syndrome too well. It's one of the most crippling mental blocks that can keep us from reaching our full potential in life and career. We feel like we are faking it, and any day now, someone will figure out that we're not as great as we seem to be.
Research shows that about 70% of adults experience impostor syndrome at some point in their lives. Fortunately, there are many ways you can use this feeling to your advantage instead of letting it hold you back. In this article, I'm going to share five tips on how you can use impostor syndrome to become a more confident, successful leader. So if you're ready to take control of your mindset and use impostor syndrome as a tool for success, read on!
If we haven’t met, Hi, my name is Felecia Etienne, and I am a Certified High-Performance Success Coach and Business and Life Strategist for ambitious female leaders, professionals, and business owners. I help those overwhelmed, stressed-out bosses to maximize their time, energy, and productivity so they can be present and intentional with the vital aspects of their life.
Many women have dreams of starting their own business or going after the role of their dreams - but often times these dreams are met with an overwhelming sense of fear and doubt. That feeling is called Impostor Syndrome, a paralyzing fear many women feel when they pursue their ambitions. It's one of the worst feelings in the world, and it can keep you stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and inaction.
What is Impostor Syndrome, and why does it happen to women leaders in particular
“I still have a little imposter syndrome… It doesn’t go away, that feeling that you shouldn’t take me that seriously. What do I know? I share that with you because we all have doubts in our abilities, about our power, and what that power is.” Michelle Obama
Impostor Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that affects many high-achieving individuals, regardless of gender or background. It is characterized by persistent feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, and fraudulence, despite evidence of success and competence. However, studies have shown that women leaders are more likely to experience impostor syndrome than their male counterparts. This can be attributed to various factors, such as societal expectations, stereotype threat, imposter cycle, and intersectionality. Women may face additional pressure to prove themselves in male-dominated fields or leadership positions, which can lead to heightened anxiety and perfectionism. They may also internalize negative feedback or setbacks more deeply than men due to cultural conditioning or bias.
As a result, women leaders may downplay their achievements, seek excessive validation from others, avoid risks or challenges that could expose their perceived weaknesses, or even sabotage their own careers. Therefore, it is essential for organizations and individuals to recognize the impact of impostor syndrome on women leaders and take steps to address it through education, support networks, mentoring programs, and inclusive cultures that value diverse perspectives and contributions. By empowering women leaders to overcome impostor syndrome, we can unlock their full potential and create a more equitable world for all.
One such system is the lack of representation and support in leadership positions. Women make up only 6.2% of CEOs and 8.1% of Fortune 500 board directors and hold just 4.6% of Fortune 500 executive officer roles. This means there is a distinct lack of role models for young women to look up to and mentors to turn to for guidance, leaving them feeling isolated and unsupported in their careers.
Symptoms of Imposter Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome can manifest in various ways, both internally and externally. Some common symptoms of impostor syndrome include self-doubt, fear of failure, perfectionism, procrastination, avoidance, self-sabotage, anxiety, and depression.
Here are some specific signs that you may be experiencing imposter syndrome:
Discounting your achievements or attributing them to luck or external factors
Setting excessively high standards for yourself and feeling disappointed when you fall short
Overworking or overpreparing to compensate for your perceived inadequacy
Avoiding challenges or opportunities that could expose your perceived weaknesses
Comparing yourself unfavorably to others and feeling inferior or envious
Seeking constant validation from others or downplaying compliments
Feeling like a fraud or waiting for someone to "discover" your secret
If any of these symptoms resonate with you, it's important to recognize that you're not alone and that there are ways to overcome imposter syndrome. By acknowledging your strengths and accomplishments, reframing negative thoughts into positive affirmations, seeking support from trusted colleagues or mentors, and taking calculated risks outside your comfort zone, you can break free from the cycle of self-doubt and achieve greater fulfillment in your personal and professional life.
Characteristics of those who struggle with Imposter Syndrome
“I have spent my years since Princeton, while at law school and in my various professional jobs, not feeling completely a part of the worlds I inhabit. I am always looking over my shoulder, wondering if I measure up.” Sonia Sotomayor
Imposter Syndrome can affect people of all backgrounds and professions, but certain characteristics may make someone more susceptible to it.
These include:
Perfectionism: People who hold themselves to impossibly high standards and believe that anything less than perfection is failure are more likely to experience imposter syndrome.
High Achievers: Those who have achieved a lot in their lives, whether academically or professionally, may feel like they don't deserve their success and worry that they'll be exposed as frauds.
Women and Minorities: Research has shown that women and minorities are more likely to experience imposter syndrome due to societal pressure, stereotype threat, and lack of representation in leadership roles.
Overthinkers: People who ruminate on their mistakes or dwell on worst-case scenarios may be more prone to imposter syndrome because they focus on negative feedback rather than positive accomplishments.
Fearful of Feedback: Individuals who avoid receiving feedback or criticism out of fear of being exposed as frauds may struggle with imposter syndrome.
Lack of Confidence: Those who lack confidence in their abilities or second-guess themselves frequently may feel like impostors in their own lives.
If you recognize any of these characteristics in yourself, it's important to know that you're not alone. By identifying your triggers and learning coping strategies such as self-talk, mindfulness, and seeking support from others, you can overcome imposter syndrome and achieve greater success with confidence.
The 5 types of imposter syndrome
The Solo Star:
This type of imposter syndrome stems from the idea that success only comes from individual achievement. People who feel like solo stars may struggle with delegating tasks and seeking help, even in situations where it would be beneficial to do so.
Here's one powerful tip that can help:
Take a moment to recognize when help would be beneficial. This may mean delegating tasks to others, even if you feel like you could do a better job yourself. By asking for help and collaborating with those around you, you will be able to achieve more in the long run and improve your overall performance in the process. Additionally, remind yourself that no one person can do everything alone - so don't try to take on this burden on your own!
The Natural Genius:
This type of imposter syndrome creates an unrealistic expectation that success and perfection can be achieved easily and effortlessly. This can lead to difficulty managing failure or criticism and cause us to become overly anxious about our performance.
Here's one powerful tip that can help:
Allow yourself to relax and take the time to enjoy the process of learning. Instead of focusing on results or seeing your accomplishments as a sign of intelligence, redirect your focus to the joy of discovering new ideas and developing your skills - even if you don't necessarily think you're "good" at them. If you can cultivate a positive attitude towards learning and make space for mistakes without judgment or criticism, you will find it much easier to fight off imposter syndrome in the long run.
The Expert:
This type of imposter syndrome involves feeling like you have to constantly prove yourself, even when no one else is asking you to do so. People who suffer from this may focus too much on trivial details and get stuck in analysis paralysis as a result of their perfectionist tendencies.
Here's one powerful tip that can help:
Take a step back and remember that no one knows everything - so don't expect yourself to either. Acknowledge when you do not know something, and invite challenges as an opportunity for growth and learning rather than feeling overwhelmed. Embrace uncertainty by allowing yourself to explore possibilities outside of your traditional comfort zone, even if it scares you at first. This will ultimately help you develop stronger skills and build confidence in yourself.
The Perfectionist:
This type of imposter syndrome is all about striving for unrealistic standards of perfection, which can make it difficult for us to move past mistakes or setbacks and puts a lot of pressure on ourselves to perform well every single time we take action.
Here's one powerful tip that can help:
Focus on progress over perfection. Instead of criticizing yourself or feeling like you have to reach a certain level of perfection before taking any steps forward, focus on the slow and steady process of improvement. Celebrate even the small milestones and give yourself time and space to work through things - mistakes included! This will help you develop a growth mindset, boost your self-confidence, and eventually help you beat imposter syndrome for good.
The Superman/Woman:
Finally, this type of imposter syndrome revolves around believing that if you don't excel at everything you come into contact with, then you must not be good enough overall, leading us to take on more tasks than we can realistically handle without further support or resources!
Here's one powerful tip that can help:
Learn to recognize and set realistic expectations for yourself. By setting achievable goals and monitoring your progress, you can focus on which areas need improvement without feeling like you have to be perfect. Recognize that being human means making mistakes, and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go according to plan. Finally, acknowledge your successes - no matter how small - as extra motivation to keep going.
Understanding these five types of imposter syndrome can help identify unhealthy patterns and break self-sabotaging behavior in order to build more fulfilling lives!
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
From an organizational level:
To combat Imposter Syndrome within organizations, it's crucial to foster an inclusive culture that promotes diversity and equity. This involves creating systems dedicated to promoting women into leadership roles and ensuring that support is provided for those who already occupy such positions. Mentorship programs targeted at developing female leaders can be implemented, as well as initiatives aimed at increasing the number of senior-level women in management. Coaching and feedback should be tailored towards female leaders, with initiatives focused on tackling issues relating to pay parity or gender bias. Such measures can help build confidence, recognition, and appreciation among women professionals, paving the way for them to succeed and reach their full potential.
One group that has been particularly impacted by imposter syndrome is women of color. They have been conditioned to doubt their abilities and potential due to oppressive cultural norms around them. It's time for organizations to create inclusive workplaces that provide supportive environments for women of color to thrive. By embracing these values, you can take charge of your own destiny and become the powerful, successful professionals we know we can be.
Personal Ownership Level:
“I have written 11 books, but each time I think, uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.” Maya Angelou
Imposter Syndrome can be debilitating and even impact your professional life. While it may never go away completely, there are things you can do to handle it. Taking personal ownership is key to overcoming imposter syndrome.
Here are some practical steps you can take overcome imposter syndrome:
Raise Your Confidence Level
The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is raising your confidence level. To do this, focus on the things you have control over rather than obsessing over the things beyond your control (such as what other people think). Make sure to celebrate all successes, both big and small. Acknowledge that failure is part of success and just one step closer to achieving your goal. Last but not least, recognize that mistakes are proof that you are taking risks and learning valuable lessons in the process.
Focus On Your Strengths
It can be easy to focus on our weaknesses instead of our strengths when we feel insecure or overwhelmed by imposter syndrome. However, instead of letting yourself spiral down into a negative mindset, make an effort to recognize your unique skills and talents that make you stand out from the crowd. Once you start focusing on what sets you apart from the rest, it will be easier for you to own your accomplishments rather than believing that others had more to do with them than yourself.
Recognize Your Experience And Accomplishments
Impostor syndrome often comes from a lack of confidence in our abilities or experience in an area—but it’s important to remember just how far we have come! Take some time each day to reflect on all the experiences and accomplishments that have helped shape who we are today—all those little wins add up quickly! When we take time out of each day to recognize our hard work and dedication, it helps us see just how capable we really are!
Surround Yourself With Positivity
Surrounding ourselves with positive people can go a long way in helping us push through tough times like those associated with impostor syndrome! Find friends who lift us up and remind us of our worth when we need it most—these people will help provide extra motivation when we need it most! Additionally, try connecting with other high achievers who may also be dealing with feelings similar feelings as yours; this could provide comfort knowing others around us understand what it is like coming face-to-face with their own impostor syndrome demons!
5 Ways to Use Imposter Syndrome to Your Advantage
Drive for Excellence:
Imposter syndrome can drive high-achieving women towards excellence, which can be a significant advantage in many fields. Embracing imposter syndrome can be a powerful way for high-achieving women to motivate themselves toward excellence. Instead of being fearful of it, they can use it as an opportunity to challenge themselves and their peers to reach new heights. Achieving excellence requires constant effort, so this state of insecurity can be leveraged to stay ahead of the game and keep improving. This approach has proven successful for many women leaders and professionals who refuse to stand still and continue striving towards ever-higher goals.
Humility:
High-achieving women can use imposter syndrome to their advantage by embracing humility as a result. By understanding that everyone experiences moments where they feel like an imposter, this recognition can help keep us grounded and humble. As we stay open-minded and willing to learn from those around us, we unlock endless potential for growth and development. By focusing on opportunities for growth instead of giving into feelings of intimidation or inadequacy, imposter syndrome can become a powerful tool in our tool belt when striving toward success. This humility allows you to stay open-minded and receptive to feedback, ultimately leading to greater growth and development.
Empathy:
High-achieving women are no strangers to feelings of imposter syndrome, but what's incredible is that this phenomenon can be turned into a superpower. Those who have experienced imposter syndrome are often endowed with a superhuman ability to empathize with those struggling with similar feelings of inadequacy, which makes them great leaders and invaluable team players. By creating supportive environments where everyone feels valued, high-achieving women can use this feeling of imposter syndrome to their advantage and truly leverage their superpower - empathy. With thoughtful leadership, these women can help others feel more confident in the workplace while also achieving their own goals.
Resilience:
High-achieving women don't have to suffer from imposter syndrome forever; instead, it can be used as a superpower to become more resilient and successful. With the right tools and mindset, these women can use their inner critic to build courage and self-belief. This resilience will help them develop the strength and determination to bounce back when faced with failure or rejection. As high-achieving women leaders, their courage and confidence will serve as an example for those around them to confront adversity with resilience - proving that imposter syndrome can be used in powerful ways!
Self-Awareness:
Imposter syndrome is something that can be experienced by high-achieving individuals, and it often results in feelings of low self-worth. However, by becoming aware of their own limitations and areas they need to work on, women who have imposter syndrome are in a unique success position. Women leaders and professionals can use this self-awareness to access resources and guidance needed to propel them further up the ladder of success. This understanding also allows empowered female professionals to be humble without thinking less of themselves, ultimately leading to better performance and more fulfilling career paths.
Conclusion:
Imposter Syndrome can be an unpredicted hindrance in the success journey of many high-achievers, but it doesn't need to stop you from living a life full and filled with meaningful accomplishments. You possess the ability to use this feeling of not being "good enough" to your advantage by taking action in four powerful ways: understanding your skills, celebrating small victories, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and holding yourself accountable while also being gentle with yourself. Remember that change begins with awareness and understanding; once you have those two tools, you are ready to move forward in your desired direction! If you're ready to take control of your life and step up as the champion of your own story, now is the time to book your complimentary High-Performance Strategy Session and get started on your journey today!
Get Your Free resilience Toolkit here!
Related Posts:
