Simple Ways to Conquer Your Imposter Syndrome and Gain Confidence

Have you ever had that dream where you find out you’re about to go on stage for a play but don’t know any of the lines and everyone’s going to figure out you don’t know what the hell you’re doing, and you’ll be laughed off the stage? Hmm yeah same….Ever had that exact same feeling in real life? I have…and only recently came to know it by its name. Imposter Syndrome.

This has – unknowingly – had a HUGE impact on my life, my career and my self esteem for most of my adult life. Until it had a name, it was just my feelings of self doubt, insecurity and anxiety that flooded my mind on a daily basis – mostly regarding my work, and most recently my business.

Now as I learn more about it, I am also learning this is crippling so many people in their day to day lives, especially in their work. So I set out to compile some strategies based on real life experiences, to help you push through these feelings, and conquer Imposter Syndrome once and for all.

Simple Strategies for Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

1. Be Your Own Cheerleader

One of the most popular strategies was to be your own cheerleader. Take a beat, rationalise, and remind yourself of your experience, your wins, your accomplishments. Pop it on a post it and stick it on your desk, or just run through your experience whenever you feel like you have been dropped into this situation with no prior knowledge. You’ll quickly realise everything you’ve done, learnt, and taught, and those feelings should quieten down.  

Thinking rationally is also a great way to find gaps in your knowledge, and by admitting to what it is that we don’t know we can grow and continually learn. 

2. Repeat after me…

For those that love a good mantra, saying or affirmation, there were some amazing ones shared with me! Here are some of the best to repeat to yourself in your moments of self-doubt, when you’re starting your day, or when you hit a bit of a brick wall. 

• “Don’t think, just do.”
• Start. Just start. It’ll come together.
• I am strong, I am capable
• I can’t do it….yet! 
• Instead of “why me” ask yourself “why not me”
• You are worthy, you have value. 
• “Temporary failure becomes permanent defeat only when you say so” – Lisa Messenger 

3. Keep Your Friends Close

If you can’t be your own cheerleader, your friends and colleagues are the next best thing! And the really good ones, will be honest and direct, knowing exactly how to snap you out of it. One of the most popular strategies was to reach out to a friend or colleague in a similar industry or position, and run your concerns by them. You will instantly gain perspective, and a jolt back to reality. 

Those I spoke to described their help from friends as honest, transparent, encouraging, an advocate and trustworthy. They will hold you accountable as well as back you, and that’s the real support that keeps things in perspective. It’s not about puffing you up so you have a warped sense of reality, it’s about keeping you grounded, honest, confident and supported. 

4. Everyone is fighting their own battle

Finally, this strategy was of the biggest help to me. When I reframed my thinking from ‘everyones judging me’ to ‘everyones judging themselves’ – I was able to not only gain clarity and perspective on my own anxiety, but was able to feel more empathetic towards others knowing that most people are struggling with their own feelings of self-doubt, and are just doing the best that they can. 

And I’m not alone, there were a lot of people who found the best way to overcome Imposter Syndrome was to remember that no one is a finished person, everyone is always growing and learning.

No one has it all figured out, and most people are just figuring it out as they go. So be kind, not only to others but to yourself. 

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