Written by Community Contributor Anna Huff of Anna Huff Coaching & Creative
If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, you know how paralyzing it can be. In a single wave, it can instantly drown you in thoughts like, “I can’t be as successful as they are,” or “I don’t have enough achievements to deserve that.” These thoughts can keep you stuck in a rut that feels impossible to get out of.
Before reading any further, you have to know that almost everyone feels this way at some point in their journey to growth and success, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. There are ways to overcome it. And in today's digital reality, these skills are essential to improving yourself and achieving your goals. In this blog post, we will talk about three helpful strategies to feel more confident about yourself and your abilities.
Tip 1: Check In With Your Thoughts
Your thoughts create your feelings. And your feelings drive the actions (or inactions) you take. Identifying the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing is an essential first step in overcoming imposter syndrome. A common nuance of imposter syndrome is the belief that your success happened by luck or by accident. Our brains are sneaky that way. You may be having thoughts that are feeding into the imposter syndrome you experience. In which case, it’s helpful to shift those thoughts to ones that are going to help you to feel empowered rather than defeated.
Start by giving yourself credit for the hard work you’ve put into your accomplishments. Practice celebrating the wins, even the small ones, and remind yourself that you deserve them. Remember that big changes happen through small victories over time.
Additionally, explore and get curious about when you’re experiencing thoughts that trigger imposter syndrome. If scrolling through social media is one of those times, be diligent about who you follow and the content you consume before it consumes you.
Tip 2: Ask for Support and be Willing to be Vulnerable
Imposter syndrome can feel isolating. Social media is one big highlight reel that gives the illusion that everyone’s life is perfect when in reality so many successful people have shared the same struggles.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to trusted friends, family members, mentors, or even a life or business coach to share your feelings. Discussing your feelings of self-doubt with others can provide a sense of validation and support. Additionally, consider joining professional networks or communities where you can connect with individuals who share similar experiences. Engaging in open conversations about imposter syndrome can offer valuable insights and strategies for overcoming it.
Tip 3: Take Care of You and Believe in Your Abilities
Self-care plays a crucial role in overcoming imposter syndrome. Prioritize activities that promote your well-being and build confidence in your abilities.
Real, authentic self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days. It’s about asking yourself what you really need and providing yourself with the opportunity to have it. Sometimes self-care isn’t sexy. Self-care is moving your body, quieting your mind, and resting when you need to rest. But it’s also taking care of your responsibilities and setting boundaries so you don’t get overwhelmed. Here are a few things to always keep in mind:
Self-care that is tailored to your own needs will significantly boost your confidence and resilience.
Building confidence requires stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging self-imposed limitations. A mindset coach can help with identifying those limiting beliefs and give you strategies for moving through them.
Set realistic goals for yourself and break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Each small accomplishment will contribute to building your confidence gradually. Additionally, take note of positive feedback and compliments from others, as they can serve as reminders of your competence and worth.
Focus on finding alignment within your self-development and acquiring new skills that matter to you and your goals. Rather than focusing so much on the external validation that might come from places like social media, find ways to internally validate yourself. The more you invest the time and energy in bettering yourself for your own sake, the more confident you will begin to feel in your abilities.
Imposter syndrome may be a common experience, but it does not have to hold you back from stepping into your full potential. By acknowledging and reframing your thoughts, seeking support from a coach, and practicing real self-care practices while stepping outside of your comfort zone to build confidence, you can beat imposter syndrome and embrace your authentic power.
We all have moments of self-doubt. But it’s how we address them and overcome them that defines our personal and professional growth. You are worthy of embracing your achievements and thriving without the burden of imposter syndrome.
Learn more overcoming imposter syndrome. And if you’d like to explore what coaching can do for you in helping to break through those limiting beliefs, book a FREE coaching session.
Anna Huff, is the creator and owner of Anna Huff Coaching & Creative.
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