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Imposter syndrome is a common issue facing many women in the workplace. It is the feeling that you don’t belong in your position and that all your successes have been, in some way, a fluke or accident. It can be a hard feeling to overcome, but it is crucial not to allow imposter syndrome to take over your life and career.
There are many resources out there for women who need help overcoming imposter syndrome. Many of these include peer-to-peer forums where women can compare their experiences and provide help and support to each other.
→ Cut Yourself Some Slack
We can all have a touch of perfectionism in our professional lives, and while understandable, it can be a leading contributor to feelings of imposter syndrome. You need to remember that sometimes good is preferable to perfect and that, in many cases, aiming for perfection can only lead to disappointment. When encountering failure, think of it as a learning opportunity rather than mentally scolding yourself for not doing better.
→ Write Down All Your Achievements
Writing out your achievements can be an excellent way to show yourself that you are, in fact, worthy of your role and praise. It can be easy to get hung up on failure and allow small mistakes to eclipse larger successes. By having a physical copy of all your achievements, you can see what a big difference you have made to your company. You could consider keeping this list somewhere on your desk so that you can read it whenever you’re feeling imposter syndrome rears its head.
→ Improve Your Leadership Skills
If you’re feeling a lack of confidence in certain skills, taking a course to improve your knowledge and understanding can be invaluable. A course in leadership skills can be a great option to help boost your confidence and prove to yourself that you know your stuff. It can provide you with tools that you can use to help overcome imposter syndrome and help to empower the next generation of women leaders.
→ Save Complimentary Emails
We all enjoy receiving praise, but as with many things at work, it can often feel eclipsed by the critical feedback we may sometimes get. Instead of obsessing over less-than-positive feedback, take your lesson from it and put it out of your mind. Consider saving positive and complimentary emails to look at when you’re feeling down about your worth to the business. These compliments and recognition can be invaluable to help you remember that you are good at your job.
→ Act Confident
Imposter syndrome is often accompanied by a lack of confidence in yourself and your skills. Learning to feel confident when you aren’t confident at all can feel next to impossible, but it can be done. Pretending to be confident can often have the same effect on others and ourselves as having genuine confidence. You should dress for success and wear professional clothes that help you feel more confident in your appearance and ability.
Related: Leaders Who Are Introverts and How They Succeeded
Conclusion
Imposter syndrome can be difficult to face in the workplace, but it is possible to overcome. Women need to take steps such as cutting themselves slack, writing down all their achievements, improving their leadership skills, and acting confidently to help them succeed in their careers. With the right mindset and attitude, women can rise above imposter syndrome and achieve their goals.
The key to overcoming imposter syndrome is to believe in yourself and your abilities and not let feelings of self-doubt get the better of you. With some effort and dedication, you can put those feelings aside and focus on the things that have gotten you to where you are today. With the right approach, you can make a big difference in your career and the lives of other women. With dedication and practice, you can beat imposter syndrome – and succeed! Good luck!
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