Whenever you feel the weight of impostor syndrome, remind yourself of these steps to reclaim your confidence. Share this with anyone who might need a lift in their self-belief too!
Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their own accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud.” Despite evidence of their competence and achievements, people with impostor syndrome often believe they don’t deserve their success and attribute it to luck, timing, or deceiving others into thinking they are more intelligent and capable than they perceive themselves to be.
Key Characteristics of Impostor Syndrome:
- Self-Doubt: Constantly questioning one’s abilities and feeling inadequate despite evidence of success.
- Attributing Success to External Factors: Believing that luck, timing, or external help are the real reasons behind their achievements, rather than their own skills and hard work.
- Fear of Exposure: A deep fear of being “found out” or exposed as a fraud, regardless of how successful or accomplished they are.
- Overworking: Often working excessively hard to prevent others from recognizing their perceived “incompetence.”
- Discounting Praise: Dismissing compliments and positive feedback, assuming people are just being nice or don’t see the “real” them.
How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome:
1. Document Your Work and Achievements
Keeping track of your accomplishments is crucial for recognizing your own value and preparing for career advancements. Here’s how to do it:
- Create a Brag Folder: Dedicate a folder (digital or physical) to store all your achievements, positive feedback, completed projects, and milestones. This will serve as a constant reminder of your capabilities and successes.
- Revisit Regularly: Regularly update and review your brag folder to stay motivated and ready for performance reviews or job applications.
For a template, check out my Linktree!
2. Identify and Highlight Your Transferable Skills
Your “skills bridge” consists of the abilities and experiences that are relevant across different roles and industries. To leverage these:
- Assess Your Skills: List out all your skills, both hard and soft, and identify which ones are most relevant to the job you’re aiming for.
- Focus on Key Skills: Emphasize these skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile to showcase your qualifications.
- Address Skills Gaps: Identify any gaps in your skillset and fill them with low-cost or free courses and certifications available online.
3. Build Confidence and Consistency
It’s important to remember that many people who are less qualified have landed the jobs you want. Here’s how to build your confidence:
- Believe in Yourself: Trust in your abilities and the value you bring to the table. Confidence can significantly impact your job search and career progression.
- Be Persistent: Consistency in applying for jobs and improving your skills is key. Keep pushing forward, even if you face setbacks.
By documenting your achievements, identifying your transferable skills, and maintaining confidence, you can enhance your career prospects and increase your chances of landing your desired job.
