Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Your True Potential

What is Imposter Syndrome?

If you often feel like you don’t deserve your accomplishments or are just pretending to be competent, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome. It impacts individuals from all walks of life, causing them to doubt their achievements and abilities. Read on to discover the different types of imposter syndrome and how to overcome them.

Understanding the different types of imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome has six aspects that contribute to its severity, and each part can vary from person to person. There is the Perfectionist, the Superhero, the Natural Genius, the Soloist, the Expert, and the Self-Sabotager. Understanding how these different types manifest in you can help you identify the ‘why’ behind your imposter syndrome.

The Perfectionist: Setting exceptionally high standards for yourself and constantly striving for flawlessness, often fearing failure and being overly critical of your work.

The Superhero: Feeling the need to excel in all areas of your life, juggling multiple responsibilities, and feeling inadequate if you can’t meet all expectations.

The Natural Genius: Believing that success should come effortlessly, and if you have to put in a certain threshold of effort, you feel like a fraud.

The Soloist: Convinced that asking for help is a sign of weakness and believing you must accomplish everything on your own.

The Expert: Feeling the need to know everything before accepting a new challenge and being afraid of being exposed as unknowledgeable.

The Self-Sabotager: Afraid of what will happen if they succeed, don’t feel capable of rising to the challenge of higher expectations associated with success, and feel overwhelmed by the anticipation of a higher workload.

Overcoming imposter syndrome: Tips and strategies

Keep a journal of your achievements and reflect on them regularly—no matter how small. When imposter syndrome kicks in, we tend to get long-term memory loss. Prepare by prepping your track record ahead of time when it creeps in.
Challenge negative thoughts: Imposter syndrome is often fueled by negative self-talk. Challenge these thoughts by questioning their validity, taking them to the extreme, and really thinking through what reality would be like of that thought. Do this for a positive and negative outcome. You’ll be surprised at the perspective you gain from this simple practice.
Try to build up your skill of asking for help. Reach out for little things and email a request for support. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help, which doesn’t make you less competent. Seek individuals who can provide encouragement and perspective.
Set realistic expectations: Break tasks into smaller, manageable goals and acknowledge your progress.
Focus on personal growth rather than constantly comparing yourself to others.

Conclusion: Embracing your worth and overcoming imposter syndrome

It’s essential to recognize that your feelings of self-doubt do not reflect your true abilities. By understanding the different types of imposter syndrome and which aspects impact you the most, you can start taking steps to overcome it. Remember to acknowledge your achievements, challenge negative thoughts, seek support, set realistic expectations, and practice self-care and self-compassion. If you don’t embrace your worth, believe in your true potential, and think you deserve the position you’re in … who will? People will only follow who they believe. You have to start with yourself. Gain further insight on overcoming imposter syndrome by listening to my podcast appearance on Eternal Leadership with John Ramsteed covering this topic.

About Marc A. Wolfe:

Marc Wolfe is the founder and President of Marc A. Wolfe Enterprises – a team of professionals dedicated to helping business leaders, organizations, and people inside companies uncover the next version of themselves that they are meant to be. For over 20 years, Marc has helped a diverse roster of Fortune 500 companies in the healthcare, retail, financial, non-profit, and media/ entertainment sectors in both the U.S. and internationally. He is also the author of the upcoming book titled Yeah, But…Cut Through the Noise to Live, Learn, and Lead Better.

Marc knows that even successful businesses can get stuck. Great leaders lose confidence in themselves, and employees lose motivation, drive, and purpose. As a result, the business and their customers suffer. Marc and his team EMPOWER leaders and give them the CONFIDENCE they need to get their business UNSTUCK