Adam C. Uzialko says imposter syndrome, while not a true disorder, affects 70 per cent of us at one time or another.
Impostor syndrome describes a pattern of thinking that leads people to disregard their accomplishments and constantly fear being outed as a fraud amongst their peers.
It is not a true disorder; rather, it refers to a common pattern of thinking that afflicts many people, especially entrepreneurs.
Founder of KFIT Body, Kerrie Gotell says that as a serial entrepreneur who had managed several ventures at once, impostor syndrome manifested itself during her proudest moments.
“It can present itself as anxiety, fear and self-doubt of our own capabilities to perform at a higher level than we ever imagined that we were capable of,” Ms Gotell said.
Why do so many entrepreneurs who are building successful businesses and reaching important milestones feel as though they aren’t truly qualified?
If you or someone you know suffers from the pattern of thinking known as impostor syndrome, these tips could alleviate the stress it causes and reaffirm confidence.
Impostor syndrome is, essentially, an acute form of anxiety that centres on the thought that an individual’s accomplishments have been predicated on luck or the fact they have not yet been found out as a fraud.
No matter how impressive or numerous their accomplishments, they feel as though the moment of their unmasking is always imminent.
Soon enough, they’ll be exposed as a phony.
While impostor syndrome is not a psychological disorder, it is a real occurrence that impacts an estimated 70 per cent of people at some point in their lives.
Think back to a time you felt you weren’t doing well enough, even as you were being recognised as exceptional.
For people managing impostor syndrome, those feelings are pervasive and can impact every aspect of their work.
Author and expert on the subject, Heidi McBain says they may feel like everyone else in their line of business is doing a better job than they are, day in and day out.
“They may externalise the successes they are having as outside of themselves and internalise anything negative that is happening as completely their own fault,” Ms McBain says.
Naturally, this has an adverse effect on a person’s ability to build a career.
If you’re doubting yourself at every turn, it will be difficult (if not impossible) to make the judicious decisions needed.
Moreover, it could precipitate a crisis of leadership and harm the morale of your team.
Impostor syndrome, like any other pattern of thinking, is habitually learned and reinforced in the individual’s mind.
Therefore, it can also be broken and reconfigured.
While retraining oneself to adopt healthier patterns of thinking is difficult, it can start with a few simple methods.
Surround yourself with people who encourage you without offering platitudes and false hope.
Consultant Jeff Skipper urges people to track every accomplishment.
“Make them visible to remind you of your unique awesomeness,” he says.
“Build a moat with a peer network of people who will both encourage and challenge you.”
It can also be helpful to share what you know with people who are just starting out in your field.
Taking on a mentor role can reinforce in your mind that you do know quite a bit and have developed a set of valuable skills that have made you successful.
Diplomate Sara Stanizai advises to “bring on associates, interns, assistants who are eager to learn from you”.
“Whether you think so or not, you have a lot to share with others,” she says.
“Mentoring someone who is new to the field will remind you how far you’ve come, and you’ll realise that you do have a lot to offer.”
Do not be afraid to seek out a professional therapist with whom you can discuss the root causes of your anxieties and hold you accountable to pursue the strategies you’ve set out to change your pattern of thinking.
Therapists excel at providing a rational, realistic perspective when our minds are wandering off into distortions of anxiety.
Ms McBain says therapy can be a safe place to talk about these feeling in depth, figure out where they are coming from, and learn ways to break these patterns.
Finally, recognise that you are far from alone.
Most people suffer from impostor syndrome of some degree at one point or another.
It is up to you whether you suffer in silence.
Remember, your accomplishments did not come out of thin air.
The hard work and personal development you’ve gone through to become the person you are today are what have delivered your success thus far, and your continued effort will continue to bear fruit.
*Adam C. Uzialko works at Business News Daily and Business.com, as well as a variety of other outlets.
This article first appeared at www.businessnewsdaily.com.
