Embracing Imposter Syndrome

'Embrace' is, perhaps, a surprising word choice but, before I explain the how, let me explain the why.

Have you recently found yourself looking sideways, feeling we're not good enough or not deserving of the 'wins' you crave (or may already be achieving)?

Our brains have evolved to pull us back to safety. Rather than take risks and put us in danger, it is attempting to keep us into a comfort zone of more familiar expectation (and therefore predictable results).

That's thousands of years of self-preservation kicking in

At best, this retreat into safety might feel frustrating. If only there was a way to get rid of Imposter Syndrome entirely?

This is where 'embrace' comes in... To talk about completely 'removing' Imposter scenario from our lives is (in my opinion) unrealistic. And so, to promise somebody that you can get rid of their Imposter Syndrome is dangerous.

We are human

We will have momentary wobbles and hesitations.

If you've been told you won't have wobbles (or that "with my miracle solution that costs just $599" you never will again) then, when you do wobble, it hits harder. It feels like a bigger step backwards than it actually is.

"It can't be the that this proven miracle solution didn't work. Perhaps it is that I am not good enough...".

This is why I don't think the promise of a miracle solution is helpful.

My take on embracing Imposter Syndrome:

Here are the three steps that I suggest bring better, healthier and more achievable, long-term results:

1. 🏁 Challenge: As with any fear, Imposter Syndrome is born from a projection of 'what if...' I.e., it hasn't happened yet, but you expect that (when it does) it will not be good. But lots of things HAVE happened. Your story so far is full of anchor points that prove your capacity and capability - that prove you ARE good enough.

   
   

2. ⏱️ Reset: If you can shift your narrative to visualise those objective successes and, by default, bring them to mind ahead of any subjective hesitation... how might that 'evidence' impact your confidence/decision around what it is you are about to 'try'? Plus, the more you lean into your proven story of 'wins', over time, the easier it becomes to work on any future hesitation.

   
   

3. 🧡 Embrace: In those moments when you wobble... know that this is okay. Embrace it as a part of your journey, then lean into your new narrative. You can't operate at 100% all the time. But with a refreshed view of what you have proven to be capable of being your first thought, you will bounce back more quickly and will be less affected by the wobble.

It is okay not to ALWAYS be okay.

Embracing Imposter Syndrome will allow you to bounce back to 'okay' more quickly.

Just my thoughts - I would love to hear yours