Confronting Imposter Syndrome with a Turbo Brain
Do you find yourself dismissing compliments, even when they're well-deserved? When you achieve success at work, do you chalk it up to luck rather than your own intelligence, creativity, and hard work? Do you feel like you're hiding your true self, putting on a facade to please others? If so, you may be struggling with imposter syndrome – a common challenge for Turbo Thinkers. But you don't have to face it alone.
I recently facilitated an interactive workshop at my local professional women's club, Salon 22, in which we explored the roots of imposter syndrome, learned practical strategies to overcome it, and envisioned a confident, authentic future for ourselves.
Imposter syndrome can be defined as the condition of feeling anxious and not feeling successful internally, despite being high-performing in external and objective ways. With imposter syndrome, we feel like a "fraud" or "phony" and doubt our abilities. We have trouble accepting positive feedback. This leads to a sense of insecurity and the belief that we are not "good enough".
Imposter syndrome could stem from receiving criticism repeatedly over time, experiencing judgment from others (even if it is only perceived or assumed), and feeling excluded. It can also result from being the target or victim of hostility. It is often related to perfectionism. Our brain tells us that we can never be perfect, which means that we are fundamentally flawed. Our minds also tell us that no success is ever enough. Our inner critic expects superhuman acts. We may experience negativity about being different because of our neurodiversity, leading to anxiety about being found out. It may also lead to depression or a sense of hopelessness because we can never live up to our potential and can never be good enough.
Fortunately, we can practice strategies to overcome imposter syndrome. We can embrace a growth mindset, see our "failures" and mistakes as data for learning, look at our wins and strengths, explore our keys to success, and build a bank of evidence to see that we are indeed good enough. We can learn to accept compliments and say thank you.
Here are some of the activities we enjoyed in the workshop. With a conversation partner or small group, try the following:
Share a mistake with your partner. Simply state the facts of the event. What did you learn from that experience? What will you do differently next time? Your partner will then share with the group a) what you learned and b) how you will approach this type of situation again in the future. (They will NOT repeat the mistake out loud - only the positive learning and growth you achieved.)
Example: Jennifer learned to set aside more time for presentations in the future. Her next presentation is in two weeks, and she will carve out twice as much time in her calendar to feel confident and ready.
List your strengths and positive traits. Share these with your partner. Your partner will then introduce you to the group as someone who possesses the strengths and talents you have shared.
Example: Michael excels at strategic thinking. He can see the big picture and connect the dots in unexpected ways. He is a visionary who can see opportunities for his company before most people even consider the idea.
List three achievements. They could be big or small, professional or personal. What were your keys to success? How did you make that happen? Stay positive! Share this list with your partner. Your partner then shares at least one accomplishment with the rest of the group while explaining your keys to success for that victory.
Example: Even though Courtney is in the process of growing her startup business, she has not given up on her dream of becoming an astrophysicist. She recently applied and was admitted to the graduate program of her choice! She is confident that she can nurture her business and studies simultaneously. Her key to success is perseverance and leaning into her passions.
Make a genuine compliment to your conversation partner: an authentic, true compliment that comes from the heart. The person receiving the compliment can say nothing but "thank you." Marinate in the positive feeling and say thank you again. You are not allowed to deflect the comment or point out any negative aspects related to the compliment; simply say thank you, nothing else.
Example: "I am so impressed with how you were able to get everyone back on track in our department meeting. You have a gift for making our meetings useful, efficient, and encouraging." "Thank you."
As we progressed through these exercises, the shift in energy was palpable. We reframed "failures" as learning opportunities, dramatically shifting perspectives. This approach doesn't just soften the blow of setbacks; it turns them into stepping stones for future success. Participants began to internalize positive feedback, building a foundation of authentic confidence. When partners introduced each other to the group, highlighting their strengths and achievements, you could see the recognition dawn in people's eyes. Hearing our accomplishments reflected back to us made them more tangible, more undeniable. Each compliment accepted and achievement acknowledged became evidence countering negative self-talk. As our workshop concluded, there was a sense of shared purpose in the room. We had not only equipped ourselves with strategies to combat imposter syndrome but also recognized that we're not alone in this challenge. This sense of community is powerful, reminding us that many high-achievers grapple with similar feelings.
For us Turbo Thinkers©, embracing our unique gifts is crucial. By confronting imposter syndrome, cultivating a growth mindset, and supporting each other, we can fully leverage our innovative thinking and creativity. With consistent practice, self-compassion, and a willingness to learn from every experience, we can build stronger, more confident professional identities.
What step will you take to recognize your true worth and view challenges as growth opportunities? How might you foster an environment that supports other Turbo Thinkers© who may be struggling with similar feelings? By implementing these strategies and supporting one another, we can create work environments that celebrate unique strengths and drive innovation. We can encourage more engaged, confident professionals ready to tackle the challenges of today's dynamic business landscape.
Read more:
>>> Reimagining Perfectionism <<<
>>> Positive Turbo Thinker Traits <<<
>>> Getting Out of Your Own Head <<<