How to overcome imposter syndrome in workplace – 6 Tips

Imposter syndrome is a feeling of unworthiness or incompetence, that an individual passes through despite achieving some certain accomplishments and success, they still feel they are not worthy of their position.

This feeling of incompetence or imposter syndrome mostly occurs in a working environment. But it can reflect itself in the life of an individual. People who suffer from   imposter syndrome mostly go a long way  to hide it. But, this single syndrome  can make their future success stagnant and not achievable.

This  syndrome typically shows up when most individuals decide to take up new roles or new responsibilities. But, imposter syndrome can result in feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, and guilt. Those who experience imposter syndrome may end up blocking their own successes, being obsessed over little mistakes, or working twice as hard to prove themselves as a result. 

TIPS ON OVERCOMING IMPOSTER SYNDROME IN WORKPLACE.

Before we proceed to tips on how to overcome imposter syndrome in workplace, how to advocate for yourself in workplace. As promised, here are tips on how to overcome imposter syndrome in workplace:

1. BEING POSITIVE:

Having a positive mindset helps to fight imposter syndrome at work. Many individuals are fond of finding ways to belittle their achievements. When trying to be humble among peers, they merely give commentary of their success being a product of good luck and good timing. It is advisable that we encourage ourselves by intentionally acknowledging our accomplishments to our abilities.

Sometimes, being mindful of ourselves only makes one be stagnant, such individual will only be concerned about their present state of mind, unlike pushing themselves to work towards the future.

2. MEASURING YOUR SUCCESS:

To let you know and also show that you are succeeding, it is better to track your level of success. When feeling the imposter syndrome, one of the hardest things to figure out is the amount of role you play  in achieving your own successes.

To an imposter, This might be tied to luck or others’ hard work, when in actual fact, it is actually your own work. Because your knowledge, hard work and preparation went to the completion of such project. Actually, There are a lot of different ways to measure these successes, and the product you use will depend entirely on your profession.

3. CELEBRATE YOURSELF:

Most people are so focused with work that they rarely have time for themselves. They get so carried away with work that they hardly take out time for themselves. They believe most of these outings are a total waste of time and a show off that they neglect the fact that these little celebrations are ways of catching fun and fighting off impostor syndrome.

These little celebrations are a ways of showing to the society what one has to offer and is a form of inspiration for others.

Also, by posting on your social media handles, you can overcome imposter syndrome. Post on your social media pages like LinkedIn to celebrate your new job, don’t keep any information to yourself and also consider putting down what you learned during the hiring process.

Keeping information to yourself will shield you from the right people. Until you let people know what you do will people know you. And seeing people appreciating you for what you do will let you overcome impostor syndrome.

Also, celebrating your little wins will help in fighting off this syndrome. Letting people know about you and your wins, compensating yourself to treats will give you a sort of motivation to do better.

4. STOP BEING TOO MUCH OF A PERFECTIONIST:

Being too much of a perfectionist can be a huge setback for most people. Being too concerned about perfection can most times be a major roadblock for productivity. This perfectionist spirit can turn out to  be a major roadblock for overcoming impostor syndrome.

Most people who suffer from impostor syndrome are high achievers, i.e, the set of  people who set extremely high standards for themselves and are committed to doing their best and being the best. Their focus is only on being the best version of themselves.

But, aiming to be a perfect person only feeds into an impostor syndrome. When this feeling crawls in, it usually comes in by comparing oneself to some perfect outcome that is either impossible or  not realistic.
Not everyone can be perfect, but holding oneself  to that perfect standard can actually be non productive.

5. GIVING ROOM TO NEW OPORTUNITIES:

Giving room for new opportunities helps to fight off impostor syndrome. Though, it is not advisable to give in to every demand, especially when it comes to stressing yourself out. But, people who suffer from impostor syndrome prefer to turn down most offers including mouth watering offers just because they feel they are not good enough.

Though, it might look, sound and feel intimidating to take up a role that you are not sure you can succeed about. But, it is better and advisable to take up these roles, with the mind of learning while on the job.

Most times, when presented with new opportunities, it is important to disregard all negative affirmations that places one not worthy of taking up such opportunities. These negative affirmations and negative backings are the impostor syndrome that one must fight off.

6. SEEING A THERAPIST:

It is not advisable to push this syndrome aside. This is a very dangerous syndrome that should not be put aside. Sharing ones thoughts and experiences with someone else will make one get better equipped to deal with the impostor syndrome one is faced with. It is advisable that one shares what one is battling with, with who one sees as a mentor.

This mentor might be able to help one talk candidly about ones struggles with impostor syndrome and also giving one a more objective point of view. Also share their experiences, if they have faced any, how they did and how they battled these challenges.

By sharing ones experience with them, they  might enlighten one in one way or the other on who they know has, and how such person overcame this challenge. Also, seeing a therapist might also help to fight this challenge, as the therapist might have more knowledge and tools on how to overcome this syndrome.