IS IMPOSTER SYNDROME REAL?

Is Imposter Syndrome Real?  This is a question that many potential clients ask me when they are trying to decide if they need help with their Imposter Syndrome, and the quick answer is a very loud, resounding “YES, ABSOLUTELY”. 

Imposter Syndrome was identified by Dr Clance and Dr Imes, who were working with high performing female students who just did not believe that their work was good enough.  You cannot see Imposter Syndrome, it doesn’t bring you out in spots like chickenpox, but you may notice some particular behaviours that tend to show up when we have Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter Syndrome affects how we feel about ourselves.  We think that our work is not good enough, or that other people are better than us.   And we think this even though we are doing well in our careers.  In fact, it is typical that high achievers feel Imposter Syndrome more than other people.  This also includes people who are under pressure to do well, such as elite athletes or salespeople.

The problem with refusing to believe that we are genuinely good at what we do, is that is causes us to doubt our abilities and our confidence to make clear and quick business or career decisions.  So, we risk letting amazing opportunities pass us by in our business, our career and in our personal life.

There is one piece of behaviour that others cannot see, and that is when we listen to our inner critic when it says things like;

‘You can’t do that.’

‘You’re not good enough to do that.’

‘What will other people think when you get that wrong’.

‘You don’t know enough.’

But when we listen to our inner critic and choose to believe it, we also can see certain behaviours.  These include avoidance and procrastination.  Putting off something that is a great opportunity or not saying ‘yes’ to something great because we doubt our abilities is likely to be down to Imposter Syndrome.

So yes, Imposter Syndrome is real and very much alive right now.  If you want to know some more, DM me or email me at jane@janephillipscoaching.

If you would like some FREE tips to help you to overcome your Imposter Syndrome, register to watch my free webinar about Imposter Syndrome being released on the 28th September.   bit.ly/3kxWAoU

For tips and suggestions to build your business and your career, join my mailing list here: bit.ly/2Xsx2AQ

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