"They're going to find out I don't know what I'm doing!!"
Ah, imposter syndrome.
A frenemy we all know too well.
If you're unfamiliar with the term, it's that feeling of dread that accompanies putting ourselves on the line. This can come up when we're stretching ourselves, pushing for a new role, selling to a potential client, getting ready to speak.. the list goes on. Anything vulnerable, really.
Imposter syndrome tells us we don't have enough experience. We don't know what we're doing. We're going to be found out as a sham. Someone else would do it better than we can.
HI, we're Katie and Bryce (Hi, Kryce). We think we are imposters all the time.
And so do ALL of our clients.
ALL OF THEM.
The more successful they are (objectively), the more likely they are to feel like a sham.
TRULY!
So if you ever feel this way (or if you feel this way every day), you are not alone.
So here's what we're gonna do on today's Big Fucking Monday. We're going to tackle our imposters head-on.
1. Grab a piece of paper and write down the following (DO IT NOW!):
When do I typically feel imposter syndrome? What scenarios in the last week? The last month?
What does imposter syndrome feel like? What do I say to myself? Where do I feel it in my body? How does it feel?
This will form the foundation of your guideposts... the signals that imposter syndrome is coming.
2. For each scenario, write down why you are qualified to say/do/be whatever that is. Write down everything from skills, experiences, thoughts, ideas, knowledge, books you've read, personality traits, etc. Tell your imposter why he or she is wrong.
3. Write down at least three things you can say to yourself when you start feeling imposter syndrome come on.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
I belong here.
I am here for a reason.
They chose me for a reason.
I can do this.
Use these as your imposter syndrome antidotes in the moment or leading into an imposter-inducing activity.
Let us know how it goes,
x
Katie and Bryce