Your inner imposter: recognizing and releasing the inner critic
Samuel Johnson, a great literary figure of the eighteenth century once said that 'self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.' He wasn't wrong either. Confidence is one of the most empowering things you can possess. So if that's the case, why do we feel like we never have enough of it? Or when we do feel confident about something, do we doubt ourselves and feel small?
Do you ever hear a small voice that says:
What if I'm not as good as everyone thinks?
Why would anyone want to listen to what I've got to say?
What if I can't do it and people think I'm fake?
How did I get this responsibility? I don't deserve it!
If you have heard that voice before, then the chances are you're one of 70% of the population that has experienced imposter syndrome, according to the International Journal of Behavioral Science. This well-documented phenomenon can affect everyone, men as well as women, in any career or stage of their lives. Although it can be applied more broadly, imposter syndrome usually appears within a professional context, relating to an individual's perception of their experience, intelligence, and achievements.
So what exactly is imposter syndrome?
The phenomenon was first identified in 1978 by Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes, who defined imposter syndrome as an individual's belief that success, responsibility, or good fortune only happens by chance or coincidence, rather than hard work. Their research concluded that these individuals don't see the value of their skillsets, experience, or achievements, believing themselves to be less valuable than they really are. A number of theories exist as to why people experience imposter syndrome, but it's commonly described as a type of anxiety or neurosis. Clance and Imes also suggested that women experience imposter syndrome far more than men.
This is something that I completely relate to as a full-time working mother. Over the course of my career, I've worked in IT, manufacturing, and finance, most of these areas had male-dominated environments. With responsibility for my two daughters as well as my career, I'd often had to go the extra mile to retain my job in the male-dominated work culture and colleagues. Juggling my responsibilities at the office and at home often left me feeling burnt out. I often had this narrative of “being not doing enough “ driving my self-perception. The reason of such behavior also steps from patriarchal family culture where females had to face oppression.
As it turned out, I wasn't alone. I was experiencing something that many others felt the same way about. This realization became apparent as more and more people began speaking up about it. Even well-known actors, artists, creatives, and business professionals felt the same way I did. And if you, like me, find it hard to believe that super-successful people have these thoughts too, then check these quotes out below:
Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, once said on the red carpet that: "No matter what we've done, there comes a point where you think, 'How did I get here? When are they going to discover that I am, in fact, a fraud and take everything away from me?'"
Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook wrote in a book she authored that "...every time I didn't embarrass myself—or even excelled—I believed that I had fooled everyone yet again. One day soon, the jig would be up.”
Pop singer Lady Gaga said on a TV show that: "I still sometimes feel like a loser kid in high school and I just have to pick myself up and tell myself that I'm a superstar every morning so that I can get through this day and be for my fans what they need for me to be.”
"The most important freedom is freedom from your own self-judgment." ~ Vironika Tugaleva
How to turn your inner critic into your inner guide
If you've experienced that negative inner voice – and let's be honest, most of us have – you'll almost certainly have experienced imposter syndrome at some time in your life. At times, you may find it difficult to silence your inner critic, who always has negative things to say about your every action, or inaction. Although each one of us is different, there are a number of ways you can gently remind yourself that you are not your thoughts:
Normalize Doubt:
The first thing to remember is that uncertainty and doubt is 100% normal. Just like happiness and sadness, we all experience these feelings from time to time. What's important is not to get stuck in uncertainty or doubt for too long.
Observe Your Thoughts:
When a negative or critical thought pops in, practice awareness of that thought, without attaching anything to it. Where did it come from? If you don't know where then that's your inner critic speaking. Becoming aware is the first step to making positive changes.
Reframe Your Perspective:
The next time a negative thought comes in, consider gently challenging it with a positive affirmation. This helps you to disconnect from the limiting belief and engage in an affirming one instead. For example, if the thought is: "I'm not clever enough to do this," you can repeat "I have completed more complex tasks than this before" to positively affirm your abilities.
Speak to Someone:
In some cases, it may be beneficial to speak to a professional coach, as they can help to identify your skillsets and help reprogramme your inner thoughts. And as imposter syndrome affects so many people in a professional context, speaking with a BG5™ coach may be the perfect option. Based on an ancient system that mathematically and accurately depicts the mechanics of your genetic information, the BG5™ system focuses on your career direction, business interactions, interpersonal skills and leadership. As your coach shares your profile and unique success code, you will see that you have gifts and a unique purpose to share with the world. Once you see your own shining light, your inner imposter will no longer have a hold on you.
If reading this article has resonated with you in any way, I encourage you to connect with me for a chat. I would love to help you on your journey and explore the possibilities in your life that are waiting to be unlocked!
Shining Compass offers experienced coaching for individuals, solo entrepreneurs, family business owners and community groups seeking to develop business strategy, overcome challenges or cultivate a more fulfilling and authentic vocation.
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