Imposter Syndrome

At some point in your career, whether on your first day of “real” work, when you’ve received a promotion to a leadership role, or even in your day-to-day, its likely that you’ve experienced imposter syndrome. The crippling voice in the back of your head whispering “You don’t belong here”, “They’re going to find out that you aren’t good enough for this”, “You’re a fraud”.

Imposter syndrome is a natural human condition, and it’s important to recognize that everyone (yes, everyone!) experiences it at some point in their life. However, it is possible to minimize the effects of imposter syndrome. Read on to learn about the strategies you can implement to abolish your insecurities and set yourself on the pathway to confidence.

 

Recognize you aren’t alone

First and foremost, understand that everyone struggles with imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. In a study recorded in the International Journal of Behavioral Science, an estimated 70% of people experience imposter syndrome, and it affects men and women equally.

Even more difficult today is that individuals must face imposter syndrome in the age of social media. In an article by Forbes, we are reminded that social media, including professional platforms like LinkedIn, sets our expectations on unattainable goals, because chances are, those successes aren’t completely accurate and you aren’t seeing the full picture.

 

Let the perfectionism go

You are going to utterly fail so many times. And guess what? It’s going to be okay and you’re going to move on. Absolutely no one is perfect, and some of the most successful people failed miserably at different points in their careers. In fact, its rumored that the legendary inventor, Thomas Edison, made over 1,000 unsuccessful attempts to create a lightbulb. One thousand. Yet he still did it.

Let go of the idea that you have to do everything correctly and on the first try. It’s okay to make mistakes. What matters is how you handle it and move forward.

 

Recognize your own successes

When you get in your head about feeling unworthy, take a moment to write down all the positive contributions you’ve made. It’s really hard to argue with factual evidence. If you begin feeling unworthy of your new leadership role, start listing off everything you’ve done that led you to earn that promotion. Did you spend years on your education? Did you receive glowing remarks during your reviews? What skills are you capable of? Make a written list of everything that you can and have offered. There was no mistake, you are where you are for a reason.

 

Imposter syndrome is real. But the stories you are telling yourself aren’t. It affects us all, but you ultimately choose if you are going to put them into perspective.

 

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About Debi

Debi is a coach to high performers, leaders and business owners wanting to achieve more and grow beyond what they believe is possible. Known for her clarifying insight and a pragmatic approach, Debi brings her clients to the next step by asking the right questions during strategy development and supporting them during strategy implementation. With experience in management, recruitment and employee development for various industries, she has a wide scope of expertise and will confidently guide you towards a successful future in your career.

 

Ready to take your career to the next level? 

Let’s chat. Schedule a call to discuss innovative solutions to your specific needs.

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Why You Should be Career Mapping

What do you want to be when you grow up?

From childhood through college, almost every individual is asked a variation of this question at some point in their lives. What are you interested in pursuing? What job do you want to do? Where do you want to work?

However, it seems that once that first job offer is received, the questions cease. Sometimes we even stop asking ourselves what we want to do.  Why is this?

Regularly evaluating and pinpointing what you want to do (or, “be when you grow up”) is a healthy strategy to play an active role in your own life and not just accept the current circumstances. It’s good for you. Taking the time to ask yourself what you want to do and where you want to be in the future is the first step to designing the career you’ve dreamed of.

 

So, what is a Career Map?

A career map is a written, typed, or drawn out format that visually organizes steps in your career. It allows you to see exactly where you’ve been and where you are. So then, you can begin to process getting to where you want to be.

 

Career maps are beneficial because they allow you to break down a lofty goal into smaller, manageable steps. You identify where you are, where you’re going, and then decipher the stepping stones in between.

 

What’s Included in a Career Map?

In career mapping, it’s important to start with where you want to end up. This isn’t a permanent decision, but it helps identify what milestones are needed to get there. So, if your dream is to become a manager at your current company, that’s where to begin.

 

Next, write down where you’ve been, and where you are now. Do most individuals get promoted to manager after 5 years at the company, and you’re currently at 3 years? Write that down. Do you already have certain skills and qualifications that a manager needs? Make a note of these.

 

Now, start filling in the gaps with the milestones needed. Add those additional 2 years you need to become eligible. Write down the necessary Master’s degree. Add the required public speaking skills.

 

What Does a Career Map Look Like?

Career maps don’t have to be fancy. Using the example above, here is a super simple career map that effectively organizes your career.

 

End goal: Manager at Current Company

Starting Point: Advanced Analyst

 

Milestone 1: Enroll in local 2-year MBA program

Milestone 2: Begin taking on tasks at work requiring public speaking skills to refine your abilities

Milestone 3: Complete 2 additional years at company and graduate MBA program

Milestone 4: Apply for Manager role

Yes, it’s that easy. And its effective. Give it a shot and let us know what you think!

 

____________

 

About Debi

Debi is a coach to high performers, leaders and business owners wanting to achieve more and grow beyond what they believe is possible. Known for her clarifying insight and a pragmatic approach, Debi brings her clients to the next step by asking the right questions during strategy development and supporting them during strategy implementation. With experience in management, recruitment and employee development for various industries, she has a wide scope of expertise and will confidently guide you towards a successful future in your career.

 

Ready to take your career to the next level? 

Let’s chat. Schedule a call to discuss innovative solutions to your specific needs.

 

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