8 Tips to Deal with Impostor Syndrome

The impostor syndrome is a common psychological phenomenon that affects many of us. It is characterized by feelings of doubt about our own abilities and achievements, accompanied by a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud.

Impostor syndrome is something within me. And I don't think it's something that, for certain people, can ever go away. However, there are different things you can do to work through it.

In this article, top advisors of Landa, Melissa Toledo, Founder of Constante Consulting, Juliane Butty, Venture Architect at Apolo, and Irina Tsetsura, Principal at Monsoon Venture Fund, share 8 practical tips to deal with impostor syndrome, divided into three main categories:

- Acceptance and Recognition

- Access to Resources and Professional Support

- Self-Regulation and Self-Evaluation Strategies

LET'S DIVE IN! 👇

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Acceptance and Recognition 🥇

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1. Recognize that Impostor Syndrome is Persistent and Prepare Yourself

Impostor syndrome can be a persistent experience for many individuals. Acknowledging this fact is the first step towards effectively managing this psychological challenge.

Often, we find ourselves downplaying our achievements and dismissing compliments received for our work. However, it is crucial to pause and genuinely accept these praises. By doing so, we can begin to counteract the negative thoughts associated with impostor syndrome and develop a more positive perspective on our abilities and accomplishments.

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2. Identify why Others Value your Work

Reflecting on why others value our work can provide valuable external confirmation of our capabilities and contributions, helping us internalize a more accurate and positive self-image. This reflection allows us to recognize and appreciate our own worth and contribution in a professional context, which can boost our self-confidence and self-esteem.

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3. Adopt a Mindset of Growth

Adopting a growth mindset is helpful in overcoming impostor syndrome. Instead of viewing mistakes as personal failures, we can perceive them as opportunities for learning and growth. By embracing the idea that we are all constantly evolving and learning (which is true), we can reduce self-imposed pressure to be perfect and allow ourselves to experiment and grow in our professional journey. Remember: YOU CAN DO THIS.

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Access to Resources and Professional Support 📚

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4. Remain Open to Seeking Professional Assistance

You don't need to do this alone. Sometimes, it's really hard to deal with impostor syndrome. Professional coaching and therapy can provide tools and techniques to challenge and change negative thought patterns, as well as offer a safe space to explore and better understand feelings of self-doubt and anxiety.

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5. Create a Brag Bank or Wall of Love

Creating an “achievement bank” where we document our past successes can be a powerful way to recall our strengths and accomplishments, especially in moments of self-doubt. This exercise allows us to focus on our skills and past achievements, rather than allowing impostor syndrome to drag us into self-doubt and insecurity.

Creating this brag bank can be as simple as taking screenshots of the testimonials and reviews you receive and putting them in a Notion, Drive, or using a platform like Testimonial.

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6. Have a Mentor or Seek a Community

Engaging in support communities can provide a network of individuals who share similar experiences and can offer helpful advice and perspectives for overcoming impostor syndrome (or any other problem!). These communities can be peer groups, online support groups, or professional networks where members can share their experiences and provide mutual support and encouragement.

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Self-Regulation and Self-Evaluation Strategies ⚖️

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7. Be Impartial in your Self-assessment

A fundamental part of managing impostor syndrome is learning to self-regulate and objectively evaluate our own perceptions. This involves critically analyzing our self-criticisms and comparing them with feedback received from others (this is when having your brag bank is necessary). By doing so, we can challenge and dismantle unfounded negative beliefs about our skills and capabilities.

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8. Set Aside Time for Joyful Activities

Dedicating time to activities that bring us joy and perspective can help us maintain a healthy emotional balance. This can include hobbies, physical exercise, creative pursuits, or spending time with friends and loved ones.

These activities allow us to recharge and approach challenges with a clearer and more positive mindset. Also, incorporating mantras and breathing techniques into our daily routine can be helpful in maintaining calm and perspective during moments of self-doubt and anxiety.