3 Lessons I've Learned So Imposter Syndrome Doesn't Hold My Career Back Anymore

By Shea Ki

Have you heard about imposter syndrome?

Some clients of mine have heard of it before but many others have not. I am sharing some of what I've discovered about it the past few years here. I hope these lessons I've learned about imposter syndrome: 

►boost your awareness and understanding about it
►energize you to uncover for yourself if it is showing up in your life
►empower you to start weakening it's hold on your career development

Watch this message to hear why this topic is one I never skip addressing with my clients:

Lesson 1: I found out my imposter types and what triggers imposter syndrome for me. 

Did you know that imposter syndrome can show different for each person? Look at these different types in the infographic below. Which one or two most resonate with you?

For me, I think The Superwoman and The Soloist types best describe my mindset when imposter syndrome hits. It took me a lot of unlearning and unconditioning to be able to recognize this about myself and not judge myself further for falling into such toxic places with my thoughts. A resource that continue to helps me to this day is a workbook by Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin and Richard Orbe-Austin called "Own Your Greatness: Overcome Imposter Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life".  I can't say enough how much the activities and research shared in that guide have helped me get comfortable with praise, boosting my visibility, and just like the book promises...MUCH MORE! 

Lesson 2: I realize imposter syndrome may not ever be gone but that doesn't mean it has to win. 

According to a variety of scientific and personal development resources, including this podcast on the topic featured on NPR, imposter syndrome is that internalized feeling that many people experience. It's a sense "that they're not as intelligent, as bright, as creative, as able as other people think they are. And they live in a constant fear that somebody is going to find that out."

As this article from Very Well Mind notes,
"Imposter syndrome may feel like restlessness and nervousness, and it may manifest as negative self-talk. Symptoms of anxiety and depression often accompany imposter syndrome."

Even with my deep dive into the research and ways to overcome it, imposter syndrome still shows up in me. Some days it's LOUD AND FIERCE and others it's  quiet and stealth. But I am noticing it sooner than I used to each time and I am equipped with how to stop it from being a constant success blocker in my life.​ 

Lesson 3: I know for sure imposter syndrome isn't something to battle alone. 

Although imposter syndrome is not considered a disorder or a diagnosable mental health condition at this time, it can impact our wellbeing at work dramatically. It's a clever, insidious condition that affects our state of mind and the actions or INACTION we stay stuck in.

Reading about the experiences of others who are dealing with impost syndrome can be a beneficial place to start understanding it deeper. Sharing our own stories, like I recently started to on LinkedIn, can also bring some relief and healing. Having accountability and partnering with someone else who also is working on their imposter syndrome helps greatly.

​Thankfully, when something I am trying that is suppose to kick my imposter syndrome to the curb isn't working, I have a supportive person in place who I can talk to about it. That often helps me tame the beast. And I do my best to provide the same priceless support to them and to many of the clients I serve that have realized this is an issue they want to address and make better for themselves. 

Not everyone may be able to access a  work bestie, mentor, or career coach to help them with imposter syndrome. This topic is useful to bring to a therapist, too, especially if someone is vulnerable to or has a history of experiencing other mental health challenges on top of it. 

🗣Your turn to share your voice: Has imposter syndrome been something you have experienced? Email me or reach out to me on Instagram to tell me about your thoughts on it. 

Most of all, keep growing and glowing,