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How To Beat Imposter Syndrome According To Experts

An inability to accept our own accomplishments and capabilities is a phenomenon felt right across the world, particularly by women in the workplace – Imposter syndrome. But how to beat it?

We all know the feeling.

You’re sitting in a job interview, pitching for a promotion, or asking for a pay rise, and suddenly you feel like you don’t deserve it. Your heartbeat quickens as you go into ‘fight or flight’, plagued by self-doubt.

It’s called ‘imposter syndrome’. This phrase was coined in the ‘70s, but it’s just as relevant today.

An inability to accept our own accomplishments and capabilities is a phenomenon felt right across the world, particularly by women in the workplace.

One of the most common symptoms is feeling anxious when given a task at work, then compensating by obsessively over-preparing. Or sitting in a high level meeting and wondering why they invited you, only to feel relieved that you weren’t ‘found out’ once it was over. Keeping up the facade of success, you continue to work harder and harder, falling into an unhealthy, vicious cycle of inadequacy. Here are 12 Signs You Might Have Imposter Syndrome.

We spoke to the founders of Outspoken Women to find out how you can beat imposter syndrome once and for all – and take your career to the next level.

1. Fake it ’til you make it
Dig deep and work out what you need to overcome imposter syndrome, then look at ways to work on it. Where do you start? Begin by making a list of all your strengths, achievements and what you’re good at. Then make a list of areas you’d like to improve on, and research how to do that.

2. Find a cheer squad
Surround yourself with positive women, and join networking groups to meet others who will back you. If you’re not a big networker, look for a colleague or friend who can join you.

3. Learn to speak up
Find the tips and tricks you need to overcome your nerves and discover self-belief. You deserve to be heard! It can be hard to uncover that inner voice but – once you do – take every opportunity to use it.

4. Get out your roadmap
Where is it you want to go? We all have a destination in mind, so map the path with a step-by-step strategy. Once you know where you want to be it becomes easier to believe you can get there.

5. Celebrate the wins
Define what success looks and feels like to you and celebrate your achievements – no matter how big or small. Take a moment to remember that you got there through your own wins. This is how you slowly break down imposter syndrome.

You can implement these 5 simple steps almost immediately by joining the next Outspoken Women masterclass. You’ll take away the tools, strategies and confidence you need to stop feeling like a fraud and start kicking career goals. Not to mention you’ll connect with amazing like-minded women!

The next workshop in Adelaide will be held on Monday, 4 June 2018. For more information head here.

PS: Outspoken Women encourage you to speak to your employer about subsidising the workshop. You can even download a FREE email template to help you make your case when approaching them.

Follow Outspoken Women on Facebook and Instagram.

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