You have an exciting opportunity but can’t quite believe you have it based on your talents, abilities or accomplishments. Maybe it’s luck (or a mistake) because you know you’re not the best person for this opportunity and for some reason they’ve given it to you?!

Your negative self-talk is telling you it is only a matter of time until everyone finds out you’re not as good as they think you are. You are not as competent or qualified as you are outwardly showing… you are in fact a fraud.

If this sounds familiar, this could be imposter syndrome, and you are not alone in feeling this way.

In fact, 75% of female executives that are renowned for success in their fields report experiencing imposter syndrome (Forbes, 2022).  It is widely discussed how this syndrome could be holding us back or limiting our professional growth, but what if imposter syndrome was actually a professional superpower?

Here are some of the benefits and competitive advantages you could be experiencing because if it:

Increased self-awareness.

Heightened self-awareness allows you to make better decisions, rather than rash ones. Healthy doses of self-doubt can even be positive – attributing to staying humble, honest and open to new ideas.

You learn to develop mental flexibility.

When you question yourself, you can become attuned to your strengths and weaknesses. You open up your mind to being more curious and flexible in looking for new information and alternative solutions.

You are constantly striving to push yourself to improve.

If you feel like you’re an imposter, that means you are in unknown territory where you are reaching to be better and grow –  that’s something to be proud of!

Empathy.

People that feel like frauds tend to be more ‘other-orientated’ and attuned to other people’s thoughts and perceptions –  which makes them more likeable.

Confident humility.

This is when a leader has confidence in their ability and what they know, whilst acknowledging where they will need more information or support to do it right. A powerful leadership quality to possess.

Which one of these do you recognise as a positive byproduct of your imposter syndrome?

“Remind yourself that you’re not an imposter if you don’t get everything right the first time and that you won’t always see improvements week after week. Challenges aren’t a sign that you’re not up to the task, they are a part of doing anything that’s worth doing and just one step along the way to success.” – Dr Jessamy Hibberd

So next time your imposter syndrome and negative self-talk kicks in – reframe it and consider how this is going to make you work harder, achieve more, develop and grow!

Vicky Harrison, is a qualified and accredited coach and NLP practitioner. She qualified and set up her business with two children under two years old and believes mindset, balance and practical strategies are all key components to thrive as a busy, ambitious mum. You can get in touch with Vicky at https://www.careeringintomotherhood.com/coach/vicky-harrison/  

March 2, 2023