How to overcome imposter syndrome in just a few steps?

If you're like most of the senior executives I've worked with, you might be feeling "lucky" to be in the position you are, as if you haven't earned it... 

Or you might feel that you're not as competent in your job as your employer thinks and constantly feel at risk of being exposed (👋 hello imposter syndrome!).

If sometimes it's true that you don't perform at your best and you notice some avoidable missteps, it's not because you're not competent enough, but specifically, beca𝘂se YOU THINK you're not competent enough.

👉𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗧: When you doubt yourself, you're putting your brain into a constant state of THREAT, activating your fight or flight response (as if your life was at risk). When you're in such a state, energy usually devoted to the prefrontal cortex (your brain logic centre) goes to your limbs (as expected in case your life is at risk and you need to run away).

Obviously, 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘅 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 without the necessary energy, resulting in your performing more poorly. And that's how your thinking that you're not good enough turns into a self-fulfilling prophecy🤷‍♀️.

If you experience those symptoms, rest assured: you are great, and yes, you deserve to be where you are. The problem's not you but something that is not working optimally in your brain. 🧠

And if the problem is in the brain, you must intervene there by 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱:

➡️ 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: recognise that imposter syndrome is a self-imposed limiting belief and you should challenge it by reframing your thoughts. Instead of thinking "I don't belong here," try "I deserve to be here and have earned my successes"⚡(DM me to learn how my neuroscience-based approach can help)

➡️ 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀: acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments. Keep a record of your successes and remind yourself when you're doubtful. Read how the LoveFolder can help here.✌️

➡️ 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀: failure is a part of life and a great learning opportunity. Instead of fearing it, embrace it and learn from it (that's what all the successful people you know do)

⤴️ Remember, imposter syndrome is a common experience which has nothing to do with reality and certainly does not define you or your abilities.

Do these simple exercises and track how you feel throughout - you'll undoubtedly notice a quick improvement.