Confidence and Imposter Syndrome
Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough? That you’re not as good as other people and are going to be ‘found out’ at any moment?
Imposter Syndrome is where you feel consumed with self-doubt and have a deep sense of insecurity. Telltale signs include anxiety, self-criticism, overworking, perfectionism, fear of failure, avoidance and procrastination. It’s the persistent inability to believe that your success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of your efforts. It is common in the workplace – around 70% of workers will experience it at some point in their careers and it is believed to affect women more than men. A recent survey by KPMG found that 75% of female executives have experienced it. Some of the key characteristics of Imposter Syndrome include:
- Fear that you won’t live up to expectations
- Perfectionism
- Inability to realistically assess your competence and skills
- Berating your performance
- Attributing your success to external factors
- Being an overachiever
- Self-doubt
- Setting very challenging goals and feeling disappointed when you fall short
- Self-sabotaging
The Positive Psychology solution to Imposter Syndrome draws on a range of evidence-based practices to build confidence, strengthen resilience and cement a positive sense of self.
Miriam interviewed Dr Jessamy Hibberd, author of The Imposter Cure, at the Bath Festival. It turns out that Jessamy had been to see Miriam speak before writing The Imposter Cure!
Contact Miriam to find out more and book a free chemistry call.
