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Picture this: you’re on the brink of something big—landing that dream job, starting an inspired project, or stepping into a leadership role.

Suddenly, the party-crasher budges its way in the door: Imposter Syndrome.

This shady invader loves to whisper in your ear and take over your inner talk with self-doubt. The stories of being “found out” as a fraud jack up the cortisol, and we struggle to scrounge up any sense of confidence or excitement.

While we can’t always prevent this feeling from coming up, we can manage it so it doesn’t take over and create constant static and distraction in our brains or—more importantly—steal the joy and excitement over this new venture.

Imposter Syndrome: who is this party-crasher anyway?

Let’s demystify this pesky imposter. Imposter Syndrome is a real, common experience, studied by psychologists and sociologists alike. It’s that nagging feeling that you don’t deserve your success, that you’re just lucky or given things randomly. Often rooted in perfectionism, comparison, and fear of failure, it tends to rear its ugly head just when you’re about to take significant steps forward in your life.

So the good news is that you are stepping out of your comfort zone and into growth. Yay, you!  The not-so-great news is that discomfort comes with growth—so it’s not all going to be sunshine and rainbows.

Here are some real steps to take the power back and stay confident.

Step One: Unmask the Imposter

To tackle Imposter Syndrome, you need to understand the source. Are societal expectations or pressures impacting you? Did something happen in the past to make you overthink it now? Are you comparing yourself to others? Recognizing these triggers is the first step in telling that inner critic to pipe down. If you just cringed at this idea, I now remind you that acknowledging the problem doesn’t give it power—it helps you see it more clearly so you can address it directly.

Step Two: Embrace the Discomfort

Fun fact: our brains are wired to avoid risk, but most of our fears are about discomfort, not actual safety. Our brains confuse discomfort with safety, so we react the same way whether we’re speaking to an auditorium of people or running from a tiger. Feel that tight knot in your stomach before a big presentation? That’s just your brain freaking out about stepping out of your comfort zone. Leaning into this discomfort is key to growth. It’s like working out a muscle—we get stronger over time if we keep doing it consistently.

So, next time you feel that discomfort, remind yourself that you’re on the brink of something amazing.

Step Three: Build that Confidence

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a skill. Since it’s a skill, you can learn or build it. Every time you tackle a new challenge, no matter how small, you gain experience—whether it turns out the way you want or not. Celebrate your victories, learn from your mistakes, and keep pushing forward. Remember, mistakes aren’t proof that you’re an imposter; they’re evidence that you’re trying, learning, and growing.

Step Four: Practice Self-Compassion

Here’s a little secret: being mean to yourself doesn’t actually create change as fast as being compassionate with yourself.

We hesitate on this one, and self-compassion is a game-changer. It’s about being kind to yourself, acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes, and understanding that these mistakes are part of the human experience. Instead of beating yourself up for not being perfect, celebrate your effort and resilience. Self-compassion helps reduce the grip of Imposter Syndrome by accepting we are human and not a computer program.

Step Five: Seek Support

I invite you not to go it alone. Surround yourself with a supportive squad—friends, mentors, coaches, or support groups. These people can offer encouragement, accountability, and a fresh perspective. They can remind you of your strengths when you’re too busy doubting yourself. Plus, sharing your experiences can be incredibly validating; you’ll quickly realize you’re not the only one who experiences this.

You’ve Got This!

Imposter Syndrome might be a tough invader, but it’s not unbeatable. By understanding its roots, embracing discomfort, building confidence, practicing self-compassion, and seeking support, you can master this hurdle. Remember, you’re not really an imposter. You are learning. You are human. Those two things mean you are going to step into discomfort, and you are going to be dang proud of yourself when you get through it.

So, go on, take that step forward. Your inner awesome is ready to shine!

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