I felt afraid.
What if my analysis is wrong? What if there is something I missed? What if they ask a question and I don't know the answer...
Then...she asked me a question, took me off track. I froze.
I was afraid of being wrong. I was intimidated because I was surrounded by people who had been in the industry much longer. I thought to myself, "how do I even know if I'm giving them anything valuable?"
At the end of the presentation, my client asked me for additional analysis. Surprisingly, my boss trusted me enough to lead the conversation solo. I guess that means I did a great job, I thought to myself.
I wasn't an impostor after all. At that moment, I realized that I am a brilliant woman afraid to own my brilliance in front of a group. I had challenged myself to overcome the "impostor syndrome" and I totally succeeded in the opportunity that was given.
You see, impostor syndrome is reserved for those smart enough, persistent enough, and diligent enough to do something they've never done before.. and succeed. But, if we let it take over our lives we are only settling for mediocrity.
So how do you overcome the impostor syndrome?
ACCEPT THE FACT that you WILL NEVER have the answer to everything.
We get caught up in the idea that we have to be an expert in a field that we pressure ourselves to always have the answer. So, when we can't explain something we start feeling like a fraud. I encourage you to be honest with others and let them know when you're unsure. Your audience will appreciate this gesture a lot more.
REMEMBER... no one really knows what they are doing.
When people ask me the formula to succeed I tell them I don't have one. I also tell them to let me know when they find out. I do however encourage them to take risks. So, consider yourself brave for trying something new. The reality is that no one really knows what they are doing even if they like to pretend they do. So, your willingness to take a risk will motivate someone regardless of the outcome.
DO NOT equate your success to luck.
Remind yourself that you worked hard to achieve your success in life regardless of how small it may seem. Maybe you made the right connections at a networking event or happened to be at the right place at the right time. Regardless of the situation, you made a choice. You decided to speak to the CEO at the corporate dinner. You decided to attend the brunch where you met your future business investor. So, regardless of how it may seem, luck doesn't just exist you create it.
It's very easy to feel like a fraud as you climb the ladder towards success. But, remember that you worked hard for it, you're not perfect, and you really do know a lot more then you think.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cyrene is a fun and accomplished workshop facilitator, learning and development guru and Human Resources professional. Being at the helm of Thrive Lounge has been a long-time dream. Through vision board workshops she plans to accomplish two-way learning. Sharing her vast years of knowledge to motivate and encourage others; while simultaneously getting the reward of great energy, ideas and questions to ponder back from each group. A super win-win. Please join our Thrive Lounge community so you too can benefit!
