[ad_1]

We all have those moments, don’t we? When we doubt ourselves, when we fear being exposed or feel overwhelmed.

Damn you, imposter syndrome. She can hit hard, especially for us women. It’s so common that I even included a question in my Cards for Uniqueness pack that asks, “When have you ever felt or acted like an imposter?”

I find it absolutely fascinating to hear people’s responses to that question, especially when they draw the card during our podcast interview. It doesn’t matter who they are or what their story is, they can always recall a moment when they felt it deeply.

The truth is, imposter syndrome can strike anyone at any time, regardless of our experience, status, position, or title. It can affect us professionally and socially. You know the feeling – that internal knot, that nagging voice in your head that undermines your competence, capability, and confidence. Once it starts, it can be a slippery slope.

So, we need to identify that imposter, call her out, and stop her dead in her tracks when she tries to take hold. Here are three ways to STOP imposter syndrome and be more UP Yourself:

“I won’t do it unless I can do it perfectly.”

Stop being a perfectionist princess. Perfectionism is one of imposter syndrome’s closest allies. This kind of thinking can seriously damage your self-esteem, and being UP Yourself is all about having that self-confidence. I know what you might be thinking – isn’t it important to do a good job? Of course, it is! But setting impossibly high goals and standards for yourself will only leave you feeling inadequate and like an imposter when you inevitably fall short. You’re setting yourself up for failure and allowing yourself to beat yourself up.

Tip: Stop trying to control everything, princess. When you don’t meet your ridiculously high self-imposed standards, don’t accuse yourself of not being cut out for the task. No one can be perfect and produce perfect work 100% of the time.

If you find yourself constantly thinking you could’ve done better, start owning and celebrating your achievements and embracing your mistakes as a natural part of the learning process. The truth is, there will never be a “perfect time,” and your work will never be flawless. The sooner you accept that and adopt a more UPtimistic mindset, the better off you’ll be.

“I was just lucky.”

So, you think luck is always on your side, huh? Really?

It’s time to be more UP Yourself, lady. You’ve worked hard to get where you are, right? If you keep attributing your successes and achievements to mere luck, your imposter will start feeding you nonsense about being discovered and losing your ability to succeed. Luck happens when opportunity meets preparation, and I’m wagering that you’ve put in a lot of preparation, which requires competence and persistence. Sure, luck can come into play now and then, but you must remember and acknowledge all that you’ve done to contribute to your own success. Cheers to that!

“Oh, it was nothing, really.”

Imposter syndrome sucks the life out of us when it prevents us from recognizing our own brilliance. Especially here in Australia, where the tall poppy syndrome thrives, people are so afraid of appearing conceited that they’re more inclined to put themselves down and diminish their efforts to nothing. The problem is, the imposter grows stronger every time you do this. It reinforces those negative neural pathways and her power over you. If you catch yourself constantly saying, “Oh, it was nothing. Anyone could have done it,” or “It wasn’t a big deal, really,” then you know you’re falling for the tall poppy disease. It’s time to be more UP Yourself – focus on doing your absolute best, and when someone compliments you, simply say, “Why, thank you.” Get ready for applause.

Go all in and be UP, darling.

Isn’t it high time you stopped playing small and allowing that inner imposter to win? You’ve come too far to not believe in yourself and worry about what that little voice inside your head is saying. Being more UP Yourself is a decision you need to make. Choose to back yourself because you’re absolutely worth it.

[ad_2]

Ihab Salloum