Imposter Syndrome
Ever had that feeling of not being good enough?
That your business achievements are based solely on luck?
You’re deceiving your colleagues and don’t deserve to be there?
You are not alone.
Recent surveys show that nearly 70% of people feel like a fraud at work.
This feeling of imposter syndrome, or “impostorism” to give it the psychological name can affect anyone, but particularly women in business.
75% of top female executives admit to feelings of imposter syndrome.
Even Michelle Obama has talked of self-doubt.
Despite evidence to the contrary, highly-regarded individuals running successful businesses can wrongly attribute their achievements to pure luck.
Those who have these feelings of being a fraud or deceiving those around them are often referred to as “suffering” from the syndrome. It being perceived as a negative influence.
But what if imposter syndrome could motivate you?
As Seth Godin, the best-selling author, entrepreneur and speaker advocates “we are all imposters”.
He believes that anyone who is “doing important work is working on something that might not work”. Turn it around he argues and see it as a motivator to get things done, will be time better spent. In running a business this can be key.
If you can see imposter syndrome from another angle – as a motivating force for experimenting with new ideas, trying out new methods, thinking outside the box – then it can be a highly-rewarding business acumen.
Imposter Syndrome – channel this new mindset and enhance it with great systems, clear plans and goals and you and your business will soon reap the rewards.
Recognising imposter syndrome for what it is and to turn it into a positive force within your business will set you apart from the rest.
As Seth Godin, says
“Time spent fretting about our status as imposters is time away from dancing with our fear, from leading and from doing work that matters”.
