Ultimate guide to beating imposter syndrome

If you are an extrovert you may be wondering what this so called imposter syndrome is. However, imposter syndrome affects roughly 8 out of every 10 people. Now the level of severity and function of each individual can drastically vary. It can appear in both professional and social situations. Regardless of severity you can use the following tips to help beat imposter syndrome and improve your personal and professional life.

1 Self talk

- Self talk is extremely important. If you are always doubting yourself or telling yourself you can't, then most likely, you won't. Numerous mental health experts and counselors alike will tell you that what you tell yourself is important. There are a few ways to improve your self talk.

• Recognize it & Change it: this one explains itself. Take a mental note when you start to doubt yourself. Then really dive into why you feel you are inadequate and if there are any actionable steps you can take to change that. Otherwise you can choose to shift your mindset, yes I am serious with this one. Most often your thoughts are your choice. Instead of dreading on the past or future, focus on the present, think of things that you are good at, love to do or just simply imagine yourself being successful. DISCLAIMER: If you're negative self talk feels uncontrollable or overwhelming, be sure to reach out to your personal physician, mental health practitioner or emergency services for assistance. There are a number of amazing services available virtually as well.

• Use affirmations/mantras: I will admit when I struggled with imposter syndrome this was one of those options I remember thinking "yeah right" about. However, once I stopped being stubborn and took a chance on trying it out I was amazed at the difference it could make. Not only can this help to defeat imposter syndrome, it can help to keep it at bay.

2 Progress over perfection

- I am sure you have heard this one a lot, but focusing on progress over perfection is great when put into practice. We live in a society of immediate gratitude. Therefore, we can't always comprehend how or why it may take time to develop some things. Staying in the present and appreciating the process will not only help to eliminate imposter syndrome, it will help you feel gratitude and happiness in your everyday life. Knowing that you are working towards a goal and appreciating all the steps along the way provides a solid foundation for success and growth.

3 Write it down

- It has always been said that writing down your goals increases the likelihood of achieving them. Seeing your goals and accomplishments on paper can go along way in helping you to achieve them. Journaling, vision boards, charts any and all of these can be effective in helping you understand and reach your goals.

4 Choose confidence

- Everyone will tell you that this one isn't easy, but it is possible. Similar to the first technique of positive self-talk. Choosing confidence, telling yourself you can are both key to beating imposter syndrome. We are all on this journey of life, taking our own path to our own version of success. Don't let anyone's opinion or fears derail you from your goals and aspirations. Choose to be confident in yourself, knowing that others thoughts are not important and that you create the life you want to lead. When negativity and self doubt creep in, shut them down and remember why you started and where you are going.

5 Fake it til you make it

- Last but not least, if the above don't seem possible for you right now. Do me a favor and give this one a shot. Just try to fake it until you make it. Even if you don't feel confidence, act confident. Nobody knows everything. Speak with conviction, act with confidence and eventually you will see that you are capable and can cope.

Overall, just remember that imposter syndrome does not own you. You are confident, you are smart, you are successful. In conjunction with the above tips we have also created a digital self development planner to help with you personal and professional growth. The planner has pages for 6 months worth of personal and professional growth planning. Broken down by month and week to help you not only plan your goals, but plan the path you will take to achieve them. Let us, help you in realizing your true power and passion. Subscribe below to receive your free planner.