Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Embrace Your Unique Strengths

You Can't Imitate Yourself

As a coach, a critical step in evaluating and setting goals with clients is identifying their strengths and areas for improvement. This can be challenging for clients who aren’t accustomed to talking about assets, and perhaps don’t think they have any. Some clients feel as if they’re frauds, masquerading in their own lives.

Imposter syndrome is when an individual doubts their talent, skills, and accomplishments. Someone with imposter syndrome believes that they’ve achieved their status due to luck, not because of their own hard work and ability.

If someone is feeling like an imposter, then by definition, they’re trying to imitate someone or something. They’re attempting to emulate an ideal they’ve subconsciously internalized. For instance, an executive who believes all executives should fit a mental mold they have created may feel like a failure when they don't fit that mold.

Coaches can use questions about a client's personality to stimulate insights. If someone lacks self-esteem, they may present their personality traits negatively. However, any trait that is a thorn in their side can be a feather in their cap, depending on how it is viewed. For example, instead of being seen as wantonly impulsive, a person can be seen as an adventurous risk-taker. Even though some traits may not be traditionally associated with a profession, they can still add value.

For instance, a client who has been labeled as lazy may have come to believe they are. However, being lazy does not translate well into being an executive. Nevertheless, the person could be in a corner office, albeit feeling like an imposter. This client may not fit their internalized concept of the typical executive who wakes up at 4 am, rows 10,000 meters, drinks Athletic Greens with nails, and reads the WSJ cover to cover. However, even though they roll out of bed 20 minutes before they need to be at work, they could be the funny, personable executive who executes directives with flair.

If you feel like you don't belong, take a moment to examine your beliefs and who or what you're trying to aspire to. Then, rework your aspiration to encapsulate who you are and what you bring to the table. That is how you can conquer imposter syndrome. You cannot imitate yourself, but you can be proud of yourself and continue to improve.

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