Thanks to gains from inclusiveness, diversity, and equality in the world today, many people will find themselves in positions they could only have dreamed of. Others have been there and done that and many have felt a feeling of self-doubt and incompetence creep in along the way.  

 
I can tell you for free that impostor syndrome is more than a feeling. I know this because I battled with it. And I will have to be honest; sometimes, it still rears its ugly head. I have just learned to identify it and address head on. I have never taken or been assigned a role where I was the most qualified or most experienced. This is why I know my experience can help. With the literature I have consumed plus my experience, I can share a few tips that worked for me. 

How do you know you have got impostor syndrome? Self-doubt is a major pointer. You attribute some form of luck to when you attain success. You perceive your experience and expertise as irrelevant or not important. You downplay your accomplishments, and because you do not value your worth or work, you try to overcompensate by working harder than everyone else. If not addressed, you can even hold back on reaching attainable goals. But I have good news for you. And it is that you can overcome impostor syndrome.  

  
BULD YOURSELF UP 

Science has proven that the words you say repeatedly within can either make or break you. It can change the way you think and act. It is why you should be in the business of boosting your confidence (not to be mistaken for arrogance). You can start by compiling a list of events, tasks that shook you but turned out for the better. Take note of your accomplishments and own them! Visualize success. According to Albert Einstein, “imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” So, start visualizing what a successful you will look like, and begin living it.  

MASTER YOUR CRAFT 

A good defense you can put up when you start to feel the impostor syndrome creep in is your expertise. It boosts your confidence, but what is confidence that is not backed by competence? That is buffoonery. Open yourself up to learning new things, unlearning, and relearning. Once doubt starts to creep in, take stock of your gifts, abilities, experience and add your expertise. You will have lots of confidence boosting material to digest or fall back on. 

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS 

Be focused on what is happening now and do not be consumed with what others are doing presently. Do not relive the past or overburden yourself with what might happen in the future. Truly mindful people avoid chasing after false hopes and expectations because they have a purpose for doing what they do. Be clear on your purpose.

There are so many other things you can add to my suggestions, but these top the list for me. And if my suggestions do not work for you, kindly consider speaking to a therapist, or an experienced unbiased associate.