5 Tools to Manage Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever felt as though you didn't deserve something in your life or that you are a "fraud"?

Maybe you feel that you just "blagged it" through the interview process and got a job that you shouldn't have been given. Maybe you believe that your partner hasn't seen the "real you" yet and that when they do they will leave you.

Maybe you think that you just aren't as good at your job as your colleagues and it is just a matter of time until your boss finds this out...

Imposter syndrome is something that many people experience. Someone experiencing imposter syndrome will often doubt their abilities and talents, feel as though they are a “fraud”, worry that others are better/more competent than they are and worry about getting “found out” for not being competent. Often very intelligent, successful and capable people struggle with imposter syndrome and it has nothing to do with how talented or capable someone is. Usually the only thing separating someone that has imposter syndrome from someone that doesn’t is the harsh, critical and doubtful voice in the mind of the person with imposter syndrome. This is where nurturing a kinder and more compassionate internal voice that is able to recognise and celebrate your successes and achievements can be very helpful in overcoming imposter syndrome. Here are 5 tools you can use to overcome imposter syndrome:

1. Remind yourself that nobody is perfect - we all have flaws and we all make mistakes. We tend to focus on our own flaws and other people's strengths. Can you write down a list of your strengths/ positive qualities?

2. Gather positive feedback you've received from clients/ friends/ colleagues and any qualifications/ certifications/ awards you've received. Look through these when you doubt yourself to remind yourself of your achievements.

3. Talk to yourself as a dear friend. How would you coach a loved one/ friend that was feeling about themselves how you are feeling about yourself?

4. Remember that thoughts and feelings aren't facts. Just because you have doubtful thoughts and feel bad about yourself - this doesn't mean that this represents who you are.

5. Know that the only thing that separates someone that has imposter syndrome from someone that doesn't is the doubtful and harsh voice speaking to them in their heads. Can you gently coach this voice to be kinder and more compassionate?

Often people who struggle with their relationship with food and their body also struggle with imposter syndrome. Usually the reason for this is that when someone struggles with their relationship with food, they tend to be very critical of themselves and very harsh on themselves. When this same critical and harsh voice shows up in other areas of their life e.g. in their professional life or in their relationships, this can mean that they also struggle with imposter syndrome. If you would like some help to overcome imposter syndrome and/or to rebuild your relationship with food and your body, please get in touch at info@thefoodtherapyclinic.com to book in a free consultation.

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“When you know you're ENOUGH!

When you stop focusing on all things that you're not.

When you stop fussing over perceived flaws.

When you remove all imposed and unbelievable expectations on yourself.

When you start celebrating yourself more.

When you focus on all that you are.

When you start believing that your perceived flaws are just that - perception...” - Malebo Sephodi