At royall we have the pleasure of working directly to advise and consult with many C-Suite Leaders on their hiring needs and expansion plans. Most of our clients are on leadership teams and Board and you'd be surprised to hear that 80% of CEOs reportedly feel out of their depth.
If you ever find yourself looking around your office, wondering if you're just one wrong move away from being exposed as a complete fraud, you're not alone. 62% of people have experienced what is known as "Imposter Syndrome" in the last year. You’re not going mad, it's just your mind playing tricks on you.
Imposter Syndrome, or the feeling that you're not as competent as others perceive you to be, is a widespread phenomenon. Even the most accomplished individuals, from actors to astronauts, have felt like they're one step away from disaster. So, why does this plague us, and more importantly, how can we combat it?
Imposter Syndrome often starts with a nagging anxiety that makes us feel we’re not good enough. A voice in your head constantly pointing out your flaws.
It’s not helped by the fact we live in a world of social media and highlight reels, where everyone seems to be achieving. It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. But whether personally or professionally, you're really judging your behind-the-scenes with their highlight reel.
We also tend to play down our own accomplishments, and two-thirds of Brits say they have difficulty accepting compliments or praise.
But what can you do?
Talk about it with a trusted friend, family member, or even a therapist. They can provide you with the perspective you might be missing.
Keep reminding yourself of your accomplishments, big or small. It can be a powerful way to counteract feelings of inadequacy.
Silence your inner critic! When your inner critic pipes up, counteract it with positive affirmations. You are not an imposter; you are capable and deserving of your success.
Embrace Failure. Instead of fearing failure, see it as an opportunity for growth. Many great inventions and successes have been born from the ashes of initial failures. Give yourself permission to fail every day.
It's great to have ambitious goals, but make sure they are attainable. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way.
Imposter Syndrome is an unwelcome guest in many of our minds, but with the right strategies, you can show it the door. Remember that you're not alone in your feelings of self-doubt, and success isn't determined by the absence of these feelings but by your ability to overcome them.
So, next time you're sitting at your desk, wondering if you deserve to be there, remind yourself of your own unique powers and abilities. Embrace your quirks, acknowledge your successes, and silence that nagging inner critic. You've got this! And we’ve got YOU!
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