Peak Performers by Tiffany Uman

Harnessing imposter syndrome for success

August 28, 2023

Thank you for joining my Peak Performers newsletter! Every Monday, we cover a crucial topic along with actionable tips to position you as the top 1% in your career. Let's dive in!

Here are a few things that you may have missed last week:

Peak Performers newsletter: How to rise above toxic bosses. Read it here.

My new free LinkedIn Learning nano-course: Handling Difficult Work Situations. Watch it here.

My latest CareerTALKS Real Talk podcast episode on creating a growth mindset. Listen here.

Contrary to what you may believe, imposter syndrome is the catalyst to ascend in your career.

For many, imposter syndrome appears when self-doubt has taken over, when you begin to feel like a fraud in what you're about to take on. Your inner voice suggests that you're not cut out for this. And this very perspective will most certainly stifle your opportunity to thrive.

Embracing imposter syndrome is a fundamental prerequisite to succeed; it prevents you from playing it safe and allows you to unleash what you're truly capable of achieving.

For every major stage of growth in your career, you will more likely than not feel discomfort and unease. And, this is the very sign that you need to push yourself beyond your comfort zone to unlock a whole new level of potential within you.

In my earlier years at L'Oréal, I experienced a defining moment in which I was without an immediate boss for over 6 months. I felt anxious and disoriented. Overnight, I was suddenly expected to step up and lead the entire Lancôme marketing team. Imposter syndrome hit me in the face like a ton of bricks.

I challenged myself to view this moment as the fuel I needed to level up. In doing so, I became a go-to-expert on my team and spearheaded the brand's most important initiatives successfully. Through my actions, I demonstrated the needed leadership internal decision makers were seeking; this opportunity was the spark that allowed my next promotion to unfold in record time.

"Believe you can and you're halfway there.” ―Theodore Roosevelt

Peak performers do not choose the path of least resistance. They see imposter syndrome as a gateway to unlock who they're truly destined to be.

Here's how.

The power of a growth mindset

Your mindset will either serve as your biggest asset, or liability, in your career; imposter syndrome plays into the latter. It creates a persistent feeling of inadequacy despite clear evidence of your competence. Interestingly, this phenomenon primarily affects high-achievers, like you, as it stems from individuals who set exceptionally high standards for themselves, initiating the worry of falling short.

Here's the kicker: imposter syndrome is 100% natural to feel. The key is to harness your perspective from inadequacy towards a growth mindset.

These 3 guiding questions will help bring this out of you:

→ "Why do I feel unable to take on this next step successfully?"

This question will reframe self-doubt into self-validation, highlighting that you're more capable than you realize. Keep track of your wins and refer back to past accomplishments that led you to this stage of your career.

→ "What's one moment in my career that was initially really hard for me but where I ultimately succeeded?"

This reflection will serve as evidence that you can overcome hardship having done so in the past. List out factors that helped you push through that moment of difficulty and remind yourself that you still possess the same traits to overcome adversity again (and again).

→ "How do I envision this role ideally?"

This visualization technique will assess your level of readiness, and more specifically, push you to proactively anticipate how to set yourself up for success. Don't wait for things to happen. Rather, manifest your desired outcome by becoming the type of person you want to be in this role.

Remember, imposter syndrome is often a result of negative self-talk. Time to shift your internal dialogue towards one that motivates you to reach new heights.

3 strategies to convert imposter syndrome into your career catalyst

1/ Redefine failure

Fear of failure is, for most, the primary trigger of imposter syndrome stemming from:

Embarrassment
Disappointing others
Losing something perceived as valuable or important

Your failures are far from dead-ends; rather they are detours that you encounter during your ascent. After all, every successful summit is paved with hardship. And herein lies the importance of redefining failure to recognize:

It's a natural human emotion steeped in our need for self-preservation
It builds perseverance, tenacity and adaptability
It allows for a breakthrough to a new level of growth, underpinned by calculated risk-taking

As this perspective shift occurs, fear of failure loses the grip it holds on you. You no longer view mistakes as disappointments but rather as a feedback loop that contributes to building a growth mindset.

Here are 3 practical steps to strengthen confidence when imposter syndrome strikes from a fear of failure:

→ Set realistic goals: Break your larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. Doing so increases the probability of delivering on these objectives successfully and in turn, reduces the fear of failure. This is particularly important in a new role to secure key wins under your belt quickly.

→ Visualize your success: Use positive visualization techniques to envision your own success, however you may define it. I always like to say to myself "what's the worst that can really happen"? Remember, we often make things out to be far worse in our minds than in reality.

→ Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness to stay grounded in the present moment. Focusing on the present, and what you can control or have influence on, is far more productive than entertaining countless "what if" scenarios in your mind.

By redefining failure and the meaning you give it, you can shape a brighter future for yourself grounded in continuous learning, increased confidence and greater professional fulfilment.

2/ Rewrite your narrative

Imposter syndrome heavily influences the story we tell ourselves about our own abilities, competencies and self-worth.

"I'm not good enough."
"I'm not ready for this."
"Who do I think I am taking this on?"
"People will find me out. Stop while I can."

This type of narrative is not only counter-productive, it cripples your ability to unlock your full potential as a peak performer. How we talk to ourselves - our choice of words - makes all the difference.

Peak performers do not feed into a negative narrative. Instead, they craft a narrative that serves them best in reaching their goals.

Here's how you can do so:

→ Self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. Every outlier, inspirational leader and elite athlete has faced adversity, has failed and has disappointed. Every day that you feel sorry for yourself, question yourself and doubt yourself is one more day wasted not making yourself better.

→ Continuous learning: Choose to see every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. Demonstrating limitless curiosity and surrounding yourself with mentors, who can share practical insights and resources to excel in your role, are fundamental in overcoming imposter syndrome.

→ Authenticity: Embrace your values and protect your principles. As you conquer the symptoms of imposter syndrome, so too will your confidence grow and authenticity shine. You will become a more effective leader, collaborator, and innovator.

→ Empathy: Empathize with your colleagues who face similar challenges as you have by recognizing your own experiences of self-doubt and insecurity. Those who overcome imposter syndrome often lead thereafter with humility and compassion, creating an inclusive and supportive work environment for their teams and peers.

Turn down the inner voices of doubt and anxiety, of fear and frustration. Instead, turn up the volume on developing an inner calm by embracing practices that transform the story you tell yourself. It truly is life-changing.

3/ Embrace vulnerability

In a world that often celebrates perfection, you must find it within yourself to embrace a sense of vulnerability and use it as a tool for personal and professional growth. You see, vulnerability is deeply humanizing.

Here are 4 ways vulnerability helps combat imposter syndrome:

→ Fosters authentic connections: Showing your "raw truth" and opening yourself to others encourages them to reciprocate in the same way. This in turn fosters more meaningful relationships based on shared trust and empathy.

→ Acknowledges imperfection: Acknowledging your own vulnerabilities allows you to free yourself from the unrealistic expectation to always have to excel.

→ Encourages learning and growth: Vulnerability encourages you to ask questions, seek help and admit when you don't know something. Genuine open-mindedness cultivates a growth mindset, an admirable trait that others seek.

→ Builds resilience: Openly sharing your fears and insecurities strengthens character. Doing so serves as a reminder that setbacks are both inherently part of life but also stepping stones towards your path of peak performance.

Keep in mind that the very people you place on a pedestal - whether more experienced, senior or accomplished - are in reality no more different than you. These same people experience insecurities of their own. Unsurprisingly, as the peak performer that you are, these models may themselves already look up to you as inspiration for all that is possible.

Dare to be vulnerable. You are not alone in your journey, and your perceived flaws do not define your worth. In fact, they make you beautifully human.

How will you harness your imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome, when viewed as a driving force rather than a hindrance, can help you tap into your true potential. It compels you to seek excellence, embrace vulnerability, develop resilience, foster a love for learning, cultivate empathy and build a growth mindset.

By harnessing the energy it provides, you can indeed bring out your best self, reaching new heights of success and fulfilment.

You've got this!

This week's mission is grounded in practical and impactful steps to transform imposter syndrome into a career catalyst. Dedicate uninterrupted time to reflect and record yourself answering the questions below.

1/ What's your current definition of failure?

How would you now approach this perspective based on the strategies shared in today's newsletter?

2/ What's 1 narrative you tell yourself that lowers your self-confidence and feeds into your imposter syndrome?

Is this narrative grounded in reality (i.e. something that has happened in the past) or stemming from fear/worry of what may go wrong or where you'll fall short?
What's 1 counter-story from your past track record that proves you'll deliver successfully in this next step of your career?

3/ What's 1 area that makes you feel particularly vulnerable right now?

Who are 3 people that you can share this story with to further strengthen a connection with, and mutual understanding of one another, to contribute towards your growth goals?

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