Ep. 41: 3 Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome & Use It To Your Advantage

Imposter Syndrome - it is the bane of any creative, good-hearted creatives and experts’ existence. What comes into mind when you think of imposter syndrome? How has it affected you? In this podcast episode, Heather talks about imposter syndrome and why you should not be afraid of it. She shares what imposter syndrome really is, what she personally learned about it, what is the characteristic linked to imposter syndrome and how it shows up in your life. Heather will also ask some deep and important questions linked to imposter syndrome, and how you can use each one to your advantage. Are you ready to turn the dreaded imposter syndrome from shadow to light? Then listen to the episode now!   In this Episode: 0:30 Heather gives her overview about this episode’s topic. 1:05 Why Heather loves and hates talking about Imposter syndrome, and what she has learned about it personally. 2:41 What you are going to learn from this episode about imposter syndrome and how you can use it to your advantage. 4:15 What is imposter syndrome really is? 6:07 How does imposter syndrome show up in your life? 8:00 The unexpected link that imposter syndrome is linked to. 12:12 How can you use your imposter syndrome to your advantage? 12:37 Question #1: What are you afraid you can’t do? 14:34 Question #2: What are you afraid you aren’t? 16:14 Question #3: What are the judgements you fear most from others?   What is imposter syndrome?  According to Harvard Business Review, it is defined as “a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. ‘Imposters’ suffer from chronic self-doubt and a sense of intellectual fraudulence that override any feelings of success or external proof of their competence. They seem unable to internalize their accomplishments, however successful they are in their field.    How it shows up in your life: Belief that you must not fail. Interpreting failure as an intrinsic flaw in your character and personality, instead of an exterior event that indicates you need to improve skills. Persistent feelings of feeling like a fraud or fear of being “found out” Not feeling “good enough” due to unrealistic expectations you have of yourself.   Here’s what’s interesting: High achieving, highly successful people often suffer from it, so imposter syndrome doesn’t equate with low self-esteem or a lack of self-confidence.  In fact, some researchers have linked it with perfectionism, especially in women and among academics.  How it's holding you back, how to your advantage:  What are you afraid you can't do? This is an indication of what you most desire to do. -> Reveals CLARITY  What are you afraid you aren't?  This is an indication of who you actually are at a soul level,  because what we most desire to become is what we actually are in utero. -> Reveals POTENTIAL What are the judgments you fear most from others?  -> These are the molds, the old paradigms you are here to shatter for yourself and others!  -> Reveals your AUTHENTICITY & ORIGINALITY    Soul Stirring Quotes: “People who suffer from imposter syndrome tend to be unable to internalize their accomplishments.” “Have more realistic expectations out of yourself. No one does everything perfectly.” “Perfectionism is a form of self-punishment. It’s okay to not get things right all the time.” “Focus on giving yourself permission to grow and to learn, because that is what we are all really here to do.” “What is it you’re afraid you can’t do, know that that is something you are absolutely supposed to go to, and revel in the clarity that brings you.” “You are supposed to step up and allow yourself to be judged for your strengths, and don’t give a shit about it. You are here to do you.” “Be brave enough to allow yourself to be judged in that way so that other people who want to follow in your footsteps can have a light ahead.” “We have to take in the imposter syndrome in its shadow form, give it a hug, relate to it, start working with it, and turn it into a positive force in our lives.”   Links Mentioned: The Article in Harvard Business Review:  https://hbr.org/2008/05/overcoming-imposter-syndrome#:~:text=Imposter%20syndrome%20can%20be%20defined,external%20proof%20of%20their%20competence The Atmana Intuitive Coach Collective Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/atmanaintuitivecoachcollective