Hi,
I'm Caroline Kostrion,
The founder of Corporate Escape Artist.
After 25 years climbing the corporate ladder,
I decided to launch my own business and become a career coach so I could help people like you get the most out of life at work.
And today we're going to talk about imposter syndrome,
But not about how to overcome it.
We're going to talk about how to embrace it and make it your greatest secret weapon at work.
And just so you know,
I've been there.
I've had those days,
Many of them,
At the office where I felt like I was a fraud,
Like an actor in my own life playing a part.
And pretty soon,
Someone's going to realize that I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing.
It's that little voice inside us,
Which by the way,
Usually pops up just when we're getting ready to do something amazing.
It says things to us like,
Yeah,
I've accomplished a lot in my career,
But it's just because I've been lucky.
Or I'm good,
But not as good as my colleagues.
Or how about this one?
I've been getting a lot of positive feedback,
But it's just because my boss likes me.
Here's one I hear a lot.
I'm good at a lot of different things,
But I'm not an expert at any one thing.
Or simply,
I just don't deserve this success.
Do any of those sound familiar?
All too often,
We don't give ourselves the credit we deserve.
Studies estimate that at least 70% of the US population has experienced imposter syndrome at one time or another.
And not just the general population.
Even people who are rich and famous experience imposter syndrome.
Some noteworthy high achievers who have actually admitted to struggling with imposter syndrome include Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and business executive Sheryl Sandberg.
So the sooner you make friends with your imposter,
The sooner you can transform it into your most powerful secret weapon.
Here goes.
The first step in embracing imposter syndrome is to understand the value that you bring to the table.
Once you know your worth,
You can present yourself to the world as confident and authentic.
By focusing on what makes you unique,
You will be memorable,
Which will separate you from the crowd and help you stand out.
Authenticity also helps us build trust and deeper connections with others.
A key trait for successful leaders.
Remember,
There is only one you.
The second thing to understand is that excitement and anxiety often feel the same physically.
You know that queasy feeling you get before a big presentation,
Sweaty palms,
Dry mouth and racing heart?
Try to use that energy to your benefit.
Convert that fear into excitement.
Start by telling yourself you're excited,
Not nervous.
Studies show that by relabeling stressful situations as challenging as opposed to terrifying reduces the hormones that activate the part of your brain responsible for fear.
And thirdly,
You need to understand that feeling like an imposter is a positive sign because usually it means you're being challenged.
It's only when we step outside our comfort zone that we can make real breakthroughs.
People who often seek out new experiences tend to be more emotionally resilient and creative than those who stay stuck doing everyday tasks.
Stepping outside your comfort zone has very specific benefits including increased productivity,
Growth,
Creativity and adaptability.
As the saying goes,
The comfort zone is a beautiful place to be but nothing ever grows there.
One of my favorite quotes,
And as you get to know me you'll realize that I love sharing inspiring quotes,
Is from Nobel Laureate Maya Angelou who once said,
I've written 11 books but each time I think,
Uh oh,
They're going to find out now.
I've run a game on everybody and they're going to find me out.
None of us are immune to those nagging doubts caused by imposter syndrome.
The key is to embrace it and turn it into positive energy.
Don't let your doubts and fears interfere with your ability to live the life you were destined for.
By replacing fear of the unknown with curiosity,
You'll turn your imposter into your greatest secret weapon.
