Imposter syndrome can be defined as a behavioral health condition that induces self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals. It is a feeling of anxiety and not experiencing success internally, despite being high-performing. This condition often results in people feeling like, dare I say…an imposter…. doubting their abilities. But is imposter syndrome as bad as it is made out to be? No, it’s not. Possibly. Let’s explore why.
Imposters downplay their accomplishments. But doesn’t that mean they have something to brag about in the first place? Keeping a log of your wins helps to remind yourself how well you are doing in your career. Use it as a reality check whenever you get the “fraud" or “phony" feeling.
Imposters say "no" a lot. Is the “no” due to a lack of knowledge, an inability, or is it because you're trying to stay on task and have a firm grasp on the projects that will grow you? Remember: Saying "no" leaves space and energy to say "yes" when it matters.
Imposters set themselves too high a goal. Or do they? If you are setting ambitious goals, it means you are refusing to limit yourself. If you are struggling, it means you’re trying to achieve something better – greater than where you are now. You are motivated to achieve more in this career and that's worth protecting.
Now, let's not downplay imposter syndrome. It feels like crap! Every time you are asked to step up, you get the worst type of stage fright. You constantly feel like you are in over your head, drowning almost. And despite obvious success, you are not able to accept that you are worthy of the achievement. No one is immune from imposter syndrome. Even the late great Maya Angelou once said in an interview, "I have written eleven 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!'" Take heed to the data above and use these tools to help you understand how to work through imposter syndrome and not fear it. Make imposter syndrome your motivation, not your discouragement.
The Transform Tuesdays newsletter was created to help professionals in corporate positions navigate the world of corporate America by overcoming the hurdles hindering them from growing to the next level in their careers, including knowing their value, using their voice, and being authentic to themselves.
Sherrika Sanders has been an accountant by trade for over 15 years. During her years as a corporate accountant, Sherrika progressed through various roles from Revenue Accountant to Corporate Controller. She worked to develop consolidated business processes, post-acquisition financial integration, and Fresh Start Accounting upon emergence from Chapter 11 within seven months of initial filing during her time as an Assistant Controller. Sherrika resigned from her role as Corporate Controller to take a leap of faith and start her own company, Transform the GAAP (Goals Assigned Achieving Purpose), where she specializes in helping employees on the accounting teams of Private and PE-backed organizations increase their productivity by identifying errors and inefficiencies in their current processes to meet organizational deadlines and professional goals. If you are seeking one-on-one or group coaching sessions, click on the following link for a complimentary consultation to learn how you can work with Sherrika to Transform the GAAP together. Sherrika believes in a judgment-free zone where all are contributors working towards a common goal. Visit https://www.transformthegaap.com/ to learn more.
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