The Honest Truth About Imposter Syndrome

Confident or Unfamiliar?

Are you a fraud or have imposter syndrome? What will happen if they find out the truth? Do you feel like you just aren’t good enough?

These are often things people secretly tell themselves, thoughts that ruminate in our heads and render us impotent to take action. We are also being fed information that this syndrome is rampant in the world of STEMM, and we are almost ‘an outsider’ if we do not have it!

People are afraid they will not meet the expectations of others, not live up to what they thought they needed to, or fearful that they will not deliver what is apparently expected.

Do we really want to take on all the implications of this negative language, Do we want to give power to this disabling mechanism of insidious self-doubt or do we want to STOP it in its tracks?

When we label others or ourselves with these words, we are focussing on the negative aspects of our skills and abilities. We are downplaying our capabilities, achievements, strengths and accomplishments. We are comparing ourselves needlessly to others. We are engaging in thoughts of what could go wrong and what we do not have. We are telling ourselves we are not good enough, and that we do not deserve the good stuff. This label feeds the toxic factors of self-doubt that stop us from performing; it feeds the negative thoughts and feelings that increase fear and ultimately paralyses us from taking positive action.

The difference between those who believe they are an imposter and those who do not, is the way they think.

Shifting from this label

1) Engage in positive self-talk (thoughts). If you want to stop feeling like an imposter, then you have to stop thinking like an imposter! When you change the thoughts, you change the feelings. Say to yourself ‘I am confident’, ‘I can do this’, ‘I deserve to be heard’, ‘This, is my moment to shine’.

2) Recognise the moment when you are feeling a bit uncertain, anxious, or scared of doing something new. Maybe you are shifting into a role you have not done before, presenting your work at a conference or have an innovative idea during a meeting. These feeling are natural, realistic and an opportunity to use the edginess of your anxiety and perform at your BEST.

3) Choose to be courageous and find out who YOU really are. Become aware of the amazing strengths, skills, attributes, values, attitudes and beliefs that you have. Learn how to develop a healthy authentic mindset of creativity and curiosity. Our confidence is boosted when we know who we really are and where our strengths lie.

Trusted by

I really enjoyed the course both the online component and the 3-day face-to-face workshop.

“The workshop was just a lot more interactive and there were some good practical exercises that I enjoyed. For example I took away lots of tips on exercises including stillness and active mindfulness – that will help me to implement breaks in my very busy life. I think that’s really important according to what I have been taught to prepare myself for that peak performance state. I thought it only applied to sports but in fact for myself to really think clearly and present the version of myself to the team. I really need to be in that state.”

Dr. Jun Yang, MBBS FRACP PhD

Research Scientist, Monash Health & Hudson Institute of Medical Research

Thanks for training me to become a confident speaker.

“It has been one of the most valuable knowledge and skills gained through my PhD candidature. I enjoy applying the concepts learned, such as mindfulness practices into academic presentations or all aspects of my life.”

Dr Win Wah PhD

Research Fellow, Monash University

The importance of being in action, not letting resistance and hesitations get in the way.

“It’s given me a lot of tools and information that I can research more and new ways to think and how I can put things into action. Knowing that I have the ability, the resources, and the inner wisdom to do these things with courage, is great. The importance of being in action, not letting resistance and hesitations get in the way, trusting my own gut and my wisdom, the importance of affirmation has been really reinforced for me. Authentic Leadership is not about being a leader as the official title but leading your own life.”

Jen Haddon

Occupational Therapist, MidCentral Health