Feeling Like … uncompetent?? You’re Not Alone.
Imposter syndrome is that quiet voice in your head that tells you you’re not enough, even when you’ve done so much. It makes you question whether you really belong where you are or if you’ve just gotten lucky. Sound familiar? I get it. We’ve all been there. But here’s the thing: you’re not powerless. In fact, the key to overcoming imposter syndrome is already within you.
The Weight of Self-Doubt
When that sinking feeling hits, it can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve found yourself thinking, “What’s wrong with me?” or “How did I get here?” It’s exhausting, and it chips away at your confidence bit by bit. But I want you to pause for a second and consider something: What if, instead of asking what’s wrong, you started asking, “What have I already accomplished?”
Imposter syndrome thrives on doubt, but one of the best ways to break free from its grip is to remind yourself of the value you bring—and you bring a lot. Let’s walk through how you can tap into that value and, in the process, leave imposter syndrome in the dust.
Your Guide to Beating Imposter Syndrome for Good
One of the most powerful methods I’ve learned comes from my mentor, Daniel Porot, who taught me about the seven families of value creation. This technique isn’t just for career reviews; it’s a lifeline when imposter syndrome strikes. Let’s break it down together and look at the different ways you’ve contributed to your work and life. Because trust me, you’ve done more than you think.
The Seven Keys to Unlocking Your Confidence
Here’s where it gets practical—and where you get to see just how much you’ve really accomplished. These seven prompts will help you reflect on the value you’ve created. And yes, there’s plenty.
- Increase
- Example: Maybe you led a team that increased productivity by 15%. You didn’t just push papers—you helped people work better together and achieve more. That’s no small thing.
- Think about it: Where have you boosted performance, improved outcomes, or expanded opportunities? You’ve made things better—so own that.
- Reduce
- Example: Remember that time you streamlined processes and cut unnecessary costs, saving your company 20% in expenses? Or maybe you found a way to reduce stress for your team by improving communication.
- Ask yourself: Where have you made things more efficient or less overwhelming? You’ve simplified, cut back, and made life easier for others.
- Suppress
- Example: Conflict in the workplace? You stepped in, created a conflict resolution process, and suddenly things weren’t so chaotic. People got along better, and productivity went up.
- Reflect on: Where have you helped control or manage situations that could have gotten out of hand? You didn’t just suppress problems—you enabled progress.
- Create
- Example: Think back to when you started something from scratch—whether it was a new product, a fresh initiative, or even a new way of thinking in your company. Maybe it was a mentorship program or a new strategy that’s still being used today.
- Think of: What have you brought into existence that wasn’t there before? You’re a creator, a builder, someone who makes things happen.
- Sustain
- Example: Over time, you’ve been the one to keep things running smoothly. Maybe you’ve maintained a high level of customer satisfaction, or you’ve been the glue holding a team together through thick and thin.
- Consider: Where have you ensured consistency or long-term success? You’ve been a pillar of stability, and that’s invaluable.
- Eradicate
- Example: You identified a major bottleneck in a process and completely removed it, allowing your team to work faster and more effectively. Problems that used to slow things down? Gone, thanks to you.
- Ask yourself: What roadblocks or inefficiencies have you wiped out? You’re not just solving problems—you’re erasing them.
- Invent
- Example: Maybe you came up with a groundbreaking idea that changed the game. A new product, a process improvement, or even a creative solution that got recognized and rewarded.
- Think of: What original ideas have you contributed? You’re an innovator, someone who brings new energy and fresh perspectives to the table.
Bring It All Together: Where Have You Created Value?
Now that you’ve looked at these seven areas, it’s time to think about where you’ve applied them in your life. Maybe it’s in your job, maybe it’s in your relationships, or maybe it’s in your personal growth. Whatever the case, you’ve added value—more than you might have realized.
Here are a seven areas to consider:
- Safety: Have you helped create a safer environment, whether physically, emotionally, or psychologically? Think about the times you’ve made people feel secure, supported, and confident.
- Affection: Where have you built strong, positive connections with others? You might have nurtured relationships or helped foster a sense of belonging within a team or community.
- Quality: How have you improved quality—of work, of products, or even of life for others? You’ve raised the bar.
- Efficiency: What processes have you streamlined, making things quicker or easier for those around you? You’ve made things flow smoothly.
- Boundaries: Have you set or protected boundaries, ensuring that people’s limits are respected and upheld? You’ve helped maintain balance and integrity.
- Sustainability: How have you contributed to long-term success? Whether it’s through preserving resources or ensuring the ongoing health of a project or relationship, your actions have had lasting impact.
- Connection: Where have you built bridges? Think of the ways you’ve connected people, ideas, or communities. You’ve created links that matter.
Whenever You Feel That Doubt, Come Back to This
Each time you feel that creeping doubt—that imposter syndrome whispering in your ear—come back to this list. Remind yourself of all the value you’ve created and the impact you’ve had. Reflecting on your achievements isn’t about inflating your ego; it’s about grounding yourself in your truth.
You’ve done so much. Don’t let imposter syndrome steal that from you. You have the power to own your achievements and step into the confidence you deserve.
