5 Steps to Overcoming Your Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome, or a persistent feeling of self-doubt, has taken hold of us all at one point or another in our careers, no matter how qualified we are.

During the recent NextGen Government Training Virtual Summit, guest speaker and best-selling author, Tiana Sanchez, shared her personal experiences and offered advice on overcoming imposter syndrome to help you excel in your career.

Here are a few quick takeaways from that online session, and if you want more, you can watch the entire interview below.

Key Takeaways

1. Common Imposter Syndrome: Imposter syndrome, characterized by persistent self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud, is more common than many realize and can hinder career progression.

2. Five Dangerous Ps: Tiana Sanchez introduced the “Five Dangerous P’s” of imposter syndrome: Pleasing, Proving, Perfecting, Performing, and Pretending, each representing behaviors that exacerbate self-doubt.

3. Emphasizing Authenticity: Authenticity should be embraced over “faking it till you make it,” as pretending to be confident can lead to feelings of guilt and discomfort.

4. Reframe Negative Self-Talk: Identify and reframe negative self-talk, transforming it into positive affirmations to tackle future challenges.

5. Accepting Praise Graciously: Accepting praise graciously and acknowledging one’s achievements are important practices to combat feelings of undeservedness.

Want more professional development sessions focused on new tech, advancing your career and workplace wellness? Register now to join us at the NextGen Virtual Training Summit on Wednesday, May 21! The entire day of learning and peer networking is absolutely free, and we’ll send you recordings of all the sessions if you can’t make it the day of the event.