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Ever since leaving my corporate job, I’ve suffered an identity crisis and feelings of imposter syndrome in what I do daily. We define ourselves heavily with the work we do, so it’s only natural I felt this after not being able to define myself as an employed accountant.
I didn’t admit it at the time, but I was feeling overwhelmed, not challenged, and most of all I think I was burnt out.
Since then, I’ve tried on my hats, learned new skills, through writing, blogging, digital marketing, and even spending time perfecting cakes and macarons! I have loved this time, and I am thankful for the privilege of being able to take some time off to discover what I enjoy doing. But since I didn’t formally study any of this I feel like an imposter most days.
I felt like a failure of an accountant when all my friends were buried in work during their “busy season” (a cherished time in the winter of long working hours, finalizing audit or tax working papers, often lasting from January to March).
And I’ve also had a difficult time describing myself as a writer, baker, content creator, even though that’s where I spend the majority of my time! I typically still introduce myself as an accountant. So I decided to look into why?
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a feeling of self-doubt, where an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud”.
It is a feeling of not being good enough. A feeling that you’re underqualified for the job, or unaccomplished enough to receive an accolade.
Signs of imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome shows up differently for people. It might even be different depending on the specific circumstances you’re coping with. Here are some signs that imposter syndrome might be manifesting itself in your life.
I’m not good enough – YET
You might think that once you make a certain level of income in your business, or have a certain number of clients, only then will you be able to claim that title.
This needs to be perfect
Often, imposter syndrome goes hand in hand with the need for perfectionism, because we feel that we might be found out for our fraudulent selves if we don’t get this done in a perfect manner!
It wasn’t me, it was luck
You might find yourself crediting, the sun and moon, before your hard work, for your accomplishments.
How to overcome imposter syndrome
Since this is not the first time, I’ve had to deal with imposter syndrome, I have come to accept that it will likely not be the last.
These feelings will probably manifest themselves at different stages of my life.
Fake it till you become it
This is Amy Cuddy’s advice. She advocates for the power pose, and it’s usefulness in feeling more confident, especially before big moments such as public speaking, or interviews! You can learn more in her Ted Talk or from her book Presence!
Celebrate Small Wins
One section I’ve added to my weekly bullet journal spread is called weekly wins! This is a section where I force myself, on a weekly basis to think about and document the things that I’ve accomplished that week. This way I can flip back and see that I have come a long way in my projects and that I shouldn’t be so critical of myself!
Another way to celebrate small wins is to save screenshots of text messages, or emails when co-workers, bosses or clients, applaud you for the work you’ve done. When your imposter syndrome starts to show, read these back to yourself and remind yourself of these moments of pride.
Stop Seeking Perfection
Remember that just because you give yourself a title, doesn’t mean you’re the ultimate experts in all its fields. It means you know a good amount, but it doesn’t mean that you have to know everything that comes with it! You just have to be willing to learn how to solve the problem.
Even as an accountant, I worked in the corporate world, in real estate. I knew very little in the way of taxes, or how to perform an audit or even bookkeeping.
Accept that it is okay to not know everything, as long as you have a curious mindset, and are willing to search for a solution.
Reframe your thoughts
There is power in what you say to yourself. Reframe your thoughts to find your inner confident self. You know she’s in there!
Write down the feeling and discover when and why you feel imposter syndrome, so you can work through the feelings of inadequacy when they show up the next time.
Find comfort in company
Many people feel like they are imposters. Speak to your co-workers or friends, and openly share these feelings, if you feel comfortable.
One of the easiest ways to feel like you’re not alone is to read! There are several books that talk about this phenomenon, and how to overcome it.
Here are the books that are currently on my reading list on this topic:
- The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women by Valerie Young
- Banish Your Inner Critic: Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt to Unleash Your Creativity and Do Your Best Work by Denise Jacobs
- Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy
The Big Picture
You are not alone in feeling imposter syndrome! We’re driven by being results-oriented and defined heavily by what we have accomplished.
It is something that might even show up again.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to be aware of it, and how you can overcome it when it happens again.
Just remember, don’t let it stop you from achieving your dream!
Cheers
