If you think imposter syndrome is just a contrived excuse for poor performance, think again.
When you struggle to manage your time effectively, then you can benefit from giving imposter syndrome a closer look.
In fact, imposter syndrome is a prevalent challenge among high-achievers everywhere, from actors, to scientists, authors and entrepreneurs, who self-report imposter syndrome at a staggering 84%. Perhaps entrepreneurs feel it so prevalently because they need to navigate the complexities of building their ventures.
Regardless of why it occurs, imposter syndrome is not merely a manifestation of self-doubt, which is natural when embarking on new endeavors. We outgrow self-doubt through experience, and it needn't be debilitating.
By stark contrast, imposter syndrome is the overwhelming certainty that we are undeserving of the credibility and success we've worked hard to achieve.
We do all the things, and no experience seems to be enough to grow our confidence in our ability.
That is the root of importer syndrome: the persistent feeling of being a fraud, despite evidence to the contrary.
Here are the most common ways imposter syndrome destroys our productivity, and practical strategies for reclaiming confidence and control over our time.
Procrastination:
Imposter syndrome often leads us to procrastinate on essential tasks. The fear of being exposed as a fraud can paralyze individuals, causing them to delay critical actions.
Example: You are launching a new product or program, and you hesitate to promote it or reach out to potential clients, fearing rejection or criticism. This procrastination not only hinders progress but also adds unnecessary stress and pressure, leading to burnout and diminished productivity.
Overwork:
In an attempt to compensate for perceived inadequacies, you will find yourself grappling with imposter syndrome, overworking to the point of exhaustion, since enough is never enough. You find yourself believing that your value can be bolstered in constant busyness and productivity. The idea: "If I do more, then I will prove to myself and everyone else that I deserve my position," is driving this unsustainable level of effort.
Example: You are a new business owner, feeling under-resourced and underfunded, and so you rack up excessive work hours, sacrificing personal time and well-being to prove their worth. However, this unsustainable approach often leads to burnout and diminishing returns, hindering long-term success.
Misaligned Priorities:
When you are struggling with imposter syndrome you may prioritize activities that provide immediate validation rather than those crucial for long-term success. They may seek external validation and approval, neglecting strategic planning and high-impact activities.
Example: Perhaps you spend excessive time attending networking events or engaging in social media, seeking validation from peers or industry influencers. However, this often comes at the expense of critical tasks essential for business growth, such as product development or client acquisition.
Lack of Boundaries:
Imposter syndrome often leads us to overcommit ourselves, saying yes to every opportunity or request out of a desire to prove our worth. We may struggle to set and enforce boundaries, fearing that saying no will reveal our internally perceived incompetence.
Example: If you are hesitant to turn down potential clients or opportunities you may rapidly find yourself juggling multiple projects simultaneously, leading to overwhelm and exhaustion. Without clear boundaries, your time and energy become fragmented, hindering your ability to focus on essential tasks and priorities.
Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome:
Cultivate Self-Awareness:
Recognize the signs and triggers of imposter syndrome, such as negative self-talk or perfectionism. Practice mindfulness and self-reflection to identify thought patterns and beliefs contributing to feelings of inadequacy.
Example: You acknowledge when imposter syndrome surfaces (just look for the feeling of feeling like a fraud, not enough, or deeply inadequate), perhaps triggered by receiving critical feedback or comparing themselves to more established competitors. By pausing to observe your thoughts and emotions instead of brushing them away, you can challenge negative self-perceptions and reframe them in a more empowering light.
Set Realistic Goals:
Big, bold goals are great, and inspiring. By all means, set them! But don't stop there. Break down ambitious projects into smaller, actionable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed or paralyzed by the enormity of the task. Set realistic deadlines and milestones to track progress and celebrate achievements along the way.
Example: Rather than aiming to launch a groundbreaking program or project overnight, set incremental goals, such as defining your core audience, developing an outline, or securing initial beta sales. Each milestone brings you closer to their overarching objective while instilling a sense of accomplishment and momentum.
Practice Self-Compassion:
Self-compassion is the direct opposite of imposter syndrome. Few of us think that it can improve our time management and productivity. But you will be amazed. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, recognizing that everyone experiences setbacks and challenges on their journey to success. Cultivate a supportive inner dialogue and learn to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Example: Instead of berating themselves for perceived mistakes or shortcomings, adopt a compassionate mindset, acknowledging their efforts and progress. SO rather than, "I can't believe I sent that out with such a huge typo! Now everyone will think I am an idiot!" try "WOW. That's a pretty big typo. How can I admit my mistake and help others see their mistakes aren't fatal either? What can I do differently to avoid this in the future?" When you recognize that setbacks are inevitable and view them as valuable learning experiences rather than reflections of their worth you are disarming your imposter.
Seek Support:
Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, or professionals who can offer guidance, encouragement, and perspective. Seek out communities or forums where you can share experiences, exchange ideas, and receive feedback in a safe and nurturing environment.
Example: Join a mastermind group or networking community comprised of like-minded individuals facing similar challenges. Through regular meetings, brainstorming sessions, and accountability partnerships, you will inevitably gain valuable insights, support, and encouragement to thrive, recognizing you are not only not alone, you are right where you need to be.
Imposter syndrome poses significant challenges to so many of us, especially in the area of managing our time. It impacts our time management, productivity, and overall well-being. By recognizing the nuanced ways in which imposter syndrome manifests in our professional lives, and then implementing targeted strategies to overcome its debilitating effects, all of us can reclaim control of our time, so we can focus on activities that drive meaningful success.