Imposter syndrome is generally described as not feeling as if you deserve your accomplishments, that you don't belong in the same spaces as smart or skilled people, that you've just lucked out in life to accomplish what you have and you're constantly waiting for someone to figure out that you aren't as smart, skilled, experienced, or _________ (you name it.) You feel on edge just waiting for the other shoe to drop and have your life be over once people discover who you really are. Imposter syndrome can happen to anyone.

What are some things we can try to work through imposter syndrome after it sets in and how can we prevent it from happening in the first place? A few suggestions:

1. As cliché as it sounds, talk to someone about how you're feeling. Talking to a trusted friend or loved one can help get us out of our head and negative self talk and ground us more in reality. If the feeling persists you may consider talking to a therapist or coach.
2. Be aware of your own self talk and don't be afraid to challenge it. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes. Sometimes that critical inner voice goes into overdrive and we beat ourselves up or comparison, called the thief of joy for a reason, tells us we don't live up to so-and-so or what society thinks. Just because we think something doesn't make it true. If you want to have fun with it, come up with a name or persona for the negative voice in your head. And have a conversation with that persona or simply label it as "that's just Suzy (negative talk) being Suzy again." You could also try more generic labels. When the negative self talk starts taking it over, either in you head or aloud, just label it "trash," "not true," whatever works for you.
3. Remind yourself that you are good at something. Whether that's you keeping a journal and each day logging something you achieved, excelled at, or just made you feel good about yourself. Pull out the journal and read it when you feel like you aren't enough. Look at the positive feedback you've received from the people you've helped. Everyone is good at something. Let's rid ourselves of the idea that everything we do should be perfect.
4. Try a mindfulness practice like meditation or yoga. Mindfulness practices can help us stay in the present moment and learn about acceptance and self compassion. Practice observing your thoughts without being attached to or defined by them.

Additional Resources

• Clance IP Scale
• Pauline Rose Clance & Suzanne Imes: The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention
• Writing Your Way to Wellness: A List of Journals to Support Your Journey
• If you need a little inspiration to help clap back at your negative thinking 😉 - jonathan frakes telling you you're wrong for 47 seconds
• Meditation: In Depth
• Yoga: What You Need To Know
• Self Talk: Affirmations
• Exploring Meditative Practices
• ASAE: How to Get Past "Imposter Syndrome" and Recognize Your Own Success
• Know your inner saboteurs: Shirzad Chamine at TEDxStanford
• Positive Intelligence: How to Overcome Saboteurs in Coaching

Disclaimer: None of the products, services, or information provided by Jennifer Glover-Keller, LLC are to be construed as medical care. It is critical that you speak with your medical provider(s) to determine what is safe and appropriate for you before starting any type of exercise or wellness routine, including yoga.