As with so many of our less-than-helpful thinking habits, the most important thing is to recognise these imposter-thoughts when you experience them, and call them out for what they are – mirages. The mere act of naming them can dilute their potency and enable you to talk yourself down from them.
You may not be able to banish them altogether, but they certainly don’t need to dominate your life. In the words of expert Valerie Young: ‘You can still have an imposter moment, but not an imposter life.’
According to psychologist Audrey Ervin, imposter syndrome can affect anyone ‘who isn’t able to internalize and own their successes’. So try to accept that your success and achievements may genuinely be down to you! Yes, there might have been a smidgen of luck involved. Or you might have had some help from other people. But don’t overlook the possibility that it could also be due to your own hard work, perseverance, intelligence and talent. Or that you are bringing something to the table that no one else can.
Give yourself due credit when things do go well, and remember that success isn’t something that’s just reserved for other people. Oh, and see how it feels to lean into compliments when they arise, and to believe them.
I’ve lost count of the number of creative projects and ideas I’ve abandoned thanks to perfectionism’s insidious voice (‘that’s never going to work!’ / ‘but what will people think?!’ / ‘you couldn’t do that’). Perfectionism sets the bar so high that however hard you try you’re likely to end up feeling an imposter – not clever / smart / competent enough (fill in your own adjective) ever to be truly successful or to deserve your standing in the world’s eyes.
I’m gradually learning that the trick is not to focus on doing things perfectly, but just on doing them. It’s the action that counts, the having-a-go and being OK with a result that won’t be ‘perfect’. (But who’s to judge what constitutes ‘perfection’ anyway?) So show your inner perfectionist who’s boss by cracking on regardless – and you may be rewarded by an unexpected surge of energy and confidence.