Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

Follow the WISE approach to dealing with imposter syndrome!

During my book talks, I often get asked if I ever have imposter syndrome and how I deal with it - particularly as a woman in technology and business.

So to answer the first question - Yes! I definitely have insecurities, anxiety, and/or feelings of self-doubt sometimes. And as I said at a talk recently, these feelings can come out when you least expect it and bite you in the ass! They can happen for small situations like facing a room full of strangers for networking, or a big business meeting where your job hangs in the balance. (Or even when writing a post to give advice on Imposter Syndrome!)

So I modified an acronym I learned a few years ago that was designed for kids in a different potentially anxiety producing situation (link to reference in the comments).

W - Walk Away
You have the right not to engage! If you don't feel like dealing with a situation that is anxiety producing or feels too intimidating, you can preserve your sanity and live to fight another day. I have at one time or another bailed on a networking event or meeting that I didn't feel in the right headspace for.

I - I Got This!
This is the reverse of Walk Away. Sometimes you can just push any doubts aside and forge ahead. If you can do this, more often than not, you will crush it!

S- Say Something
Sometimes the feelings of self-doubt are exacerbated by implicit or explicit sexism/racism etc. You certainly can walk away or forge ahead but sometimes you have to call people on their BS and say something. One of my favorite examples started out innocuous enough - I was the team lead for a boy scout leader training activity (of mostly men) to build a bridge across a stream. A helpful participant said something like "Joe thinks we should do X and he's a real engineer!" I responded with, "I happen to be a real engineer and you can call me Dr. or Professor." And we did it my way.

E- Educate Yourself
Sometimes our feelings of self-doubt come from being perfectionists or over-achievers. "How can I put myself out there when there are certainly people more qualified?" I get asked to speak on technologies like AI and robotics, which are constantly changing. So I've become a life-long learner and speak not only from a place of past experiences but also from continuing to engage with the industries.

Two final important notes:
1) We can eliminate imposter syndrome if we all do our part to make sure everyone's contribution is valued. Every person's journey is unique and every person has something to offer.

2) I've been using imposter syndrome synonymously with self-doubt and even social anxiety. But as it is #MentalHealthMonth I also want to point out that we need to overcome the stigma of asking for help if the feelings become too strong to deal with on our own.


#988 is a 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
#mentalhealthawareness