2. Don’t overpromise
This is especially something to be aware of when starting a new job or a new project. It is easy to state more or do more than you can sustain in order to be seen in the best light.
3. Have a support network (a.k.a your TRIBE)
This cannot be overemphasized. These are the people that will speak truth to you about how you are doing without trying to put you down or outdo you. This could be friends, family or people in the same situations as you. Attend more networking events to find people like you, yes they exist.
4. Be brave enough to be imperfect.
Be patient with yourself, no one is perfect. Just keep learning and beware of self imposed standards.
5. Change your mindset about failure.
Henry Ford said ‘Failure is an opportunity to begin again more intelligently’ So reframe your mistakes and failures.
6. Be ‘youthentic’. Comparison is a fool's trap.
7. Clarify your values.
When you know what you have to offer, there will be no need to pretend in order to fit. If you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything.
8. Clarify expectations.
Be clear on what your role and responsibilities are. If you need to ask colleagues or your manager or the people around you, do so. Also know that feeling like an imposter can be a normal response to being an outsider sometimes.
9. Get feedback.
We often have blind spots even with regards to our accomplishments. With IS you are continually denying your ability. Get other people to tell you what you are doing well, that way you can start intentionally accepting how good you are.
10. Therapy and coaching.
Yes I said it. Break the silence. We have been sleeping on the benefits of therapy, especially group therapy in this instance. Having a neutral party in your corner with no vested interest who can be objective is indispensable. They can help you identify your self-limiting beliefs and walk you through the process of overcoming this fear. Coaching is a process that is great for accountability without the negative connotation attached to therapy.