Jamie Dandar McKinney, MBA, is an award-winning coach and the best-selling author of Speak Up, Sister! The Professional Woman's Guide to Confidence and Success. Recognized as an Emerging Training Leader and a Top Woman in Energy, Jamie jokes that her stilettos have steel toes.
Uh-oh, they’re going to see right through me. If you've ever had this worry, felt inadequate, or battled self-doubt, you are not alone. Many people grapple with an occasional fear of being underqualified, as if they’ll be found out, or fearing that they will fall short of expectations. Often called Imposter Syndrome, a new perspective reveals that this diagnosis is actually false! There is a cure for Imposter Syndrome and it is found in an accurate assessment of the current predicament. Read on to break free from unnecessary Imposter Syndrome and join those who are no longer suffering!
Consider this:
Have you ever been in an unfamiliar situation and successfully navigated your way through it?
Have you faced daunting challenges and emerged stronger and more resilient on the other side?
Have you been awarded with a new opportunity and months later, reflect on how much you’ve learned?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then you are ready to step into a new perspective. A syndrome, by definition, is a persistent condition. It doesn't let up. Feeling like a fraud when starting something new is natural because it's unfamiliar. But remember from experience that as you learn a new skill/position/role, the unfamiliar becomes familiar. This is how you grow, and as a result, feelings of fraudulence fade away.
It's crucial to keep this in mind the next time you're in a new situation. A new, unfamiliar, admittedly daunting situation is not directly indicative of a syndrome, i.e. a chronic condition. Rather, it is a temporary moment. Moments are manageable and when you can focus on the present moment rather than falsely diagnosing yourself with a chronic condition, i.e., Imposter Syndrome, that's the turning point toward healing!
Here is how I manage the moments myself and how you can help someone conquer imposter syndrome
Flip your narrative: When self-doubt starts to creep in, choose your narrative wisely. Instead of labeling it as Imposter Syndrome, recognize it as an Unfamiliar Moment. Again, a moment is far more manageable than a chronic syndrome.
Take action: Break free from feeling stuck by taking small, actionable steps. Whether it's reaching out to a supportive friend, jotting down potential next steps, or setting a timer to take action within a specified timeframe. Every step forward counts.
Acknowledge strengths: Remind yourself of your intelligence, productivity, and past accomplishments. Recognize that the reason this moment feels daunting is because it stands out from your otherwise confident performance norms.
Seek inspiration: Look to mentors and role models for guidance. Consider how individuals you admire would handle similar situations and draw inspiration from their example.
Ask for what you deserve: Don't settle for less than you're worth. Whether it's in terms of compensation, recognition, or opportunities, advocate for yourself and level-set your value.
Imposter Syndrome is incredibly common as Forbes Magazine pointed out. 75% of women executives report having experienced it, yet it does not have to hold you back. Embrace moments (remember, mere moments, not chronic circumstances) of fear and self-doubt as signs of growth and learning. Celebrate your progress, one step at a time.
Imposter Syndrome? Not anymore. It's time to rewrite the narrative and reclaim your confidence! Want additional insights to break free from Imposter Syndrome and manage Imposter Moments? I can help you. Message me at Contact@JamieMcKinney.com.
Jamie McKinney, Leadership Coach l Speaker l Author
Jamie Dandar McKinney, MBA, is an award-winning coach and the best-selling author of Speak Up, Sister! The Professional Woman's Guide to Confidence and Success. Recognized as an Emerging Training Leader and a Top Woman in Energy, Jamie jokes that her stilettos have steel toes. After two decades in male-dominated industries, Jamie mastered building confidence as deliberately as building muscle and leading with authenticity. Through her dynamic programs—The 3 Pillars of Leadership and Speak UP to Level UP®—she empowers you to ditch doubts, amplify your voice, and propel your career. Get ready for results with Coach Jamie championing you!
