What do Lewis Capaldi and Michelle Obama Have in Common?

Question - What do Michelle Obama and Lewis Capaldi Have in Common?

No, it's not fame, good looks, or a big bank balance.

It is actually noted that they both suffer from imposter syndrome.

And, it's not just them. In fact, studies show that up to 80% of the population has suffered from feelings of imposter syndrome.  

Imposter syndrome is a feeling that, no matter what you've accomplished or how successful you are, you're actually a fraud. It's common among people from all walks of life and affects many high-achieving individuals, by making them believe that they got to where they are solely by chance. 

It manifests itself in many different ways, and can look like many different things, so how can you identify it?

1. Feelings of self-doubt at work, thinking that others are better than you. 

2. Feeling personally incompetent, despite education, experience and accomplishments.

3. Overworking due to guilt and negative feelings

4. Negative voice in the head ‘I can't do this ‘I'm not good enough

5. Feeling like a fake and like you don't belong in your role.

As it turns out though, imposter ‘syndrome’ is actually not a syndrome, it's a phenomenon. Meaning that one can overcome it whenever they choose to do so. However, without the right tips, tricks, and techniques, you will be fighting a never-ending battle against your brain.

So, the all-important question is - how do you overcome imposter syndrome?

1. Understand that mistakes aren't bad - if you suffer from imposter syndrome, making a mistake can feel like the end of the world. It can knock your confidence and make you feel like you aren't worthy of your job role. However, this is not the case! Making mistakes is the best way to learn.

2. Don’t listen to the negative voice - now you know that imposter syndrome comes with a complimentary negative voice to put you down all of the time - it will become a hell of a lot easier to ignore it.

   When you find your brain telling you that you can't do something, ask yourself WHY? Look for evidence to support those thoughts. If there isn’t any, usually, you will find that you are in fact more than capable of completing the task at hand. It’s your brain’s natural response to try and prevent you from failing. It’s your job to train it.

3. Share your feelings - as we covered earlier in the article, studies show that up to 80% of people have suffered from feelings of imposter syndrome. It's time to start talking about it because chances are, there will be people who can relate to you and vice versa. Speaking through these feelings can help you define which of those thoughts are rational and which are the imposter syndrome speaking!

I hope that with these tips and tricks you can fight back against your imposter syndrome, and break out of feeling like a fraud. If you enjoyed this article about imposter syndrome and want to find out more, my book SMASH IT! The Art of Getting What YOU Want covers imposter syndrome and so much more in much greater depth. It is available on Amazon and makes a fabulous Christmas gift for anyone wanting to get what they want in the new year. 

I also offer a limited number of coaching slots if you are looking for some 1:1 time to help you overcome imposter syndrome, get in touch today if you would like to kick it to the kerb.