Find your balance by leaving imposter syndrome behind

Find Your Balance by Leaving Imposter Syndrome Behind

Remember, it's natural for self-doubt to show up, especially during times of transition and in high-pressure environments. The key is learning how to manage your inner critic when it appears and choosing where to focus your energy instead.

Understand the Imposter

Ask what imposter syndrome is doing for you

Consider what self-doubt might be protecting you from. For example, by avoiding action, you may feel you're shielding yourself from criticism or failure.

Now ask yourself what you might be missing out on by listening to that inner critic:

• Promotions
• New opportunities
• Interesting projects
• Meeting new people
• Personal and professional growth

Know your imposter type

Understanding your imposter type can help you develop strategies to manage it. Valerie Young identifies five common types:

• The Perfectionist
• The Natural Genius
• The Rugged Individualist
• The Expert
• The Superwoman/Superman

Tackle Self-Doubt

Recognise your triggers

Notice when imposter syndrome tends to appear. Understanding what triggers self-doubt helps you prepare for it and respond more effectively.

Try this simple three-step approach

When self-doubt feels overwhelming:

1. Notice what is happening and what you're saying to yourself.
2. Acknowledge how you feel and give the emotion a name.
3. Challenge your inner critic by asking questions. Remember: feelings are not facts.

Build your evidence

Create a list of your achievements, including:

• Qualifications
• Jobs and promotions
• Successful projects
• Skills you've developed
• Personal accomplishments

Keep adding to this list regularly. Recording even small successes helps build confidence and is useful when preparing for appraisals or interviews.

And don't forget to celebrate your achievements.

Seek feedback

Ask someone you trust for honest feedback. You don't have to manage imposter syndrome on your own.

Learn to accept praise

When someone compliments you, simply say, "Thank you."

Allow yourself to believe what they're saying rather than dismissing it. It's good for you—and kinder to the person giving the compliment.

Find Balance

Make yourself a priority

Give yourself permission to think about what you want, not just what's on your to-do list.

You don't have to prove yourself before you deserve to prioritise yourself.

Ask yourself:

• What are my priorities?
• What are the three or four things that matter most in my life?
• Are they getting enough of my attention?

Stop feeling guilty about focusing on your own wellbeing. Looking after your mental health isn't selfish—it's essential.

Think integration, not perfection

Rather than striving for a perfect daily work-life balance, consider your week as a whole.

Think about how you can give appropriate time and attention to the priorities that matter both inside and outside work.

Prioritise Your Priorities

• Review your priorities once a week.
• Remember that not everything needs the same amount of attention every day.
• Practise setting boundaries and saying no.
• Identify tasks you can stop doing, delegate or simply let go.
• Focus your energy on what you can control, rather than worrying about what you can't.
• Build resilience by accepting that mistakes happen and looking for the learning rather than dwelling on them.
• Replace perfectionism with progress.

A helpful mindset shift is to add the word "yet":

"My presentation skills aren't where I'd like them to be... yet."

Create a routine to switch off

Develop a regular end-of-day routine to help your brain disconnect from work.

For example:

• Pack away your laptop.
• Take a short walk.
• Avoid working in spaces you associate with relaxation, if possible.

Finally, remember this quote from Mark Manson:

"People don't burn out from doing too much. They burn out from doing too little of what matters."

Contact

Joanne Gray

Email: joanne@artemisgray.com

Phone: 07450 290 260

Website: www.artemisgray.com