REWIRING YOUR BRAIN
Clinical psychologist Dr Lillian Nejad shares her tips for managing impostor syndrome. Observe your
self-talk This is key because your thoughts directly influence how you feel. Self-defeating thoughts can include beliefs about yourself such as, “I don’t know anything” or, “I’m a fake”, and beliefs about others such as, “They’re so much better than me” or, “They will realise I’m not up to this.”
Talk about it It’s more common than you think. Being open about your insecurities can lift a weight off your shoulders and enable you to hear about others’ fears, which is a normalising and validating experience. Have a balanced perspective
Acknowledge your strengths as well as the areas you would like to improve. Accept that you have both natural abilities, and areas you can develop through practice and effort. Celebrate your
successes Reward yourself for a job well done and give yourself credit for your achievements. If you’re unsure about the value of your contribution, seek feedback from trusted colleagues, peers, and/or mentors.
Seek support A psychologist can help you to break the cycle of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that contribute to impostor syndrome. A mentor can also help you effectively navigate these experiences that are common among high achievers, and assist you in reaching your career goals.