6 Tips to Fight Imposter Syndrome & Conquer Self-Doubt
Go get 'em, Friend. You've got this.
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Presented by LMNT:
Earlier this week I got this DM:
It’s not the first time that someone has reached out to me about this topic. I’m going to let you in on a little secret: Most everyone (I recognize that saying everyone may be a little too assuming) does. From me — your favorite podcaster (hehe) — to big names like Michelle Obama and your former second grade teacher, people everywhere are working to overcome that am-I-good-enough? feeling.
The good news? There are strategies available to all that make owning your value and standing in your power feel more doable (for more on this, listen to Wednesday’s episode). Let’s dive in:
Recognize and acknowledge your feelings: The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is to acknowledge that you are experiencing it. Recognize your feelings of self-doubt and remind yourself that these feelings are common and that many people experience them.
Challenge your negative thoughts: Imposter syndrome is often fueled by negative self-talk. Challenge these negative thoughts by asking yourself if they are true, and if there is evidence to support them. Consider reframing negative thoughts into more positive ones. For example, something like “I shouldn’t have taken that risk,” can be “Taking risks can lead me to big opportunities.”
Focus on your strengths and remember what’s true: Instead of focusing on your weaknesses, focus on your strengths. Make a list of your strengths and remind yourself of them when you start to feel self-doubt. While you’re at it, work on a list of truths. For instance, before logging into a big meeting about a potential partnership last week, I wrote down what I knew on a piece of paper: I have worked on similar projects before successfully, I have the skill set to execute on this well, I am a talented host who is good at guiding conversation. Looking at that piece of paper helped me to hush my inner critic and show up to the meeting remembering those sentiments items to be true instead of lingering in self-doubt.
Seek support: Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist about your feelings. Sometimes talking through your feelings can help you gain perspective and feel more confident. Especially when you’re in that spiral state, and the self-talk isn’t working (and that’s OK!). Your people want to see you succeed, and it’s your big opportunity to allow them to show up for you in the tough moments — no matter how counterintuitive that may feel.
Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. Remember that no one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer the same to a good friend.
Celebrate your successes: Take time to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may be. Then, in challenging times, you’ll have those wins to look back on and reflect. While you’re on the success train (I recommend taking yourself out on a date, that’s my go-to way to commemorate my victories), take some time to also write them down in a journal or share them with a friend. Celebrating your successes can help boost your confidence and reduce feelings of self-doubt.
When all else fails? Remember that a “failure” that happens as a result of imposter syndrome is an opportunity to learn. A necessary hurdle, if you will. Embrace that. There is no better teacher than failure, and the people that you respect and admire the most have certain made and learn from their mistakes in the past. Be patient with yourself, keep practicing these strategies, and you’ll be impressed what happens the next time you unintentionally talk down to yourself.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy
I had the privilege of seeing Julie record live at the ESPNW summit on Friday. Leading up to it, I went through the catalogue and listened to some of my favorites including this episode with Nneka Ogwumike.
I’m Watching: Firefly Lane on Netflix
I’m almost done with season two. And yes, it was released this week.
Gear I’m Loving: FP Movement Never Better Bike Short
I’m a huge fan of the Lululemon Align shorts, and these are essentially the same coziness at a cheaper price point. I was gifted them earlier this week, and I’ve been living in them around the apartment ever since. With a 5-inch inseam and buttery fabric, this Free People pair is a perfect high-waisted fit.
I’m Reading: We Share the Sun: The Incredible Journey of Kenya's Legendary Running Coach Patrick Sang and the Fastest Runners on Earth by Sarah Gearheart
Sarah’s an old friend, her book came out last month, and I just got my hands on it. It’s a biography that takes us behind the scenes into the lives of some of the world’s most elite runners in Kenya and their coach, Patrick Sang.
Quote I’m Loving: “When you’ve worked hard and done well and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you.” — Michelle Obama
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
Gotta give some love to LMNT, zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle. I’m the saltiest sweater (cute, I know). These electrolytes are my go-to to perform better. I like them not just because they taste great (the orange salt is my favorite), but they’re also without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:
☀️ Kickstart your mornings
💪 Fuel workouts and improve recovery
Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack with purchase. To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary.
NEW PODCAST EPISODE🎧: 249. Melissa Urban, Co-Founder & CEO of Whole 30
Today, Melissa Urban is the CEO of Whole 30. But more than 20 years ago, she was coming out on the other side of her second stint in rehab after overcoming addiction and navigating sexual abuse. For episode 249, Melissa opens up about how she concepted Whole 30, the ways that the program has dramatically impacted her life for the better, and who the elimination-style plan is for (versus who it's not). Plus: She opens up about her trauma history, which informed her expertise in setting and maintaining boundaries (as well as her latest book, The Book of Boundaries: Set the Limits That Will Set You Free).
NEW PODCAST EPISODE🎧 : #HURDLEMOMENT: How To Beat Imposter Syndrome & Own Your Value
The inspiration for this week’s newsletter! Imposter syndrome — feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally, despite being high-performing in external, objective ways — always manages to seep in at the worst times. And even worse? It is more prevalent amongst women. But the good news is that you can combat it with the right tools in your toolbox. In this weeks’s episode, I'm offering up five helpful strategies for coming out on top.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
#s 3 and 5 are real! (And love Firefly Lane right now too.)