How Imposter Syndrome Tanked My Confidence

Last week I introduced you to Imposter Syndrome and some of the habits and attributes that often come along with it. Today, as I prepare to speak on this topic at the Women Supporting Women Summit tomorrow, I am reminded of the times I personally have dealt with Imposter Syndrome and let it take over my mindset. Here’s my experience and how I was able to say goodbye for good.

By 2015 I had done a lot of cool things. I had traveled and worked internationally, married a great guy from New Zealand, and worked and lived in Japan, San Francisco, Auckland, and then moved back to Toronto. I had 2 little girls, a house, a dog, and looking back, a life I was proud of. 

This was hard-won. I have waded through depression for years and worked very hard to keep it at bay. Sometimes I win, sometimes I retreat to do more inner work. But nothing rocked me like my foray back to work after my second child.

I had joined an international events team and was immediately assigned to incredible experiences. My previous events experience was “internal” meaning “go nowhere” and so travel had not been part of it. I was now told I’d be heading to Monaco for my first 10 day trip with 14 other team members. I was on top of the world.

That’s when it started to hit me. What on earth were they thinking? Why was I being asked to join this team? How had I tricked them into thinking I could do this? 

I completely ignored that I had been a survivor my whole life. I had worked full time to put myself through University and still got great grades. I had resilience in spades, could make a real connection with strangers in a heartbeat and had set up life in 3 new countries! This was only 10 days at a luxury hotel - but I felt dread and doom.

Imposter Syndrome had invaded my thinking and my confidence. 

It raised questions that I couldn’t answer, and it unraveled me bit by bit. 

Every time I had a new challenge at that job, I saw what I did wrong, instead of listening to what I did right. When I heard from attendees and other employees after the events, telling me how wonderful I was, I lowered my opinion of them, thinking they must be easily fooled. 

Sound familiar?

Good news. I learned what imposter syndrome was, and I said goodbye. I closed the door and double bolted it. I learned to believe the good stuff, imagine the best for and of myself, and lead my life that way.

Yes, I am now running a successful coaching and facilitation business and helping incredibly successful leaders create even more happiness and satisfaction in their lives. But life isn't’ perfect. 

It takes hard work. 

I want to help you get rid of imposter syndrome too.  

Join me tomorrow at the Women Supporting Women Summit as I speak to Imposter Syndrome and how it may be sabotaging your career.

Can’t make it? I have a one-hour workshop on May 19th to dive in a little deeper. You can register here.

Silence your inner critic. Change the narrative and start breathing again.