Imposter syndrome—it’s that nagging feeling that tells us we don’t belong, that we’re not good enough. As someone who’s navigated career changes from employment coaching to life coaching, I’ve faced it head-on. In the past I would skip past applying for jobs that I now realise I would have been able to do with my eyes closed, because I didn’t think I could do them or had the right experience. So I’ve written this to help you the reader over come those feelings that might be holding you back from applying for your dream job.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
First things first, acknowledge the elephant in the room. It’s normal to feel like an imposter when stepping into new territory. Recognize these feelings but don’t let them define you. I remember feeling very out of place, like I wasn’t deserving of the role of employment coach. I felt that they had somehow misread my CV, that I had tricked them at the interview and that was the only reason they hired me. Acknowledge your feelings and release the negative ones, understanding that they’re part of the journey.
Reflect on Your Achievements
Take a moment to reflect on your journey. List your skills and accomplishments. Remember, you’ve come this far for a reason. Your experiences are valuable and transferable. In my 20s, I had little confidence. I went on a course to build my confidence and learned to accept and be comfortable with my achievements. This realization helped me understand that my experiences and skills are the reasons I am where I am today, setting the foundation for my future growth.
Embrace Continuous Learning
Learning is a lifelong journey. Dedicate time to upskill and gain knowledge in your new field. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel. Over the past ten years, I’ve devoted myself to continuous professional development (CPD). Whether it’s a short course, reading self-help books, attending webinars, or gaining another qualifications, I’ve always sought to expand my knowledge and skills. When I first left school, I had no idea where I wanted to be. It took a lot of soul-searching to discover my passion for life coaching. Continuous learning was key to building my confidence and competence.
Seek Support and Mentorship
You’re not alone. Seek support from mentors, peers, or professional networks. Sharing your experiences can be incredibly validating and help you realize you’re not alone in feeling this way. When I first started, the support from mentors and peers was invaluable. They helped me navigate the new landscape and reassured me that my feelings were normal.
Reframe Your Mindset
Shift your perspective. View new opportunities as learning experiences. Mistakes aren’t proof of incompetence; they’re stepping stones to growth. Embrace them. It took me some time to work on my emotional intelligence. I had a very fixed mindset when I was younger. By working on my growth mindset ( see How to Master Accountability for Personal Growth), it helped me to overcome many obstacles in my mind that didn’t exist in reality. In my journey, reframing my mindset was crucial. Viewing each challenge as an opportunity to learn allowed me to grow and build resilience.
Set Realistic Goals with SMART
Break down your larger career goals into manageable steps. Celebrate small victories along the way. Progress is progress, no matter how small. I set realistic goals by writing down what worked for me and my family. Breaking it down into achievable steps made the transition smoother. One incredibly effective tool is the SMART framework for goal setting. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve. Instead of saying, “I want to improve my career,” say, “I want to become a certified life coach.”
- Measurable: Determine how you will measure your progress. For example, “I will complete a life coaching certification course and obtain my certification.”
- Achievable: Set goals that are realistic and attainable. Consider your resources and constraints. “I will dedicate two hours every evening to studying for my certification.”
- Relevant: Ensure your goal aligns with your broader objectives. “Becoming a certified life coach aligns with my passion for helping others and my long-term career aspirations.”
- Time-bound: Set a deadline to achieve your goal. “I will complete my certification within six months.”
Using the SMART framework can help you stay focused, track your progress, and achieve your goals more effectively.
Visualize Success
Visualization can be a powerful tool. Picture yourself succeeding in your new role. But don’t just see it as a future goal; feel that moment like you are already living it. Imagine the confidence, the accomplishments, the reality of your success. I often visualized myself succeeding, living that moment as if it were happening now. This approach boosted my confidence and kept me focused on my goals.
Embrace Positive Feedback
Don’t shy away from feedback. Constructive criticism from colleagues and superiors can help you improve and confirm your strengths. It’s a tool for growth, not a reflection of your worth. No matter how bad the feedback might seem, use a positive mindset to say, “Ok, let’s see where I can make this better.” In my own experience, a toxic friendship where I was constantly criticized became my awakening for emotional growth. Although that friendship has now ended, I am grateful for the lessons it taught me and the ability to improve myself. Embracing feedback, whether good or bad, in a positive way has been instrumental in my journey.
Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial. Incorporate activities that relax and rejuvenate you. For me, self-care is taking time out for myself, be it in the form of a walk, my exercise regime, or something as simple as an early night. I like to think of it as perching myself on a charging platform. This platform takes many different forms and can last for whatever length of time, but ultimately, the goal of feeling better and being able to pick myself up and regroup my thoughts is achieved. During my transition into a new career, prioritizing self-care was essential. It helped me manage stress and stay balanced.
Be Authentic
Authenticity is your superpower. Be yourself, from the application process, to interview, right through to the day you start and beyond. Genuine connections, reduce feelings of being a fraud and foster a supportive environment. Throughout my journey, staying authentic has been my guiding principle. It’s helped me build genuine connections and stay true to my values.
“I don’t know whether every author feels it, but I think quite a lot do — that I am pretending to be
something I am not, because, even nowadays, I do not quite feel as though I am an author.”
—Agatha Christie
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey of recognizing your worth, building confidence, and finding support. Every step forward is a victory. If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome or navigating a career change, know that you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I’m here to help. Reach out to me for personalized career coaching, and let’s unlock your full potential together.
I’d love to hear from you. Share your own experiences or insights related to imposter syndrome in the comments below.
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