Imposter Syndrome can be debilitating and prevent us from achieving our full potential, we chat to motivational speaker and author Chelsea Pottenger on how to overcome Imposter Syndrome.
By Chelsea Pottenger
Do you apologise a lot (even for situations out of your control), downplay your achievements, criticise yourself often? If you just read that list and thought, that’s me – we need to talk.
Imposter Syndrome is a term that hangs over so many of us. An ever present question of doubt of should I be here, am I good enough, am I worthy? Imposter Syndrome often goes hand in hand with perfectionism.
When we constantly compare ourselves to others or set unrealistic expectations for ourselves (at work, at home or with a group of friends), we run the risk of feeling like we’re falling short. This is where you need to dial back the negative self-talk and revisit your ability to show yourself love and respect.
It’s easier said than done, I know! When I first started stepping onto stages to deliver keynote speeches on mental health, I had jarring moments of self-doubt. Why would anyone want to listen to what I had to say? Negative self-talk loves to creep in and whisper about being an imposter or falling short.
By becoming aware of the harmful narrative in your head, you can begin to consciously talk back. For example, in those moments of self-doubt, I instead think, people want to listen to what I have to say because humans need connection, hope and guidance.
Switch your negative thoughts to focus on the good
When in doubt, call out the voice inside your head telling you that you’re not enough. Being able to switch your negative thoughts to focus on the good is a powerful and proven strategy you can maintain for the rest of your life.
Don’t forget about the power in your body
The way we hold our bodies can directly impact our confidence, so before you even get dressed for the day, take a moment to roll your shoulders back and consciously stand tall. I know it’s not always easy to stroll into a room, strike a power pose and confidently deliver your views, but the more you practise, the more natural it will become.
Show Yourself Kindness
Your self-respect is built on the loving-kindness you show yourself. By showing yourself kindness, you can call out that imposter who questions your worthiness. You are worthy, you do deserve to be here and you do have something important to say. Life is too short to walk around feeling insecure and not acknowledging exactly how amazing you are.
About Chelsea Pottenger
Chelsea Pottenger is a leading international motivational speaker and one of Australia’s most popular corporate wellness presenters. An accredited mindfulness and meditation coach, as well as a Mental Health Ambassador for R U OK? and Gidget Foundation Australia, Chelsea founded her company EQ Minds back in 2016 with the goal of introducing high-performance mental fitness to the public and corporates.
Imposter Syndrome can be debilitating and prevent us from achieving our full potential, we chat to motivational speaker and author Chelsea Pottenger on how to overcome Imposter Syndrome.
By Chelsea Pottenger
Do you apologise a lot (even for situations out of your control), downplay your achievements, criticise yourself often? If you just read that list and thought, that’s me – we need to talk.
Imposter Syndrome is a term that hangs over so many of us. An ever present question of doubt of should I be here, am I good enough, am I worthy? Imposter Syndrome often goes hand in hand with perfectionism.
When we constantly compare ourselves to others or set unrealistic expectations for ourselves (at work, at home or with a group of friends), we run the risk of feeling like we’re falling short. This is where you need to dial back the negative self-talk and revisit your ability to show yourself love and respect.
It’s easier said than done, I know! When I first started stepping onto stages to deliver keynote speeches on mental health, I had jarring moments of self-doubt. Why would anyone want to listen to what I had to say? Negative self-talk loves to creep in and whisper about being an imposter or falling short.
By becoming aware of the harmful narrative in your head, you can begin to consciously talk back. For example, in those moments of self-doubt, I instead think, people want to listen to what I have to say because humans need connection, hope and guidance.
Switch your negative thoughts to focus on the good
When in doubt, call out the voice inside your head telling you that you’re not enough. Being able to switch your negative thoughts to focus on the good is a powerful and proven strategy you can maintain for the rest of your life.
Don’t forget about the power in your body
The way we hold our bodies can directly impact our confidence, so before you even get dressed for the day, take a moment to roll your shoulders back and consciously stand tall. I know it’s not always easy to stroll into a room, strike a power pose and confidently deliver your views, but the more you practise, the more natural it will become.
Show Yourself Kindness
Your self-respect is built on the loving-kindness you show yourself. By showing yourself kindness, you can call out that imposter who questions your worthiness. You are worthy, you do deserve to be here and you do have something important to say. Life is too short to walk around feeling insecure and not acknowledging exactly how amazing you are.
About Chelsea Pottenger
Chelsea Pottenger is a leading international motivational speaker and one of Australia’s most popular corporate wellness presenters. An accredited mindfulness and meditation coach, as well as a Mental Health Ambassador for R U OK? and Gidget Foundation Australia, Chelsea founded her company EQ Minds back in 2016 with the goal of introducing high-performance mental fitness to the public and corporates.
Chelsea’s first book will be released on May 31. You can pre-order The Mindful High Performer here.
Want more wellness? Click here for Five Ways to Incorporate More Meditation and Wellness Into Your Life.
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