We all go through times as managers where we’re a little bit hard on ourselves. Ambitious people often suffer from a feeling that they’re inadequate or not good enough – it’s called Imposter Syndrome. If you feel this way now, or ever do in the future, here’s a 3-step approach that you can use to get your swagger back!
- Make a list of 10 things that qualify you
- Refer to yourself in the 3rd person
- Own every single one of your accomplishments
Let’s go through these one by one (or you can get the audio version on YouTube).
Make a list of 10 things that qualify you
This one’s pretty straightforward: just jot down reasons why you’re qualified for the role you have or are seeking. Think about what makes you special, and what skills you have that others around you probably don’t. It will help you when you’re feeling self-critical.
Refer to yourself in the 3rd person
People like LeBron James often refer to themselves in the 3rd person; for example: “I wanted to do what was best for LeBron James,” he said when explaining his decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat. Referring to yourself in the 3rd person might seem funny, but it helps distance you from the situation and view yourself more objectively.
Own every one of your accomplishments
We often attribute our success to “luck”, “hard work” or “help from others”, instead of owning our accomplishments. Try to own the role you played in your successes by forbidding yourself from falling back on excuses. Recruit someone you trust to ask what accomplishments you’re proud of each week.
And there you have it: the 10-3-1 approach:
- Make a list of 10 things that qualify you
- Refer to yourself in the 3rd person
- Own every single one your accomplishments
Let us know how it goes!
