Practical strategies to silence self-doubt and embrace your greatness

When Jeff Bridges accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2019 Golden Globes, he mentioned a film he worked on Thunderbolt and Lightfoot. The day before shooting on the film was to begin, Bridges went into the director's office and said, “Sorry for the short notice – but I don't think I'm the right person for the film.” The director then said, “Day , it's you.”

Day, it's you.

The director had faith in Bridges, although he doubted himself so much that he was willing to walk away from the film. A classic case of imposter syndrome, and it can happen to anyone.

Accordingly Scientific AmericanImposter syndrome is a pervasive feeling of self-doubt, insecurity, or betrayal, despite often overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

The interesting thing is: Impostor syndrome does not discriminate. It doesn't matter if you're an Oscar-winning actor, a CEO, or a recent graduate starting your first job. It's that little voice that whispers, “You can't do it,” even though you've crushed it.

But where does this little voice come from?

There are several causes: perfectionism and setting unrealistic standards, societal pressure and stereotypes, rapid career advancement, and the list goes on.

Most of us were there. That moment when you're about to attend a big meeting, give a company-wide presentation, or take on a new role and suddenly feel like you're unequipped and unready for the moment.

But I realized that this feeling is not a warning to downsize, but a challenge to step up.

If that little voice tries to convince you that you aren't good enough, skilled enough, or experienced enough, that's a sign to try harder. To prove that this voice is wrong. It's about facing discomfort.

If you feel like an imposter, it probably means you're overextending yourself. You are growing. You step out of your comfort zone and stand on the precipice of the next level of your greatness.

The importance of undiminished enthusiasm

The late, great actor James Earl Jones once said, “If the way you approach your goal is right for you, then you will have no self-doubt, and in the end, undiminished enthusiasm will always remain with you.” You are the only one Person who can tell whether you really have talent or not. There comes a point where you have to be really honest with yourself and say whether I have talent or not. Your parents can’t determine that, critics can’t — once you establish that, there should be no room for doubt.”

Imposter syndrome is just self-doubt, but it can be counteracted with undiminished enthusiasm. An inherent belief in yourself can go a long way when that little voice tries to bring you down.

Six Ways to Generate Enthusiasm and Fight Impostor Syndrome

1. Totems: When I have had these moments of doubt in the past, I have used totems for confidence. In one capacity, the totem has been my track and field championship ring since my college days. I looked at the ring and reminded myself that I am a champion, talented and a winner. It may sound silly, but the ring was a physical reminder that I was not a fraud, but confident and capable.
2. Preparing with an Audience: Lots of practice can build confidence through thorough preparation. Feeling and knowing that you are prepared helps ease the nagging feelings of imposter syndrome. Rehearse your presentation with trusted colleagues or friends. You can give feedback and boost your confidence.
3. External Validators: The way I have armed myself against imposter syndrome is by using external reputable resources to boost my confidence. This could be keeping a file of positive feedback, referring to a running “win list” to review when doubts arise, or even speaking to a mentor.
4. Hype Songs: Throughout my career, I have used music as a motivator to improve my mindset. I remember a particularly difficult role where I used Kendrick Lamar's “Alright” to remind myself that everything would be okay. I played it on a loop day after day for months. You would be surprised how much more confident I felt going into these important moments.
5. Self-awareness exercises: Self-reflection exercises through writing can help you recognize and challenge deceptive thoughts when they arise.
6. Addressing the root causes: Sometimes impostor syndrome has deeper causes. This may mean challenging perfectionistic tendencies, setting realistic goals, or even seeking therapy to address deep-seated issues related to self-esteem.

Next time you feel imposter syndrome, remember the words of Jeff Bridges and James Earl Jones and that even the greats doubt themselves sometimes. And then remember: Day, it's you. You are the one chosen – to meet the moment, utilize these strategies, and let your undiminished enthusiasm propel you forward.