How to Get Up from the Imposter Syndrome Rocking Chair
Inside: New podcast episode alert! This week on When Mommy Grows Up, we’re talking imposter syndrome. What it is, and how to break free.
If you’re finding yourself overthinking, doubting yourself, and wondering if maybe you should just settle for “fine” in your career, this week’s episode of When Mommy Grows Up is for you.
Listen Here: The Imposter Syndrome Rocking Chair – Getting Out and Moving Forward: Shelby’s Story
Meet Shelby
As we always do with When Mommy Grows Up, we’re kicking things off with a client story (all names and some details have been changed for privacy).
This week, I want you to meet Shelby, a mom of two who works in business development. Shelby has been dealing with a nightmare boss, a past layoff that shook her confidence, and the heavy feeling of imposter syndrome. You know that voice that says, Who do you think you are to go after something better? Yeah, that one.
Even though friends were sending her job leads and offering to make introductions, Shelby felt stuck. She told herself the pay was fine, the hours were okay, so maybe she should stay put, even if she was miserable. Sound familiar?
The Worry (And Imposter Syndrome) Rocking Chair
Imposter Syndrome sounds fancy, but it’s essentially like getting stuck in a worry rocking chair.
When you’re in a rocking chair, you have something to do (rock), but you aren’t getting anywhere. When you feel like an imposter, you are worried you aren’t good enough, and so you have something to do (worry), but it doesn’t get you anywhere because you stay stuck in that chair.
Here’s the thing: I don’t want Shelby, or YOU, sitting in that worry rocking chair any longer. Your time is way too precious, and your skills are way too valuable, to stay stuck.
Strategies to Help You Move Forward from Imposter Syndrome
In this podcast episode, I share the exact strategies Shelby and I worked through to rebuild her confidence and get out of that imposter syndrome spiral. A few of my favorites:
- Track your wins. If your boss isn’t giving you credit, give it to yourself! Keep track of the impact you’ve made and the results you’ve driven to boost your confidence, and share your wins in your next job interview.
- Make a “win folder.” Save those “Wow, you saved the day!” emails from colleagues and positive feedback from clients so you have proof of how awesome you are.
- Phone a friend. Ask the people who know and love you what they see as your strengths. You’ll be surprised how quickly they answer with a list of all your awesome traits and abilities!
- Reframe your story. You’ve done hard things, you’ve built skills, you’ve made an impact. That’s your story, not the one where you’re “not enough.” Tune in and we’ll talk through another framework for telling your story that boosts your confidence.
Career Kickstart Challenge
Now here’s my challenge for you! Listen to the Shelby’s Story episode, pick one strategy, and put it into practice today. Confidence is a muscle, and we build it step by step.
You’ve got this! 💛
🎧 Click here to listen to the full episode and hear Shelby’s story.
If you’re just getting started with the When Mommy Grows Up podcast, I have a suggestion! While you’re here, check out the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this kickstart, you’re going to get 5 of our favorite episodes designed to help you go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career.
And if you’re already a When Mommy Grows Up fan, thank you! Come on back every Tuesday for more coaching stories and a mom friend in your corner!
