“After you’ve done a thing the same way for two years, look it over carefully. After five years, look at it with suspicion. And after ten years, throw it away and start all over.”

~Alfred Edward Perlman~

“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.”

~Jim Rohn~

“Every day of our lives, we are on the verge of making those slight changes that would make all the difference.”

~Mignon McLaughlin~

Willpower alone is not enough for us to change. I guarantee you that no matter what, your intention will not carry you through 100% of the time. This is nothing against any of us—or even a comment on how much drive a person has. It has much more to do with biology and the brain. If we have done something over and over again and again, we create that pattern in our brains. This means that even if you are very determined to do something differently, it can feel like the fight of your life to go against the way you’ve trained your brain. If you’ve ever tried to change an ingrained routine or a habit, you might already know this from experience. In that moment, you will likely revert to your most common or comfortable response. This is even more common when under stress, since we tend to seek familiarity and comfort in moments of tension or pressure.

Instead of simply gathering up the will to do something, I would offer a different strategy: Change your environment. There are three main ways to do this: changing your location, changing the people you surround yourself with, or changing your routine.

Change Your Location (x2)

Changing your location does not mean you have to go drive out to the ocean or mountains to get work done; that could get expensive! Sometimes it’s as simple as moving from your home office to your dining room table, and shifting that energy. We might have to dig into our creativity since our options are a bit more limited in terms of going out. Changing locations could also entail going for a drive and clearing your head so that you can come back and do what you need to with some more energy or clarity.

Another aspect of this is changing the feel of the places that you already work and rest. This also does not need to be expensive. Maybe you buy new throw pillows, put up some new decorations, or bring in some new colors to shift the vibe. Give an old room some new life and see how much better you feel about getting things done there.

Change Your Routine 

Consider shifting your routine and seeing what happens. If you’re a morning person, sometimes just getting up a half hour or an hour earlier can give you a little more room in your day and create space. If you’re a night person but still need to start earlyish, consider going to bed just a little earlier to give you more rest, which helps everything run better. Also try time-blocking specific times to do things—using the pomodoro method or others, and actually setting a timer for those things. Sometimes we just need a fire lit under us to accomplish what we need to. If the time blocks you have aren’t working so well, think outside the box. When are you most energized? If you don’t have time in that time bracket, then how can you energize yourself outside of it? Do you need to take a brisk walk before you start working or splash cold water on yourself? Do you need more light to stay alert? Think about who you are as a person and work with yourself, always being kind to your heart.

Change the People You Surround Yourself With

There are many quotes about choosing your company wisely for a reason. It really does affect everything: mindset, productivity, and even motivation. Cultivate a like-minded community, and even if you have limited time to interact, make sure that you are engaging with them. This can be through Facebook groups, video chats, or even over the phone. Surround yourself with people who hold similar values and priorities. It’s also vital that you have enough people in your life that disagree with you and challenge you respectfully, because if you only talk with people that agree with you, you’re missing a piece of the puzzle.

We have limited time and resources, so it’s important that we limit the people that we invest our time in, but invest in them fully. Intently listen, care, and engage. And take turns so that both parties are heard, understood, and cared for.

Remember, no matter how stubborn you are, there are days your willpower will fail you, so keep putting routines, communities, and atmospheres in your life that will keep you honest, inspire, and remind you of what you want to do. And if something is not working, change something in your environment. Chances are, that’ll help fix the problem.

Here’s Your Next Step:

If this blog stirred something in you — that whisper that maybe you’re called to more — don’t ignore it.

At NACWE, we help Christian women entrepreneurs build businesses that honor God, grow income, and nurture real friendships.

 Want support from a community of faith-driven entrepreneurs?

 Join NACWE today and step into your calling with clarity and courage.

Because leadership isn’t just for someday.

It’s for such a time as now.

Imagine this: You’ve just received a promotion at work. Everyone is congratulating you, but instead of feeling proud, you’re filled with doubt. You think, “Did I really deserve this? What if they find out I’m not as capable as they think?” If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is a pervasive feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy, despite evident success and competence. It’s a phenomenon that can affect anyone, particularly in high-pressure environments like the workplace. Understanding and addressing imposter syndrome is crucial for both personal well-being and professional growth.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome was first identified by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in the 1970s. It refers to the internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. People with imposter syndrome often feel like frauds and fear being exposed.

Common signs of imposter syndrome include:

• Attributing success to luck or external factors.

• Downplaying accomplishments.

• Fear of being exposed as a fraud.

• Over-preparation and perfectionism.

• Difficulty accepting praise or recognition.

How Imposter Syndrome Manifests at Work

At work, imposter syndrome can manifest in various ways. You might constantly doubt your abilities and fear that others will eventually “find out” you’re not as capable as they believe. This can lead to overworking and striving for perfection to compensate for perceived inadequacies.

You may also avoid taking on new challenges or opportunities due to the fear of failure or not being good enough. Successes are often attributed to luck or external factors, rather than recognizing your skills and hard work. This self-doubt and negative self-talk can create a cycle of anxiety and stress, making it difficult to enjoy your achievements.

Causes of Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace

Several factors can contribute to the development of imposter syndrome at work:

1. High Expectations and Pressure: Both internal and external pressures to perform can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

2. Workplace Culture: A competitive or unsupportive work environment can exacerbate self-doubt.

3. Comparison with Peers: Constantly comparing yourself to colleagues can undermine your confidence.

4. Lack of Representation: Not seeing others like yourself in positions of success can make you feel like an outsider.

5. Previous Experiences and Upbringing: Early life experiences and messages about achievement and competence can impact your self-perception.

Impact of Imposter Syndrome on Work Performance

Imposter syndrome can significantly impact your work performance and overall job satisfaction. The constant fear of being exposed as a fraud can lead to stress and burnout. You might find yourself overworking to prove your worth, which can affect your work-life balance and mental health.

Additionally, imposter syndrome can inhibit career growth. Avoiding new opportunities or not putting yourself forward for promotions due to self-doubt can limit your professional development. This can create a cycle where the lack of advancement reinforces feelings of inadequacy.

Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

While imposter syndrome can be challenging, there are strategies to help overcome it:

1. Recognize and Acknowledge Feelings: The first step is to recognize and acknowledge your imposter feelings. Understand that these feelings are common and do not reflect your true abilities.

2. Seek Support: Sharing your experiences with trusted colleagues or mentors can provide reassurance and perspective. Supportive relationships can help counteract feelings of isolation.

3. Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals and celebrate your accomplishments. Recognizing your successes can help build confidence.

4. Focus on Learning: Embrace a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for learning and development. Continuous learning can boost your confidence in your abilities.

5. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and practice positive self-talk. Remind yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes and that they are part of the learning process.

Role of Employers in Addressing Imposter Syndrome

Employers play a crucial role in addressing imposter syndrome in the workplace. Creating a supportive and inclusive work environment can help employees feel valued and confident.

Encouraging open discussions about mental health and normalizing imposter feelings can reduce stigma. Providing mentorship and professional development opportunities can help employees build confidence and skills. Recognizing and rewarding employees’ contributions can also reinforce their sense of accomplishment and belonging.

Conclusion

Imposter syndrome is a common but challenging experience that can significantly impact your work life. By understanding its causes and manifestations and employing strategies to combat it, you can begin to build confidence and embrace your achievements.

Remember, you’re not alone in feeling this way. Taking proactive steps to address imposter syndrome and fostering a supportive workplace culture can help you and your colleagues thrive. So, take a deep breath, recognize your worth, and continue to grow and succeed. You’ve got this!

Here’s Your Next Step:

If this blog stirred something in you — that whisper that maybe you’re called to more — don’t ignore it.

At NACWE, we help Christian women entrepreneurs build businesses that honor God, grow income, and nurture real friendships.

 Want support from a community of faith-driven entrepreneurs?

 Join NACWE today and step into your calling with clarity and courage.

Because leadership isn’t just for someday.

It’s for such a time as now.