Battling Imposter Syndrome

Meredith Peebles

Tedx Talks

In today’s high-pressure work environment, it can be a daunting task to confront and manage feelings of self-doubt. However, with the appropriate strategies, you can effectively tackle imposter syndrome, enhance your self-perception, and bolster your self-confidence.

Understanding Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a “fraud”. Despite external evidence of their competence, those experiencing this phenomenon remain convinced that they are frauds and do not deserve their achievements. They attribute their success to luck, happenstance, or other external factors, rather than their own abilities.

Owning Your Appearance

The first step in combating imposter syndrome is to take ownership of your appearance. Society often imposes certain standards of beauty and appearance, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. However, it’s important to remember that your worth is not defined by your appearance. Embrace your individuality and reject societal standards that do not resonate with you. As Meredith Peebles says, “I am freckly with ginger tendencies, and that’s perfect because that’s my standard of beauty for myself.”

Owning Your Role

The second step is to take ownership of your role. It’s common to feel insecure when stepping into a new role or industry. However, instead of focusing on perceived deficiencies, remind yourself of the skills and talents you have gained over time. You have earned your role through hard work and your abilities, not luck. As Meredith puts it, “I’m a COO of an organisation, and I’m good at my job. I work hard, and my talents and abilities have earned me that role – it wasn’t luck.”

Owning Your Aspirations

The third step is to take ownership of your aspirations. It’s easy to put the needs of others before your own, especially when you’re afraid of failure. However, by going after what you’re most motivated by in life and owning that, you’re being proactive in fending off imposter syndrome. Meredith shares her own experience, saying, “I know what I want in life, and I go after it. After I finish graduate school, I want to start a social enterprise that empowers women’s economic independence.”

Battling imposter syndrome can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it can be done effectively. By owning your appearance, your role, and your aspirations, you can combat imposter syndrome and increase your self-confidence. Remember, you are not defined by societal standards, your role, or your fears. You are defined by your own standards, your abilities, and your aspirations. As Meredith concludes, “You’ll never be a fraud if you empower yourself to own your own life.”

Meredith Peebles