Five ways lawyers can stop imposter syndrome
At Donaghey & Chance, we understand the challenges that imposter syndrome presents, particularly in the legal profession. In June, we hosted an online webinar to address how imposter syndrome can hinder the development of a professional network and self-marketing efforts. Here, we summarise the five key takeaways from the webinar, offering solicitors and barristers practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is defined as the “subjective experience of perceived self-doubt in one’s abilities and accomplishments compared with others, despite evidence to suggest the contrary.” This pervasive issue can make individuals feel like frauds in the workplace and impact their ability to:
· Attend events;
· Post on social media;
· Record videos of themselves; and
· Write articles.
1. Pinpoint Your Issue
To tackle imposter syndrome effectively, you must first identify its roots. It often stems from self-doubt, attributing success to external factors, self-sabotage, and perfectionism. These issues can manifest as nervousness in work meetings, reluctance to attend networking events, hesitation to speak up to senior management, and over-delivery due to unrealistic expectations. Recognising these patterns is the first step towards addressing them.
2. Put Yourself in Other People’s Shoes
Imposter syndrome is a mental battle with little basis in reality. Combat it by adopting an external perspective. Remember, others are preoccupied with their own concerns. As the saying goes, “You’ll worry less about what people think of you when you realise they seldom do.” Shifting your focus can alleviate undue pressure and allow you to just focus on your work.
3. Change Your Mindset
If you often worry about making mistakes at work, counteract this by reminding yourself of positive affirmations, such as “My manager is happy with the quality of my work.” For those who prefer tangible evidence, maintain an appreciation folder in your email inbox. Collect and revisit positive feedback to boost your confidence on challenging days. If you're considering leaving a job but are held back by negative comments from your manager, focus on positivity. Write down, "I leave all negative comments and feelings in this job," and then throw the paper away or burn it. This helps ensure you don't carry any negativity into your new job.
4. Practice Makes Perfect
Overcoming the fear of visibility on social media platforms like LinkedIn requires practice. Begin by regularly posting content, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Similarly, if networking events cause anxiety, practice speaking to strangers in casual settings to build confidence. Practicing in a non-work environment can slowly make you feel more comfortable.
5. Self-Reflection
Engage in self-reflection by viewing yourself through an objective lens, this is key because imposter syndrome is a subjective experience. Spend 10 minutes contemplating, “What is it like to be me when I’m not judging myself?” This exercise can help you recognise your inherent worth and reduce self-criticism. We are often our harshest critics and extending ourselves grace can do wonders for our mental health.
At Donaghey & Chance, we are committed to supporting legal professionals in their journey towards self-assurance and success. By implementing these strategies, you can mitigate the effects of imposter syndrome and enhance your professional growth. Remember, overcoming imposter syndrome is not about eliminating self-doubt entirely but managing it effectively to reach your full potential.