Do you ever get a nagging feeling that you’re a fraud? Do you constantly doubt your accomplishments, attributing them to luck rather than skill, and fear that it’s only a matter of time before people find out you’re not as capable as they think? This common, yet isolating, feeling is known as Impostor Syndrome.

"Impostor Syndrome: What It Is and How to Overcome It" from Personal Development ProSkills.training is your essential guide to confronting this chronic self-doubt and unlocking your full potential. This comprehensive 5-lesson, 10-page course, complete with graded assessments, will help you define impostor syndrome, determine if you're experiencing it, and provide actionable strategies to face your insecurities head-on.

Impostor syndrome causes you to feel inadequate despite evidence proving otherwise, seeing your insecurities as facts rather than opinions. Left unaddressed, it can become your "own worst enemy", leading to significant drawbacks including:

• Wasted time: Over-preparing and spending more time than necessary on tasks due to fear of being seen as a fraud.
• Missed opportunities: Selling yourself short when advocating for promotions or hiring opportunities, feeling underqualified.
• Burnout: Overcompensating and overworking yourself because you feel you're not good enough.
• Stifled potential: Holding yourself back and avoiding risks due to crippling insecurity.
• Difficulty soliciting help: Avoiding asking for assistance to prevent revealing perceived flaws.
• Social isolation: Prioritising work above all else, potentially sabotaging personal life.
• Chronic stress and self-doubt: Pervasive feelings of inadequacy and fear of being "exposed" can lead to anxiety, affecting your self-confidence, energy, and general wellness.

This psychological phenomenon affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their skills or accomplishments, including high achievers like Maya Angelou, Albert Einstein, Sonia Sotomayor, Michelle Obama, and John Steinbeck.

The course provides six simple but effective strategies to overcome impostor syndrome:

• Record negative thoughts and identify their cause: Develop self-awareness to understand what's triggering your insecurities.
• Challenge negativity with facts and positive affirmations: Combat irrational thinking by reminding yourself of your qualifications and repeating positive phrases about yourself, such as "I'm creative and persistent".
• Talk it out: Share your fears with a trusted adviser, mentor, family member, or friend to feel less alone and gain much-needed empathy and reassurance.
• Seek feedback from your manager and colleagues: Get out of your head and gain a more realistic picture of your performance, turning feelings of inadequacy into actionable insights.
• Don't compare yourself to others: Focus on your unique journey, strengths, and what makes you special, rather than unrealistic social media portrayals.
• List your successes: Collect concrete proof of your self-worth by reflecting on past achievements, awards, projects, and praise to demonstrate your talent and worthiness.

By applying these tools, you can manage and effectively overcome impostor syndrome, realising that you are "smarter and more talented than you think". Don't let chronic self-doubt sabotage your career and personal life. Enrol today to take action and regain your confidence!