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Own Your Greatness

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Own Your Greatness

Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life

Ulysses Press,

15 min read
5 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Impostor syndrome can hobble your career and well-being, but you can beat it.

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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Well Structured
  • Concrete Examples

Recommendation

Estimates say that 70% of the population struggles with an intense sense of self-doubt – impostor syndrome. Oscar winner Tom Hanks and former Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg say they are among that number, proof that even great success is not a guaranteed antidote. Psychologists Lisa and Richard Orbé-Austin present a straightforward program for confronting and overcoming impostor syndrome. They focus on replacing counterproductive coping mechanisms, building a support system and revising negative self-talk.

Summary

Many successful people struggle with impostor syndrome.

Many accomplished people regard themselves as unworthy of their success. They fear their advancement is a result of luck, and they are afraid of being exposed as a fraud. These feelings are manifestations of the impostor syndrome.Fully 70% of people experience this psychological condition, a misalignment between someone’s competence and his or her self-image.

Men who have impostor syndrome generally avoid challenging situations they fear could lead to exposure, and they stick with roles they can perform successfully. They compare their work with that of less skilled colleagues. These strategies reduce anxiety and fear, but they can hobble career advancement over time.

Women dive into the most challenging roles and subdue their impostor feelings by overworking. However, they may derive only scant satisfaction from performing well.

Impostor syndrome can be insidious for members of marginalized communities. They may encounter majority community people who believe they secured their positions through special treatment due...

About the Authors

Lisa Orbé-Austin, PhD the co-founder of Dynamic Transitions Psychological Consulting, is a licensed psychologist and executive coach. Richard Orbé-Austin, PhD is the founding director of NYU’s Graduate Student Career Development Center. He is a psychologist, executive coach and organizational consultant.

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    M. A. 3 months ago
    It is a valuable resource that provides inspiring insights and effective strategies for skill development and team performance enhancement. It serves as an excellent companion for professionals looking to improve their workplaces and elevate opportunities for learning and development.