SLAYING IMPOSTER SYNDROME - Tip #3

Doing something nice to turn down the inner critic chatter...

Hello there, lovely readers

I hope this missive finds you well & happy that 2023 has started well for you

In the previous newsletter, I outlined a tips from my series on my 45 Not Out closed Facebook group about how to reduce the volume on that most insidious of voices - Imposter Syndrome - so that it doesn’t stop you from reaching where you want to be. I’m chuffed to say the Facebook group is growing nicely and there’s some fab conversations in there, and of course, we are there for the same reason - to ensure we aren’t overlooked and to support each other. As it’s a “closed” group, it’s a safe space with no judgement or negativity. If you’d like to be part of it, you can take a look here

So, in this newsletter, I’m including another of the tips I outlined in the Facebook group and, in short, the tip is called CREATING YOUR IDEAL SELF. A bit cringey and over-used, I know, but bear with me and let me explain…

The exercise has been developed by behaviourists and has been covered extensively by Paul McKenna (marmite, I know) and many others (some might say more worthy than Paul…?). Either way, it goes like this:

1. Give thought about what your ideal self would look like. This can be somebody you admire - either in real life or in public life - or just parts of somebody’s personality that you admire. I’m always drawn to those who have a self-deprecating sense of humour - those who can poke fun at themselves - it’s a quality I wish I had naturally.

2. From what you’ve chosen above, create a visual image of what this woman would look like. Refine this image enough so that you can see them clearly in your minds eye.

3. Once you’ve done that, imagine the woman in your image stood in front of you. Then take a step and imagine entering into that person and try to feel exactly what it would be like to be that person. Spend some time doing this and get really comfortable “being there”.

Although this might sound a woo-woo, it’s a really nice exercise to do and even doing it the first few times you should feel a sense of wellbeing once you’ve done. But the changes you’re looking for don’t come overnight. You need to practise, practise and practise this technique over time to let it seep through the layers in your brain. But whilst you’re doing that, one of the early pay offs is the sense of peace you get after doing this little exercise. It can get quite addictive :)

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So, there you have it - the final tip from me and how to try and turn down the volume on this most destructible of phenomenon. I’ve been doing it myself for a while now, and it does work. I’ve noticed that in some instances I react to certain situations very differently than I would normally. And always for the better.

So give it a try and let me know how you get on - I’d love to hear from you.

That’s it from me for another issue - I hope this one resonated with you. I’ll be back with you in a fortnight’s time

Stay safe, well & strong till then

Una x