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One of my wonderful friends reminded me recently; Imposter Syndrome isn't actually a syndrome - it's a feeling. And feelings pass.
I know how it feels to be a new social worker. Second guessing each tiny decision. Panicking thinking other professionals are doubting your every move. A constant voice in your head saying, 'I don't know what I'm doing'.
There are so many ways to manage Imposter syndrome (or imposter feeling as my friend would say), but here are 3 things you can do today to make a start.
Breathe
Having control of your breath means you approach challenges from a place of calm, rather than a place of anxiety. It is so much easier to reframe negative thoughts when you are breathing at a slow pace. No one is expecting you to do hours of meditation. Sometimes just 60 seconds will do the trick. Don't knock it till you've tried it.
Change your body language
If imposter syndrome was a person, that person would be sat in a corner, looking down with hunched shoulders. Changing your body language is a way to work from the outside in and counteracts the lack of confidence with a strong power pose. Want to know more about this; watch Amy Cuddy's TED Talk 'Your body language may shape who you are'.
Embrace Silence
If you feel insecure it is likely you will try to overcompensate. In social work this can look like doing lots of talking to try and make things better, and usually getting yourself tied up in circles. When the urge comes to fill the gap, embrace the silence. By slowing down and not rushing in to find answers or solutions, you will work from a place of confidence.
If you need to build your confidence in practice, CONFIDENCE IN SOCIAL WORK MASTERCLASS is what you need.
Realistic advice, scripts for practice and ideas for managing conflict and challenge; all in one training video with a bonus mindfulness download.
