Does anyone else experience feelings of being an imposter?
As I approach my tenth year in Accounting, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m just winging it. I’m currently a controller on track to become the CFO of my company, and it often feels like I’m simply faking it. But then I find myself explaining something and a spark of confidence reminds me that I do, in fact, know my stuff. Yet, come morning, that confidence seems to reset back to the starting point of imposter syndrome.
Is anyone else going through this? What strategies have you found helpful in overcoming it?
One response
It’s completely normal to feel like a fraud, especially in high-stakes roles like yours. Many professionals experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers, regardless of their level of expertise or experience.
What you’re feeling often stems from the pressure to perform and the fear of being exposed as inadequate, but remember that you’ve earned your position through hard work and dedication. It’s important to remind yourself of your accomplishments and the skills that got you to where you are. Keeping a record of your achievements or positive feedback can help reinforce your confidence.
Here are a few strategies to help you manage those feelings:
Talk About It: Discussing these feelings with trusted colleagues or mentors can help normalize the experience and provide reassurance.
Continuous Learning: Embrace a mindset of learning. No one knows everything, so seeking out new knowledge can help you feel more secure in your abilities.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your successes—big and small. It can help shift your focus from what you think you lack to what you’ve achieved.
Visualize Success: When preparing for meetings or presentations, visualize yourself being successful. This can help diminish anxiety and boost your confidence.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Everyone has moments of doubt, and it’s okay to not know everything.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many successful leaders experience impostor feelings, too. You’re more capable than you realize, and it sounds like you’re on a great path toward your CFO role!