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Early in my career, my imposter syndrome was on steroids!

I remember taking a managerial role for the first time. I had all the credentials "on paper":

• Qualified Accountant

• X years of experience in finance

• The systems and industry experience

You name it! This is not to brag, but to depict how f*cked up imposter syndrome can be.

Something felt off... I felt like I didn't deserve it. I remember the Managing Director Mike telling me you're our new finance guy "Believe it, feel it". Thinking back, I'm not sure if he sensed my imposter syndrome. I definitely earned and deserved it, but I was self-sabotaging!

I think I cracked the code after speaking to counselors, therapists, and mentors. Below are a few things one can do to attack the imposter syndrome:

1. Embrace your uniqueness

I often felt like an imposter, especially in rooms where I was the only one like me. Deciding to own your uniqueness by seeing your background and perspective as an asset goes a long way.

Over time, I learned that knowing my sh!t and accepting who I am, along with my quirks was key to silencing that imposter's voice.

Now, if anyone challenges my place here, I'm ready with my unique insights to prove them wrong!

You'll feel so confident in yourself that you can tell a situation that’s trying to knock you down to...

2. Keep an accomplishment album

This is evidence-based, so you're not bullsh!tting yourself. I discovered this through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. All my professional and personal accomplishments are kept in my notes.

I review this regularly to remind myself that despite my differences in my "mental wiring" I'm still a k!ller when it comes to setting goals for myself and attaining them. Despite the MULTIPLE setbacks I encounter, displaying resilience!

Make sure to celebrate your wins. No win is too small to celebrate! At the end of the day what we want is to acknowledge our positives and reinforce our belief system, which can help:

• Build momentum

• Provide dopamine

I'm pretty sure y'all have something to be proud of. Start somewhere by writing it down!

3. Continuous learning

If you're keen on learning and growing, you can use this to your advantage! By focusing on your skill development, you improve over time enabling you to build confidence.

The thought of presenting filled me with doubt, a classic sign of imposter syndrome. I understood that presenting was crucial in a finance career, and was committed to learning.

• I studied the best presenters

• Watched political debates

This helped me:

• Present on my wedding day in front of 350+ people

• Perform well in job interviews

This was empowering for me as an introvert, depicting that with persistent learning and practice, imposter syndrome could be transformed into a strength.

4. Visibility & Voice

Have you ever been “seen and not heard” when you had the damn answer or solution to something?

That was me early in my career. But I found owning your work like it's your business to be game a changer. I make attempts to know every aspect of it, including the people I manage. So if anyone asks me anything you bet I'm ready to speak up and answer.

Over time, I've made it a habit to know my sh!t, and it's helped reduce that imposter feeling.

Next week we'll talk about the neurodivergent traits your CEO displays, and what we can learn from them.

If you enjoyed this post, or know people who can benefit from it. Please spread the word. They can subscribe at neurodiversediary.io/subscribe

• 1 in 36 U.S. kids has autism. Awareness is up, but understanding lags. Schools struggle with inclusion, and there's a push for personalized treatment and celebrating autistic strengths.

• Check out Jennifer Chou's ADHD Content System. Learn growth strategies in 30 minutes daily, for ADHDers. Check it out here before January 19!

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Lastly,

Stay Different,

The AuDHD Exec

Disclaimer: I am not your psychiatrist, coach, doctor. Neurodiverse Diary does not provide medical services or professional counselling and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Everything I publish represents my opinions, experience, not advice.