30 Nov Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Heather Whelpley, speaker, author, and host of the podcast Create Your Own Rules for Life, joins Solveig Brown to discuss overcoming imposter syndrome. With a wealth of experience working with companies worldwide, Heather shares valuable insights on managing self-doubt, setting boundaries, and embracing creativity. She talks us through how to protect yourself from feeling “not good enough” when you work with perfectionists or are treated as an outsider. She also offers some best practices for responding to feedback.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Heather defines imposter syndrome as the feeling of being a fraud despite being successful, capable, and experienced. It often manifests as self-doubt, where individuals feel like they don’t belong or haven’t earned their place, even though they have. While imposter syndrome is common (experienced by about 70% of people), Heather emphasizes that it’s not a diagnosis or a permanent condition. Instead, it’s a temporary experience of misaligned self-perception and reality.

Key Takeaways:

• Imposter syndrome can be situational or constant, affecting people differently.
• It is more of an experience than a syndrome, and it comes and goes.
• The term “imposter complex” or “imposter phenomenon” is often used as well.

How to Switch from Overworking to Setting Boundaries

One key question is how to stop proving your worth by overworking and instead set healthy boundaries. Heather outlines a two-part approach: addressing the underlying beliefs and taking practical steps to set boundaries.

Steps to Setting Boundaries:

• Identify Beliefs: Reflect on why it’s difficult to set boundaries. Is it due to imposter syndrome, or are you connecting your worth to achievement?
• Know What’s Important: Prioritize tasks. Not everything is urgent or essential.
• Ask Questions: Clarify deadlines and expectations to reduce unnecessary stress.
• Communicate Boundaries: Express your limits and stick to them, knowing that people often care less than you think. Heather encourages listeners to start small and experiment with saying “no,” and notes that setting boundaries often leads to less pushback than expected.

Handling External Perfectionism

External perfectionism is when someone else’s high standards fuel your inner critic. Heather suggests treating both yourself and others with compassion. She also highlights the importance of understanding that feedback, whether positive or critical, comes from someone else’s perspective and is inherently subjective.

Practical Tips:

• Acknowledge Subjectivity: Feedback reflects the perspective of the giver, not an objective truth.
• Look for Real Evidence: Evaluate whether feedback aligns with consistent results or input from multiple people.
• Embrace Positive Feedback: Practice accepting compliments and internalizing success by simply saying “thank you.”

Rediscovering Your Creativity

In her book, The Overachiever’s Guide to Breaking the Rules, Heather discusses how overachievers often lose their creative confidence. She encourages listeners to redefine creativity and engage in fun, curiosity-driven activities without focusing on the outcome.

Tips to Reignite Creativity:

• Redefine Creativity: Recognize that creativity shows up in problem-solving, storytelling, and everyday tasks—not just artistic pursuits.
• Let Go of Perfection: Focus on the process rather than the result. Engage in activities that encourage exploration and fun.
• Follow Curiosity: Embrace activities that spark your interest and joy, whether it’s painting with your elbow (as Heather once did!) or journaling.

Conclusion

Heather Whelpley’s insights on imposter syndrome, overworking, and creativity offer a fresh perspective on personal growth. Her advice is rooted in reflection, compassion, and prioritizing self-care. By focusing on the importance of setting boundaries, accepting feedback without letting it define your worth, and rekindling creativity, she provides actionable strategies to combat self-doubt and live authentically. Her work empowers individuals to break free from perfectionism and embrace a more balanced, fulfilling approach to life and career.

About Heather Whelpley

Heather Whelpley is a speaker and the author of the award-winning book, An Overachievers Guide to Breaking the Rules, and Grounded Wildness. She is also the host of the podcast, Create Your Own Rules for Life. Heather has led events on imposter syndrome and creating your own rules for success with thousands of people at different companies and conferences around the globe. Prior to owning her own business, Heather worked at Cargill and Ameriprise in a wide variety of leadership development, human resources, and change management roles across the U.S., Latin America, and Australia.