High Achievers and Imposter Syndrome

Invest in You

In this episode of the Invest In You Podcast, Fredrik and Charlie talk to Tara Halliday, Director of Complete Success, about the significant correlation of being a high achiever and having impostor syndrome.

Tara herself is a big dreamer and has been a ‘go-getter’ since childhood. But when presented with extra challenges, she goes back to her comfort zone because of her doubts and fears. Sound familiar? Well, you might have symptoms of impostor syndrome. Tune in today to know what it is, its causes, its symptoms, and some tips on how to prevent it.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• What is impostor syndrome? Impostor syndrome was first discovered in 1978, but it was only during the last 5 years that it become more talked about. It is “the secret feeling of being a fraud when you’re not and the fear of being found out.” It affects 70% of high achievers most of the time.
• People with impostor syndrome mostly feel confused, isolated, overwhelmed, and anxious.
• Fake it till you make it. This aphorism can be used if you have zero or less confidence in doing something. There is no other way to get comfortable with, for example, public speaking, than to try it. And then try it again until you’re already confident and good at it.
• What causes impostor syndrome? It’s a combination of 3 things:
• A very particular activity; gets triggered when we take on something unknown
• high challenge and low support
• the belief that my worth depends on what I do
• It’s okay to be nervous before doing things you aren’t used to doing. Don’t get held back by your fear. Calm your nervous system down. Breathe mindfully and do some meditation. Taking risks is part of getting the best results.
• Invest in yourself. Get the most out of your own life. Rather than being ‘driven’ by something, try to attain such calm that you’re ready and unafraid to take on any adventure—an adventure where you’re only thinking of how far you can go and not limited by anything.

BEST MOMENTS

• “It is this low-level doubt that people have and it can hold them back. It can also lead to stress-related illnesses.”
• “A part of learning is being prepared to fail.”
• “The research says that people who experience impostor syndrome make up 70% of high achievers.”
• “People with impostor syndrome know they’re good. It’s just they feel that they aren’t good.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

• Read Unmasking: The Coach’s Guide to Impostor Syndrome by Tara Halliday. Order it now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Unmasking-Coachs-Guide-Impostor-Syndrome/dp/1781333009
• Subscribe: Invest In You Podcast
• Order and Read Trust is the New Currency book by Sheila Holt & Fredrik Sandvall
• Kickstarter How To Make Money As A Teenager book

ABOUT THE GUEST

Tara Halliday PhD

Director, Complete Success Ltd

Tara Halliday is a specialist in impostor syndrome and a trainer in applied neuroscience and excellence. Tara has a PhD in engineering and 20 years’ experience as a holistic therapist, coach and neurofeedback trainer.She is the author of ‘Unmasking: The Coach’s Guide to Impostor Syndrome’, and co-author of two books on leadership and relationships.

She runs Inner Success, an 8-week intensive training and coaching programme for executives to eliminate impostor syndrome for good.

• Book: 'Unmasking' Available on Amazon
• Impostor Syndrome Quiz: http://bit.ly/ImpostorQuiz
• Website: www.completesuccess.co.uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Serial entrepreneur Fredrik Sandvall loves sharing ideas and interviewing world-class entrepreneurs and influencers. Invest in You is about investments, entrepreneurs, personal development and doing fun things. He hopes to ensure you take action, helping others and yourself, plus enjoy the journey we call life.

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