If you have been in employment for many years and dream of becoming an independent specialist, but are afraid to train people, you have impostor syndrome. Here are some steps and exercises that will help you pump up your self-confidence and painlessly listen to critics.

Three typical fears of “imposters” include:

• To deceive the expectations of clients or audience.
• Colleagues or competitors will tear initiatives to pieces.
• Knowledge in the profession is outdated.

Self-confidence doesn’t come instantly. It’s the result of consistent work on beliefs. Here are six steps that will help you defeat your inner “imposter.”

Step 1: Define Your Goal and Comfort Zone

Choose a goal: what you want to accomplish in your field. It could be an increase in skills, a new position, or launching your own project. For example, if you are an expert at online gambling, then try to work on your skills at the live casino online. 

Define your comfort zone and gradually expand it. Start with small steps. Take part in a discussion on your topic in a specialized community on Facebook and offer your commentary to media outlets looking for experts. There are special journalistic query services for this purpose.

Step 2: Go to School

Choose courses that have practical assignments to apply your new skills. Experts advise workers to keep a professional diary and record their knowledge and ideas in it, so they can see their progress and build their self-confidence.

Make a reading list from leading experts in your field and read these books.

Step 3: Practice

Find a mentor or mentor to share experiences and help you identify your growth areas.

Implement small projects or research to apply what you’ve learned. This could be a blog, a workshop, or a discussion with colleagues. Each time you share your knowledge, your confidence in your expertise will grow not only with you but also with your audience.

Step 4: Networking

Join professional communities to share knowledge with colleagues and get their support. Sign up for profile groups where you can draw on the expertise of experienced colleagues, argue, and agree on cooperation. 

Participate in conferences and events on the topic to meet new people. This way, you will broaden your horizons and exchange knowledge with like-minded people.

Step 5: Analyze Feedback

Gather feedback from colleagues, clients, or students. Learn to accept failure and criticism as an integral part of development. This will help you move forward, even in difficult moments.

Analyze feedback regularly, noting your successes and lagging areas. Remind yourself that all people make mistakes.

Step 6: Perform

To pump up your public speaking skills, practice in front of a mirror or videotape yourself. Then talk about your project with loved ones or coworkers, and gradually increase your audience. This practice will help you adapt to attention and manage anxiety.

A Few More Tips

Recall accomplishments. Make a list of your professional achievements and reread it every time you feel fear and uncertainty.

For example, remember how you helped fellow newcomers take their first steps in your field and company. The experience of a mentor shows how valuable and in-demand your knowledge is.

Engage in self-development. Meditation, yoga, and helpful books can help you become more focused and confident.

Visualize success before a consultation or presentation. Visualize yourself confidently sharing your knowledge and the audience listening approvingly. This will reduce inner tension and help you set yourself up for success.

Remember that imposter syndrome isn’t a disease or a sentence, but rather a challenge that can be overcome with the right strategies and exercises: practice, self-reflection, and acceptance of your achievements and abilities. This process takes time, patience, and a willingness to work on yourself.