What to Do When You Feel Like a Fraud

Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks has openly discussed his struggles with self-doubt. Even with ample evidence to the contrary, he sometimes sees himself as an impostor who will be discovered and replaced by other actors.

Lady Gaga is the first female singer to sell 10 million copies of four singles. She is an accomplished actress, songwriter, singer, and entertainer adored by millions, yet she constantly battles the feeling that she isn't good enough.

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has achieved incredible business success, but still fights impostor syndrome. That is the feeling that others believe him to be much more capable than he is. He is an impostor, and it's only a matter of time before everyone discovers he isn't that smart or deserving of success.

What do these and other successful people do when impostor syndrome strikes? They use the following practices to boost their self-esteem and self-confidence to continue to achieve at a high level.

Celebrate Your Wins

Remind yourself of your victories. Start a journal where you record your successes, both big and small. Celebrate your wins. Review this journal frequently. It proves that you have what it takes to create positive experiences.

Spend Time With Your Fan Club

Some people see you as a superstar. They admire and respect you. Spend more time with them. See them as members of an emotional support network that validates your awesomeness.

Speak candidly. Be honest about your feelings. Tell them precisely what is on your mind. The people who care about your well-being will quickly point out your strengths and abilities, which can reaffirm your belief in yourself.

Choose To Believe The Opposite

Do this whenever you experience a negative or limiting thought of any kind. Remember that you are always allowed to choose what you believe. Why not think you are an incredibly capable and deserving high achiever rather than a fraud?

Impostor syndrome can paralyze you and keep you from leading the incredible life you know you deserve. The next time you see yourself as an impostor, choose to believe the opposite.

Reframe Your Thinking

Focus on your values instead of what society and other external forces expect of you. Live authentically. List your most important beliefs and start living according to those empowering ideas.

Too often, we allow others to dictate what we see as important. We live according to other people's values and beliefs. Due to constant connectivity and a ceaseless barrage of information, our critical belief systems can take a back seat to ideals that won't bring us fulfillment and happiness.

Remember what matters most to you, and start living according to those values. Make a list of your values, use them to set challenging but achievable goals, and reframe your thinking from looking for outward signs of success to feeling good about embracing your unique self.