This is where we find ourselves feeling inadequate despite evidence we are progressing well.
I see 2 things happening here when I encounter it myself when reaching for a new level and with clients I help move through this.
- The role you are in is fairly new.
- A part of you needs to learn to feel worthy.
The first thing is to explore the label you have given your experience. If you have labelled it too high then your identity needs time to catch up via experiences. Change the labels, you can quickly change how you feel.
Now let’s assume.your labels are accurate, then there may be some core worth work to be done to let your nervous system know you are providing value and have the skills to deliver. Knowing your own values is super helpful here. As you can use your internal motivators in values to talk with your unconscious mind and get your identity on board with your awesomeness.
When we start researching we find it has several labels. Which one feels closest to your story. Or a combination of these.
- The Perfectionist: Strives for flawlessness, leading to self-doubt when goals aren’t met.
- The Superhuman: Feels the need to excel in all areas, often overworking to prove worth.
- The Natural Genius: Believes success should come easily and struggles with setbacks.
- The Soloist: Avoids seeking help, equating independence with competence.
- The Expert: Doubts abilities despite extensive knowledge, fearing inadequacy.
All leading to self doubt and anxiety.
But what is really going on here? There is some invisible set of rules held by the unconscious mind. Some measurement that might actually not be useful in taking this next action that we all learn so much from.
One such set of rules can be described as your identity. Or specifically a part of your identity that is out of step of your new challenge.
When you delve into this research all the experts agree that your actions will always align with who you think you are. And if you have a life that is beyond what you believe you are worthy for you will sabotage yourself back to your baseline.
What’s the answer?
Update your identity.
Well how do I do that Matt?
Sounds well and fine but I don’t have the user manual to my brain.
There are building blocks to your identity. Or your ego states.
Let’s use Robert Dilts Neurological levels as a framework. Identity is fed by…
- Beliefs
- Values
- Capabilities
- Habits
- Environments
Having taken many clients through this process, I found that the bottom 3, 4 and 5 were measurements.
Whilst 1. Beliefs and 2. Values were the levers to shaping the identity generalisation.
By breaking down identity we can start to address the smaller parts. Identity itself is too big and strong to shift directly. But beliefs and values are like the side door to the castle. Much easier to do some change work.
So here are some ideas on where to start.
- Parts Integration: Resolves internal conflicts to create congruence between values and identity alignment.
- Timeline: Reframes past experiences to release memories that created limiting beliefs.
- Visualization: Redefine self-perception and envision a more empowering identity.
- Neurological Levels of Change: Aligning identity with higher purpose.
These work at both conscious and start to get through to the unconscious nervous system where all your rules and meanings are kept.
Change those and you will be able to handle imposter as just on the way to excellence without focussing so much on not being worthy and focussing more on delving value to others whilst feeding your own values via actions that prove your new identity.
You are indeed worthy.
Warm regards, Matthew Tait
