Rising and Thriving above Imposter Syndrome: Empowering Tips for No-Code Tech Professionals

Have you ever felt like you're just playing pretend in your own success story? Like you've somehow slipped through the cracks and are about to be unmasked as a charlatan? If that inner voice of doubt resonates a little too well, you might be dealing with the infamous "Imposter Syndrome."

Imposter Syndrome is that sneaky little gremlin that whispers, "You don't belong here," even when you're crushing it at work. It's the art of undermining your own achievements, attributing them to luck or external factors rather than acknowledging your skills and hard work. And here's the kicker: It doesn't discriminate. Whether you're a newbie in the field or a seasoned pro, Imposter Syndrome can swoop in uninvited and start its mind games.

SCARY! I KNOW!

It loves to play dress-up with our confidence and stealthily nibble away at our self-assuredness. And as a brilliant professional, it is time to give yourself credit for all the hard-work.

Almost everyone has experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their career. It gets worse for Product Managers, IT Project Managers and Business Analysts, as most of these professionals come from non-technical backgrounds and as such, end up feeling like they aren't qualified for the job even though they have the requisite skills and experience.

Imposter Syndrome becomes an obstacle for both Product Managers and no-code tech professionals, hindering their ability to perform at their best. This self-doubt leads to hesitations, second-guessing and poor choices, ultimately impeding the momentum of product innovation, growth, and overall development.

Here are Tips to make you thrive and excel above Imposter Syndrome:

1) You are not alone: Knowing this helps you realise that this is quite the universal problem and you're doing just fine. Even those you admire and look up to have at one time or the other suffered Imposter Syndrome. Embrace the shared experience and the universality of this feeling.

2) Your WHY: Why did you choose to become a PM? Why were you chosen amongst the other applicants. Always remember someone believes in your skills and forge on. Always remember the reason you chose this path - the motivation and drive that got you to this point.

3) Ask for Help: No man is an Island. You are not all-knowing, so whenever you need clarity on a process or practice in your job, ask for help. Reach out to your manager or fellow colleague.

4) Focus on your wins: Focus on the times you received a positive feedback from your line manager and colleagues.

5) Accept Feedback with Grace: Be open to feedback and constructive criticism. Pick the very useful ones as not all feedback are important and critical. Learn from your mistakes and improve as a product manager.

6) Set SMART Goals: Set realistic and little achievable goals. SMART = Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound.

7) Join a Community: Finding the right community will help you rise above imposter syndrome. This is because you can learn from others, make connections, receive advice and tips to flourish as a PM.

8) Practice Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: Be present in the here and now, acknowledge your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Imagine catching those self-doubt whispers mid-air and holding them up to the light of reality. By practicing mindfulness, you can create a gap between your thoughts and your reactions, giving you the power to choose how you respond.

Self-compassion, is like a soothing balm for our self-inflicted wounds. It's about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would extend to a dear friend. When that inner critic gets a bit too loud, self-compassion steps in and whispers, "Hey, it's okay not to be perfect. You're human, and that's pretty darn awesome."

Combining mindfulness and self-compassion is like crafting a suit of armor against Imposter Syndrome. When you mindfully observe those doubts and fears, you can address them with self-compassion instead of harsh judgment. It's a transformational dance of acknowledging your struggles while nurturing your potential.

As a Product Manager and IT Professional, cultivating unwavering confidence is paramount. You stand at the forefront, steering teams and shaping pivotal decisions. In this role, self-doubt has no room to linger. When you feel that inkling of uncertainty, take a moment to recognise that you're far from alone. Remember, every step you take, every choice you make, contributes to your journey of growth.

Keep Showing Up, because the path to success is illuminated by your own resilience and determination.