Everyone experiences Imposter Phenomenon in different ways, but one commonality we have found is the time people feel it's symptoms most prominently: when we're starting something new.

Whether it's a new job, taking on a new project, or working with a new team, beginning something new can bring on fresh feelings of self-doubt. To move through the first few moments of new tasks, there's three things we like to remember: 

• Everything you do well today was once new to you | This is a truth we so easily forget. Before starting something new today, remind yourself that everything you do - and get accolades for - didn't just "come naturally". You had to learn new skills to get there. The same will be true for the new thing you're taking on today.
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• Staying in the present helps lessen the nerves | It's been said many times, but there is truth in the fact that keeping your mind focused on the present can help lessen the feelings of Imposter Phenomenon. Our suggestion? Try to think no more than 5 steps ahead of where you are when the thoughts of Imposter Phenomenon start to creep in. This contained mindset keeps you in action mode and can help prevent you from freezing from IP anxiety.
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• Reflecting regularly can help | Tiwalola Ogunlesi, founder of Confident and Killing it, had a clever way of thinking about the importance of regular reflection. “Imposter syndrome is just temporary memory loss, where you have forgotten all the amazing things about you,” she told Kess Eruteya, a contributor to Harvard Business Review. “We can mitigate imposter syndrome by reflecting on and reminding ourselves of our strengths on a regular basis."

Next time you start something new, revisit these three simple steps to help make sure Imposter Phenomenon doesn't get in the way of your continued growth and greatness.

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