You feel like a fraud or put your achievements down to luck, even after reaching great career goals

Working for 30 years in the health care sector in high performing roles I rarely trusted my own abilities, knowledge or recognised how much I had achieved. Feeling I was just lucky to land the roles and that they possibly made a mistake hiring me.

You feel that your ideas and skills are not worthy of others' attention

I over analysed much of what I said, did or achieved. Often thinking others had more to offer than me. Not living my life freely, through fear of getting it wrong, judgement or lack of support.

You see criticism as your imminent failure

I felt criticism was proof that I was not suitable for the role and that I was letting people down. That they would realise I wasn't smart enough and they got it wrong .

You struggle to accept small faults and strive to make things perfect

I was having sleepless nights worrying about little imperfections, mistakes that may or may not happen and refining systems to work more efficiently so I could get more done. Beating myself up when I didn't meet my own high demands.

You miss out on opportunities to progress due to second guessing yourself

I dreamed of living a fuller, happier life and progressing in my career but I felt trapped inside myself and felt like I was lucky to be where I was, so why change things and risk failure.

You feel guilty when you take time to care for yourself?

I would feel guilty if I took time to myself to rest... or heaven forbid do something I loved. I just kept pushing through risking my health to reach unrealistic goals.

You struggle to say no, so take on more and more responsibilities?

I spent much of my time trying to "do the right thing". I found myself taking on more and more responsibilities, struggling to say no and taking over responsibility through fear of not being good enough.

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