With an estimated 70% of the population experiencing it at some point in their lives, impostor syndrome is where an individual doubts the validity of their accomplishments and fears being exposed as inadequate, despite evidence that they are actually a competent, skilled and successful person.
For Amy Cuddy, banishing the impostor syndrome is all about the “power pose” – she advises that we take a couple of minutes in private to stand tall with chest out and hands on hips, just like Wonder Woman, in order to increase confidence for the day ahead. In one of the most watched TED talks of all time, Cuddy proves that body language affects not just how others see us – it also influences our own minds, reduces stress, increases confidence and impacts how we see ourselves.
Whether channelling Wonder Woman proves to be your thing or not, take control, acknowledge your achievements! You’re doing an amazing job and together you will make a difference to the lives of people everywhere, people living with dementia, their carers and future generations who hope to live without the fear of developing this terrible disease.
Beth Eyre
Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali
Dr Anna Volkmer
Nature Careers Blog