Reinvent Yourself: From Imposter Syndrome to Identity Shifting for Your Personal Brand

A solutions-focused approach to move from feeling like an inauthentic personal brand to an aspirational one

There’s no shortage of discussion around imposter syndrome. In case you missed it, it’s a psychological phenomenon of feeling not as capable as others perceive you to be. Those that suffer from it feel like they don’t deserve their accomplishments. It can create persistent self-doubt, fear of being “found out” as a fraud, fear of failure and overwork.

I believe imposter syndrome is real and distressing for those who believe they have it. I hear this from my personal brand coaching clients regularly. But, I’ll be blunt and offer a potentially unpopular opinion. I personally feel this is a first-world professional problem and it’s time to change the conversation.

Rather than simply professing it, have a solutions-focused discussion around addressing it. In my humble opinion, not as a psychologist, but as a personal brand specialist, identity shifting is one of the most useful methods I’ve come across to address feelings of imposter syndrome for your personal brand.

What is identity shifting?

Identity shifting is a concept for consciously shifting your personal identity. This is achieved by adopting new beliefs, behaviours and characteristics to align with your desired self. It brings together psychology, neuroscience and personal growth to rewire your mind and life. For your personal brand or personal life, you might use the concept of identity shifting to become a more confident, successful or healthier version of yourself. By emotionally aligning with your new identity, you can transform your thoughts and actions to better match the person you wish to be.

This is where sceptics may start shouting about the importance of authenticity in personal branding. Yes, the power of authenticity in personal branding is essential. It’s the reason why the personality of a magnetic personal brand jumps off a page, stage or screen to connect with you. But, be aware of the limitations of ‘authenticity’. Misuse of authenticity keeps you attached to your limiting beliefs and in your comfort zone.

As Sheryl Sandberg highlights in Lean In, Tina Fey said it best:

“The beauty of the imposter syndrome is you vacillate between extreme egomaniac, and a complete feeling of: ‘I’m a fraud! Oh god, they’re on to me! I’m a fraud’…Seriously I’ve just realised that almost everyone is a fraud, so I try not to feel too bad about it.”

Imposter syndrome is often attributed to those who believe in luck and external forces. For me, this external locus of control is related to adopting a ‘fixed mindset’ over a ‘growth mindset’, as developed by Carol Dweck. Instead of believing you don’t deserve something, reframe your limiting belief about yourself. As neurolinguistic programming proposes, limiting beliefs are actually limiting decisions.

The Law of Assumptions proposes your inner state creates your outer reality. So, instead of focusing your thoughts on being an imposter in a potentially self-fulfilling prophecy, who do you want your identity to shift into being?

1. Write down your desired identity shift for your personal brand

Writing your goals generates better results. As I shared in my previous blog on How to Write Down Your Goals the Right Way, the simple act of writing down your goals alone sets you up for success.

Research from Harvard University showed that those with written goals and plans to support it 10x their income in 10 years compared to their peers. So, who do you want to be? If you find yourself in a CEO, senior leader or other role you don’t feel is “you” yet, how can it be? What characteristics of the leaders you admire resonate with you? Swap feeling inauthentic with feeling aspirational.

Define how you want to redefine your personal brand’s identity in all aspects.

2. Chart your path for your personal brand

Once you know where you want to go, plan how you’ll get there. As The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle highlights, history and science show that talent isn’t born, it’s created. So, to your list, add the habits, hobbies and routines that your ideal self has. For example, Fast Company research shared that the average CEO reads 60 books a year or five books a month.

If you read my personal branding blog, you’ll know I advocate for habits and hobbies, as it’s often these behind-the-scenes routines that create the person you see and admire. Or, as Michael Hyatt says in his book Free to Focus, we all have a:

• Front stage (what people see)

• Backstage (the work that goes into the front stage)

• Off-stage (what most people don’t see, but allows you to show up on those other two stages)

So, if an identity shift is the vision for your personal brand, the habits, hobbies and other everyday methods are how you make a big vision an everyday reality.

3. Add visualisation to your personal brand reinvention

I can’t say this enough lately. When it comes to all things personal branding and personal development - use Pinterest. The more I learn about the power of visualisation, the more I believe it’s one of the most under-discussed methods for mainstream professionals.

The best athletes, performers and other elite professionals have mastered it. They aren’t just writing down their goals, they’re mentally rehearsing them. If this feels far-fetched to you and you feel more pragmatic putting pen to paper, remember humans are wired for visuals. In fact, despite all the power of words and language, it’s a relatively late acquisition for us homo sapiens. We relied on visuals long before we could speak, write and read.

So, put your personal brand identity aspirations on your vision board. Pin in, and refine it further, on Pinterest. Set your boards to private if it makes you feel better. Create boards and sub-boards until you can see the personal brand you want to represent so clearly it’s as though you already have it - another key element of identity shifting. Get granular: How does that person dress? What do they eat? What do they do in their spare time?

4. Pinpoint your new launch date

Soon, my husband and I are moving into our new home. It’s given me a chance to reflect on who I want to be in this next chapter of my life. This is not about forgetting who I have been, but rather finding the most valuable ways to honour traditions and what has worked, while also welcoming what can be. Much like many treat stepping into a new year, milestones create an opportunity to leave the hangovers of past chapters behind.

In his book When, Daniel Pink discusses ‘temporal landmarks’. For example, social scientists call the first day of the year a ‘temporal landmark’. Like with physical landmarks, humans also use temporal landmarks to navigate their way.

We all remember that moment in iconic coming-of-age movies, rom-coms and reality shows where the once troubled character reappears in a Cinderella makeover moment. Cue slow-motion big reveal, new outfit and hair flick. Give yourself a deadline to start putting your desired identity shift into personal transformation motion. For example, this might be on the:

• First day of the month

• The start of a new season

• Your birthday

• A personal milestone (a physical move, career change, new job, being fired, breakup,  new relationship, marriage, work anniversary or another special occasion)

• Or, it might simply be the next Monday you decide it’s time for a change

Of course, this can relate to much more than a confidence boosting makeover. This date might relate to when you want to start a new activity, challenge, habit or hobby. It’s the date you press play on putting your personal brand identity shift plans into action.

5. Stagger your identity shift for sustainability

In reality, while surface-level makeovers might happen overnight, true change is a long game.

While a big reveal of a new you creates a moment in time, make it sustainable. Add new habits, hobbies and other elements of your desired personal brand to a staggered schedule. Give yourself time to start to master new elements, skills or activities of your identity before adding more. When you’re in it for the long term, there’s no rush to grow into the best version of yourself all at once.

Remember, Cinderella’s power was not in her fancy dress. And even her carriage transformed back into a pumpkin. Like the lovable character of your favourite film, people don’t actually just reinvent themselves. With their limiting beliefs cleared and practical plans in place, they just bring out what was always within them. What could be more authentic than that for your personal brand?