Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How Leaders Can Draw on Their Brain's Neural Power
Even the most accomplished executives self-doubt sometimes. In fact, nearly 70% of leaders experience imposter syndrome at some point - the persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud.
As an executive coach, I've seen this phenomenon first-hand. Leaders who by all objective measures have achieved major success, but privately feel inadequate or undeserving.
This not only impedes performance, it’s detrimental to the bottom line. Employees take cues from the self-assurance of their leaders. When executives exude uncertainty, it creates ambiguity and paralysis in decision making. The costs permeate entire organizations.
But emerging neuroscience reveals imposter syndrome can be conquered through surprisingly simple techniques. Specifically, tapping into the brain's inherent creativity has been shown to boost confidence and resilience.
How Drawing Strengthens Neural Networks
Decades of research proves creativity activities like drawing enhance motivation and well-being. But new studies explain the underlying brain mechanisms:
fMRI scans show that the physical act of drawing activates the brain's reward circuitry. Increased blood flow to the medial prefrontal cortex releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to motivation and focus.
The focused attention that drawing requires quiets the brain's fear center, the amygdala. Indeed, regular journaling has been shown to decrease amygdala activity by 60% or more. Combining writing with drawing amplifies these neural benefits.
With consistent practice, drawing can rewire the brain's neural connections via neuroplasticity, creating new neural pathways. Negative thought patterns are disrupted as you visualize self-doubt and replace it with self-assurance.
The Research-Backed Solution
I’ve coached clients to use the following research-backed drawing exercise to tackle imposter syndrome (note- you do NOT need to be an artist!):
Identify and write down the specific self-doubts feeding your imposter syndrome. Be detailed.
Grab a pen and paper. Visualize these doubts through drawing. out the nagging doubts that feed your imposter syndrome. What does self-doubt look like? What shapes and colors come to mind? What are the images that come to mind?
Flip the page and draw the opposite. Use all of the same elements from the first and convey the exact opposite in your drawing. How do the colors, shapes and symbols change?
Reflect on both drawings. What new insights emerged? What do they reveal about your inner critic? How can you leverage these insights to silence the voice of doubt?
Repeat this process regularly. Use it as mental rehearsal to retrain your brain.
Leaders who do this exercise report dramatic boosts in self-confidence and leadership impact. They stop engaging in self-sabotage and maximize their impact.
As an executive, you cannot afford self-limiting thoughts. Your example cascades across the organization. By kicking imposter syndrome to the curb, you model the courage and capability your teams need to thrive.
Stop Waiting For Permission
If reading this sparked self-doubt, that’s normal. But recognize the feeling for what it is - a conditioned neural reflex, not the truth. You have already earned your seat at the table. Now live up to your hard-won success.
Take control of your inner narrative. Transform self-doubt into an opportunity to grow your leadership. The evidence is clear - you have the capacity for immense impact if you take bold and consistent action.
The choice is yours. Will you keep playing small and in doubt, or activate your full impact? Your organization is counting on your decision.
