Stepping into your role as a new leader (or even a newly promoted leader) can feel intimidating, and many experience imposter syndrome—a persistent feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy despite evidence of success. However, if you are going to be an effective leader, you need to defeat the imposter. Here are some strategies to help you build confidence and silence your inner critic:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is recognizing it. Understand that many leaders, even the most successful ones, have faced similar feelings but you can’t linger. Acknowledging your doubts can help clarify your mental position and reduce the power of these thoughts.
2. Reflect on Your Achievements: It is important to remember your successes, no matter how small. Keep track of your accomplishments, revisit old reference letters, and get feedback from trusted allies. Reviewing these can reinforce your abilities and remind you of the value you bring to your team.
3. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to connect with like-minded peers. Connecting with a supportive peer group can provide valuable perspectives and encouragement. Sharing experiences with others can help normalize your feelings and offer practical advice.
4. Set Realistic Goals: I don’t know about you but as an overachiever, sometimes I set goals that are a bit out of reach - but establishing goals that you can actually achieve allows you to focus on progress rather than perfection. This approach fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts confidence. It also gets you closer to the other (out of reach) goal that is now more attainable.
5. Embrace Continuous Learning: View every challenge as an opportunity to grow - lessons over losses. The more you grow, the more you know. The more you know, the more you build your confidence. 

Remember, confidence is a skill that can be cultivated over time. By acknowledging your feelings, celebrating your successes, seeking support, setting realistic goals, and committing to continuous learning, you can overcome imposter syndrome and lead with conviction. Embrace your unique journey—you're more capable than you realize!