Words Into Works #103 | The 3 C’s Strategy

In Own Your Greatness, Lisa Orbé-Austin, and Richard Orbé-Austin introduce a transformative approach to combating impostor syndrome: the “3 C’s Strategy.”

This strategy aims to empower individuals to recognize, confront, and ultimately overcome the pervasive feelings of being a fraud despite evident success and competence.

The 3 C’s stand for Clarify, Choose, and Create, forming a roadmap for anyone looking to reclaim their confidence and recognize their true worth.

The 3 C’s Strategy

• 1. Clarify
• 2. Choose
• 3. Create
• The Impact on Education and Career
• Conclusion

Clarify

Clarify involves a deep introspection to identify the thoughts and beliefs contributing to our feelings of impostor syndrome. It’s about understanding the roots of these feelings—whether they stem from family expectations, academic pressures, or professional environments. By clarifying the source of impostor thoughts, individuals can begin to challenge and question their validity, setting the stage for transformative change.

Choose

Choose represents the critical step of deciding whether to engage in behaviors and thought patterns that counteract impostor syndrome. This decision means actively acknowledging achievements, seeking constructive feedback, and reframing failures as opportunities for growth. The authors write that focusing on positive affirmations and realistic appraisals of one’s skills and contributions is vital for building a healthier self-image.

Create

Create focuses on developing new roles and identities that align with one’s authentic self rather than the impostor persona. This involves setting clear boundaries, pursuing goals that reflect our true interests and values, and engaging in activities that reinforce a sense of competency and achievement. Through creation, we can establish a new narrative about ourselves that celebrates our achievements and acknowledges our right to success.

The Impact on Education and Career

The importance of the 3 C’s Strategy lies not only in its ability to help us overcome impostor syndrome but also in its potential to enhance our overall mental health and well-being. By clarifying, choosing, and creating, we can develop a more compassionate and realistic view of ourselves, leading to greater satisfaction and fulfillment in our personal and professional lives.

However, applying the 3 C’s Strategy can be challenging and rewarding. For someone who has always felt undeserving of their job title might begin by clarifying why they feel this way, perhaps identifying past experiences of being undermined.

Choosing could involve them starting to document their achievements and actively seeking feedback to build a more accurate view of their professional abilities. Finally, creating might see them taking on new projects that align with their skills and interests, further consolidating their confidence and competence in their role.

Conclusion

The “3 C’s Strategy” offers a powerful framework for dismantling the deeply ingrained narratives that fuel impostor syndrome. By clarifying the origins of these feelings, adopting new, empowering behaviors, and creating roles that reflect our true abilities, we can own their greatness.

This journey toward self-acceptance and confidence is not just about combating impostor syndrome—it’s about embracing and celebrating our achievements and contributions with the full recognition we deserve.