Ever have moments where self-doubt creeps in, making you question your abilities? Then, it steamrolls and you start to worry about accomplishing your goals? So this is what imposter syndrome is. Imposter syndrome can hinder personal and professional growth
“I’m a fraud, and it’s just a matter of time before everyone finds out.”
Sound familiar? That’s imposter syndrome talking. Most of us have experienced feelings of doubt and unworthiness at some point in our lives. But when your accomplishments are a result of your own knowledge, hard work, and preparation and you still feel inadequate…you probably are suffering from symptoms of impostor syndrome.
What is imposter syndrome?
To answer the question as to what is imposter syndrome, it is a feeling of unworthiness or incompetence, despite achieving accomplishments and success. This feeling is most common in the workplace. Those with imposter syndrome often go to great lengths to hide it, which can stunt their future success.
People who suffer from this syndrome often feel like frauds despite being smart, skilled, capable professionals who actually deserve whatever commendations and praise they’re given. Rather than celebrating their accomplishments, they worry that they’ve somehow tricked people into thinking they’re good enough. As a result, they live in fear of being “found out” or “exposed.”
There are a variety of reasons why a person may feel like an imposter ranging from perfectionism to family upbringing. Regardless of the cause, this toxic line of thinking results in reduced self-confidence, low self-esteem, and limited ability to celebrate well-deserved success.
Imposter syndrome symptoms
We often overlook the signs of impostor syndrome that come up in our day-to-day lives. However, recognizing these signs is the first step toward overcoming them.
You might suffer from impostor syndrome if:
- Feeling of being lucky when actually have prepared well and worked hard.
- Find it hard to accept praise.
- Apologize when actually done nothing
- Hold oneto incredibly high standards.
- Find the fear of failure paralyzing.
- Avoid expressing confidence.
- Turing down opportunities for growth or visibility at work.
If you feel like you’re suffering from impostor syndrome or something like it, know that there are ways to curb these feelings in a healthy, proactive way.
How to treat imposter syndrome?
Getting rid of imposter syndrome isn’t as easy as positive self-talk and a can-do attitude. While those things are helpful, you’ll need to dig a bit deeper to uncover ways to overcome imposter syndrome a debilitating mindset.
Understanding you are not alone
When you have impostor syndrome, some of the most important encouragement comes from realizing how many hugely successful people, both male and female, have built amazing careers even while regularly coping with it.
Distinguish humility and fear.
There’s taking humility in your hard work and accomplishments, and then there’s feeling overcome with fear because of them. Sometimes, simply being good at something can cause it to discount its value. But as Carl Richards wrote in a New York Times article, “After spending a lot of time fine-tuning our ability, isn’t it sort of the point for our skill to look and feel natural?”
It all boils down to feeling unworthy.
Appreciate accomplishments
It’s important to stop and consider what’s happening and what’s happened. If we continue to move at the speed of our emotions, we never get to step back, and really analyze what’s transpired. Pause to reflect on your achievements, skills, and qualifications. Adjust success metrics to focus on what you can control.
Focus on yourself
Cultivate mindfulness and awareness to catch yourself when you start making detrimental comparisons. Redirect your thoughts toward your own progress and personal goals. Develop willpower to stay focused on your unique journey and accomplishments, reminding yourself that everyone has their path to follow.
Be kind to yourself
“Take the pressure off yourself and stop trying to be the expert on day one.” advises HubSpot marketing manager Jennifer Stafancik.
Impostor syndrome often manifests itself as a voice in our heads, berating us with negative messages like “you’re not smart enough” or “you’re a fraud.”
Change the way you talk to yourself in your head by practicing positive self-talk. Not only can it help you become less stressed and anxious, but it can also help you build the courage to do things that’ll bring you greater rewards.
Track and measure your successes
When you feel like an impostor, one of the hardest things to grasp is how much of a role you have in your own successes. To help show yourself that you’re actually doing well, keep track of your wins in a private document.
Create positive mindset
Train for life like an athlete preparing for a race. The practice and conditioning and routine you set for yourself is an all-the-time thing. Consistent effort, regularly (as in constantly) celebrating small wins, and developing a “no-matter-what” mindset will build confidence and help conquer self-doubt.
Say “yes” to new opportunities.
It’s impossible to say “yes” to everything, especially when you’re feeling stressed or spread thin. But it’s all too common for people who have impostor syndrome to turn down career-making opportunities because they don’t feel like they’d do a good job.
When you’re presented with a new opportunity, it’s important to distinguish between the voice in your head saying you can’t do it because you’re not worthy and the one saying you can’t do it because you have too much on your plate. The former is your impostor syndrome speaking.
Reflect
No matter who you are, you’ll never feel successful if you don’t take the time to reflect. We get so mired in the bits and bytes of today, we never step back to consider what happened and how we’re growing. Dedicate daily time for self-assessment to track your progress. Embracing self-awareness and staying connected to your goals will boost your confidence.
