Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome; What is it? How Can You Overcome it? 

Imposter syndrome is a common experience which many individuals will struggle with. However, just because it is common, it doesn’t mean that this is any less overwhelming, daunting and extremely difficult to deal with on a daily basis. Below we will be exploring imposter syndrome; what is it? How can you overcome it?

What is imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a series of feelings which an individual experiences. This includes feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt and lack of confidence. These feelings are present, despite the proven success of the individual; so the basis of these feelings is unfounded.

It can be extremely debilitating when it comes to work and studies. If an individual is experiencing imposter syndrome, it can often hold them back in their business and personal lives as they are stuck with the feelings of not being good enough. Individuals experience a sense of intellectual fraudulence that completely overtakes their proven successes and actual competence.

This is why so many people then struggle as time goes on, because they will begin to believe that they can’t do or achieve great things, so they stop trying. That’s why it’s important to work on imposter syndrome and try to overcome it.

Tips on overcoming imposter syndrome.

Here are a few tips on how you can begin to overcome imposter syndrome:

1. Tell someone. Often when we share our doubts and feelings, we feel a lot better instantly as it’s a weight off our shoulders. Also, by opening up about these thoughts and feelings, friends and family will be able to support your progress in overcoming imposter syndrome and reassure you.

2. Think about the positives. Grab a notepad and write down the positives. What are you good at? What praise have you received in the past? List it. By writing down the positives, you will be absorbing them more and you always have a list to go back to whenever the imposter syndrome starts to take over again. It’s really important to recognise what you do well and accept self-praise.

3. What’s fact and fiction? Can you measure success? Or failure? Think about what is fact and what is fiction. If you feel silly, this isn’t a fact or proven… this is just a feeling and thought of your own. On the other hand, if you are new to an area of work, then you have the measurement of time, therefore your fraudulent feelings in this case can be justified, but it doesn’t mean you will do a poor job. You can work hard to overcome this regardless.

4. Rethink your responses. How do you usually react when you make a mistake or fail at something? Failure isn’t actually a bad thing;it helps us learn and transform our futures if we let it. So next time, don’t beat yourself up or think you have proven the imposter syndrome right. Focus on responding positively and thinking about what can come out of it and be learnt.

5. Fake it till you make it. Have you heard of this saying before? It’s true. Once you have addressed your imposter syndrome, shared your feelings with those close to you and learnt how to recognise fact and fiction, you can then work on faking your confidence. Time after time, you can fake it until you will actually start to feel more and more confident. Then those imposter syndrome feelings will lessen.

It’s time to tackle that imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is horrible to have to deal with, especially when you are trying to grow in life and achieve great things. I hope that the tips above have helped you, make sure you keep trying and tackling that chronic self-doubt.

However, if you are still struggling, then please do get in touch with me. I can help individuals to grow in confidence, as their feelings of imposter syndrome deeply lessen. I am passionate about helping those who need it.