Blog Home Coaching Tips Imposter Syndrome: best ways of overcoming it

Imposter Syndrome: best ways of overcoming it

Imposter Syndrome: best ways of overcoming it

Do you ever have the impression that the whole world is conspiring against you? Or, in spite of your obvious success, do you ever find yourself plagued by feelings of inadequacy? Fake. Lucky. Failure. Not at home here. Insecure. Fraudulent. Undeserving. We have learned. If you find that any of these words resonate with you, it’s possible that you suffer from impostor syndrome.

What is meant by the term “imposter syndrome”?

It is difficult for people who suffer from chronic self-doubt and a predisposition to feel like an intellectual fraud to acknowledge any emotions of achievement or external proof of their ability since they have a tendency to feel like intellectual frauds. No matter how accomplished imposters may be in their chosen field of endeavor, they are unable to accept and appreciate their own achievements.

People who are very successful and motivated can suffer from a condition known as impostor syndrome. There is a substantial correlation between perfectionism and it. Everyone, from women and men to medical students, marketing managers, performers, and executives, can suffer from impostor syndrome. The list of those who are susceptible to impostor syndrome is virtually endless. Know that you are not alone in experiencing these thoughts of imposter syndrome if you can connect to what was said above.

When you have the impression that you are a fraud in your own life, however, it is quite simple to feel cut off from others and all by yourself. It’s possible that you’re under the impression that no one else really understands what you’re going through or that no one else feels as unworthy or inadequate as you do. But the reality is that the entire reverse is true.

In this article, we discuss the impact that imposter syndrome has had on other people, as well as how they have experienced it in their own specific circumstances. You will discover that the world is on your side, and that there are methods to reprogram these sentiments of impostorism in a healthy and empathetic way. You will also learn that the world is on your side.

Repercussions of having impostor syndrome

Imposter Syndrome: best ways of overcoming it

When we are placed in situations that are unfamiliar or unpleasant, it is important for us to maintain a healthy dose of healthy competition and healthy levels of self-doubt. Recognizing that you do not know everything might help you become more receptive to new possibilities for education. The experience of insecurity tells us that in order to develop, we must be willing to adjust to new circumstances and evolve along with them. The phenomena of the impostor takes this a few steps further than it should and instills in our brains a dread of failing and a sense of humiliation.

People who are highly ambitious, determined, and accomplished can suffer from a condition known as imposter syndrome. It is frequently associated with perfectionism, which describes individuals who have high personal standards, who are ordered and tidy, and who strive for outputs that are faultless. Both perfectionists and imposters are driven to achieve success; however, perfectionists are driven by the internal expectation that they must uphold high standards, while imposters are driven by the expectation that they must engage in intellectual deception.

According to one survey, over eighty percent of people, particularly members of ethnic minority groups, have experienced thoughts of impostor syndrome. They are left with the impression that they do not belong, as opposed to having the perception that they are intelligent, skilled, experienced, or deserving.

Research has revealed that impostorism is connected with unfavorable mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression, despite the fact that the imposter phenomenon is not technically a clinical condition. It was also shown that those who have high levels of imposter sentiments are especially susceptible to having poor levels of self-esteem. This was confirmed to be the case.

People who have identities that are underrepresented are disproportionately likely to suffer from imposter syndrome. It was shown that people of color who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education and working contexts in North America are more likely to experience feelings of uncertainty or self-doubt on a regular basis. They have a higher risk of experiencing this occurrence in contrast to their white counterparts. It was also shown that transgender and non-binary persons suffer a similar problem, with an internal theme of not being ‘woman or man enough,’ in their professions, and with the world presumably viewing them as an impostor. This was found to be the case in both studies.

At some time in our lives, most of us have struggled with thoughts of uncertainty and not believing that we are worthy. The impostor syndrome manifests itself when a person’s successes are the product of their own knowledge, hard work, and preparation, yet they nevertheless feel that they are not good enough. We have included some personal stories of people who have experienced the consequences of the impostor phenomenon, as well as some advice on how to conquer the imposter syndrome.

How can one get over impostor syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome: best ways of overcoming it

People who suffer from impostor syndrome have a tendency to feel that their academic and professional successes are not the result of their own attributes, such as their talents or intelligence, but rather the result of other circumstances, such as luck, effort, or assistance of other people. What is important is whether or not we give these uncertainties and worries the ability to prevent us from taking the steps necessary to accomplish our objectives and realize our highest desires.

Know that there are strategies to counteract these sentiments so that you are able to reclaim your confidence back if you feel as though you are suffering from imposter syndrome. This will allow you to take back control of your life. The following is a list of suggestions for overcoming impostor syndrome:

Recognize these sensations as they manifest in your body

In our day-to-day lives, it might be simple to ignore the warning signals of imposter syndrome when they present themselves. However, the first step in overcoming impostor syndrome is to recognize these indications when they occur and to accept that you are not a fraud. 

Possible symptoms of imposter syndrome, including but are not limited to the following:

  • Even when you put in a lot of effort, you can’t shake the feeling that you just “got fortunate.” 
  • You find yourself apologizing even when there wasn’t really anything you should be sorry for. 
  • You strive for excellence and hold yourself to extremely high standards.
  • You find it tough to take praise
  • You never feel as though what you are accomplishing is sufficient. 

Pay great attention to the way that you speak about yourself and to others, particularly when you are discussing topics related to school or your job. Your use of language is an excellent barometer for determining whether or not you struggle with impostor syndrome. If you feel that your own accomplishment or earning praise makes you uncomfortable, give yourself some space to ponder on where those sorts of ideas have evolved from and what they may mean for you.

Exhibit some compassion for yourself

Treat yourself with kindness. Changing your inner monologue, or the way you say to yourself internally may be accomplished by simply engaging in positive self-talk and putting it into practice. The habit of negative self-talk is harmful, and it may have a significant effect on the levels of worry and stress that we experience.

It may also be beneficial to take a step back and think about how your current situation stacks up to where you were a year ago, or even five years ago. You have reached milestones that your more youthful self would be pleased to see you achieve. Always keep in mind the importance of showing compassion toward oneself.

It is also essential to keep in mind that your value is not proportional to the things you have accomplished. Learn to understand those sensations of anxiety and accept that you are absolutely good as you are, even without your accomplishments, in order to overcome impostor syndrome. This will allow you to realize that you do not need to change anything about yourself.

Try to find some help

Realize that you do not stand alone. Talk to other people about what you are going through, whether it be with a friend, a counselor, a coworker, a mentor, or even the person who is managing you at work. It is preferable not to suffer in quiet with unpleasant ideas but rather to have an open conversation about the matter. You will be more equipped to cope with your imposter syndrome if you share what you are going through, and it will also help you appreciate the value that you bring to the table.

Let go of the perfectionist that resides within you

Imposter Syndrome: best ways of overcoming it

The impostor syndrome may be overcome with a healthy dose of perfectionism. In the case of impostor syndrome, it may be extremely detrimental to both one’s productivity and their sense of self-worth, despite the fact that there are circumstances in which it might be beneficial. Many people who struggle with impostor syndrome are high achievers who hold themselves to an almost impossible standard and are fully dedicated to excelling in all aspects of their lives. These people are plagued by feelings of inadequacy and persistent fear of being exposed as fraud.

Always comparing yourself to a flawless outcome that is either unreachable or unrealistic may be detrimental to your mental health and should be avoided at all costs. The pursuit of perfectionism is seldom more useful than it is likely to be detrimental, and it will only serve to make you feel more like a phony.

It is necessary to remind yourself to practice self-compassion. Being attentive to your thoughts and actions may help you let go of perfectionism. Reminding yourself to practice self-compassion is crucial. It will be much simpler for you to acknowledge your own value if you readjust the criteria for achievement that you use. You may conquer impostor syndrome by shifting your attention from striving for perfection to concentrating on the progress you’ve made instead.

Your train of thought has to be rewired

Imposter syndrome may be conquered by performing the transformative act of rewiring your train of thinking. When you make changes to the dialogue you have with yourself on a regular basis, you are able to better understand where your strength originates.

The first step is to pay attention to the messages that appear in your head at random. It’s common for impostor syndrome to develop as a voice in our brains, tearing us down and telling us hurtful things like “you’re a phony” or “I don’t deserve what I’ve achieved.”

Take note of when symptoms of imposter syndrome creep in and how you react to them when they do. The practice of mindfulness can assist you in remaining in the here and now and in remaining aware of your own thoughts and feelings. Because the imposter phenomenon occurs automatically and without conscious thought, this piece of advice is very vital. It will make it easier for you to intentionally shift the direction your thoughts are going in.

Researchers in the field of psychology have shown that repeating positive affirmations are an effective way to fight symptoms associated with impostor syndrome. Because they create a bridge into your subconscious mind, these positive remarks have the potential to reduce feelings of tension and worry.

I am a strong and capable person I do not have to be perfect to be effective I have earned my place here I am confident in my abilities I am an asset to any team I release any self-doubt that I have I have earned my place here I am confident in my abilities I am an asset to any team. Read below some positive affirmations to practice for imposter syndrome. 

Imagine yourself succeeding, then take ownership of it.

You didn’t become lucky by coincidence. Make sure that you take credit for your achievements! Those who are frequently concerned about being “exposed” have the propensity to ascribe their achievements to uncontrollable elements, such as good fortune or the assistance of others. People who suffer from impostor syndrome have difficulty acknowledging that their achievements are due to attributes that lie inside themselves, such as their intelligence, ability, perseverance, and work ethic.

It could be beneficial to keep track of your achievements so that you can have a clear picture of how far you’ve come. Try writing down items that will help you visualize your accomplishments, such as the number of monthly views that your article has earned, copying down the positive reviews or messages that people have written to you, and other similar things. This can help you see how far you’ve come. 

Additionally, take some time to reflect on the compliments that others have bestowed upon you when they do so. Take note of how you react, and make it a goal to talk more favorably about yourself. This will make you feel more confident in your accomplishments.

Recognize the bumps in your path to learning

Everyone has things that act as subconscious obstacles and prevent them from achieving their goals. Recognizing that you do not know everything is another method to break through the walls of perfectionism and face those learning curves while overcoming impostor syndrome. Recognizing that you do not know everything is an important step in the right direction.

It is also essential that you take responsibility for your mistakes. Acquire the skill of appreciating critical feedback. When you find yourself in a bind, ask for assistance. When you discuss the things that did not go your way with other people, you are able to come to the realization that most of the time, other people are also having difficulties.

You are able to see that failure isn’t a setback, but rather a chance for development and redirection when you share the learning moments that arise from those failures. This is a critical step in learning to overcome impostor syndrome, which may help you realize that failure isn’t a setback.

Embrace your feelings

Even if you are successful in overcoming the symptoms of impostor syndrome, it does not guarantee that you will never experience them again. Throughout our lives, we are going to be subjected to a never-ending stream of novel events, feelings, and difficulties.

The pattern of thinking known as the “Imposter Syndrome” causes us to question both our capabilities and our achievements. It is essential that you understand the causes of the sensations that you have of being a “fraud,” despite the fact that you may experience feelings of this nature from time to time. Rather than allowing yourself to slide down the steep slope of thoughtless pessimism and self-doubt, you may avoid it by remaining present with all of your feelings, which will give you the ability to deliberately reflect on how you are feeling.

You will be able to check yourself if you find yourself falling into that critical and harsh thinking pattern now that you are equipped with the new abilities you have learned on how to overcome impostor syndrome. When you identify those feelings, you give yourself permission to become aware of what you require in order to make a course correction and alter your direction.

Conclusion

It’s possible that you’re underestimating the number of persons who are affected by impostor syndrome. When we discuss it with other people and make connections with them over this undesirable quality that we all have, we begin to see that we aren’t the only ones who struggle with it.

The following is a quotation from former First Lady Michelle Obama, who is now on tour for her best-selling book, Becoming. “I still suffer from a touch of imposter syndrome… That nagging notion that you shouldn’t take me as seriously as I take myself doesn’t go away. What do I know about this? I am telling you this because I believe that we all have questions about our capabilities, our power, and what exactly that power is.

When you realize that you are not the only one who has these thoughts, it is a powerful feeling. By being aware of the ideas that are working against us, we will be able to wrest control away from our subconscious, which will enable us to confidently achieve our objectives and take credit for our accomplishments.

We hope that our guide to overcoming impostor syndrome has enlightened you with strategies to realize your best self and that you may now bask in all of the glory and achievement that is rightfully yours. If you feel as though you are suffering from the impostor phenomena, read this guide.