Last updated on January 29th, 2023
If you’ve ever felt like a fraud or feared that you’re not as qualified as others think you are, you may be suffering from imposter syndrome.
How to Deal With Imposter Syndrome
This condition is more common than you might think, and it can have a serious impact on your career.
But there is hope! With a little effort, you can overcome imposter syndrome and start feeling like the confident professional you are.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
In recent years, the term “imposter syndrome” has become more and more popular.
If you’re not familiar with the term, imposter syndrome is when people feel like they’re not good enough or they’re frauds, even though they may be successful.
It is a condition where people feel like they’re not good enough or qualified for their successes. It’s common among high-achievers, and it can lead to self-doubt and anxiety.
Many high-achieving people suffer from imposter syndrome, and it can hold them back from reaching their full potential. Thankfully, there are ways to overcome imposter syndrome.
If you are feeling like an imposter, it’s important to understand why and to work through those feelings.
Why Do People Suffer From Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud”.
The term “imposter syndrome” was first coined in 1978 by clinicians Dr. Pauline Clance and Suzanne after years of counselling highly accomplished and successful professors, administrators, and students who were very worried about being found out as a fraud.
It’s been widely studied since then, with some estimates suggesting that as many as 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives.
There are many theories about why imposter syndrome occurs, but one common thread is that it often affects high-achieving individuals who set very high standards for themselves.
This can be compounded by outside factors such as sexism, racism, and other forms of discrimination.
While imposter syndrome can be debilitating, there are ways to overcome it. One key step is acknowledging that your feelings of fraudulence are not based in reality.
Possible Signs You Have Imposter Syndrome
Do any of these sound familiar to you?
- Perfectionism. You might give yourself very high goals. Because you want to be perfect, even small mistakes can make you feel like a failure. Over-preparing. You might spend hours preparing for a meeting, presentation, or pitch. You may even have someone else check your work to make sure it’s perfect.
- Give credit for success to luck. You play down your success because you don’t think you deserve it or you think you just got lucky. You find it hard to express your feelings about your success, because you tend to be overly modest.
- Afraid to ask for help. Because you think people will judge or criticize you. You feel like a fraud and that soon everyone is going to find out that you aren’t as smart/talented/capable as they think you are.
- Unable to recognise success. Instead of being proud of what you’ve done, you worry that others will see “the truth” about your skills and abilities. You fear that you will be exposed as a fraud, as someone who doesn’t deserve the position, the salary, and all of the other perks (like praise, recognition and promotion). You are sure “everyone” is talking about how you’ve been lucky to get where you are.
- Afraid of failing. If you’re afraid of failing, you might set hard goals and be disappointed when they don’t work out. You might also only do small things because you’re afraid of failing.
Having imposter syndrome can make you feel like you don’t deserve new opportunities, That feeling can prevent you from seeking out new opportunities altogether.
It’s important to remember that everyone feels like an imposter sometimes. That feeling doesn’t mean that you’re actually an imposter. It just means that you’re human.
13 Tips to Help You Overcome “Imposter Syndrome”
There are a few things you can do to overcome imposter syndrome.
Here are some tips to help you Get Past “Imposter Syndrome”
1. Admit that you feel like a fake
Know when you start to feel like a fake. Instead of giving in to your self-doubt, recognise that it is a natural reaction. Instead of engaging in negative self-talk, remind yourself of your accomplishments and successes. cut yourself some slack—everyone feels like an imposter sometimes!Â
2. Get to the root of the problem
Why do you think you don’t feel like you fit in? Is it because you are afraid of failing? Do you think you don’t deserve to be successful? Or, are you just not being true to yourself?
Whatever the reason, it is important that you take some time and try to figure out what’s holding you back. Once you identify your barriers, then you can work towards overcoming them.
For example, if you feel like you don’t deserve to be successful, then work on your self-esteem. If you are afraid of failing, then try to think about a time when you were able to overcome failure. Find the silver lining in failure.
3. Think about the facts, not how you feel
When you start to feel like a fraud, think about the good things. For example, maybe you got a job interview because of how qualified you are. Or maybe you got a good grade on an important project. Remind yourself that you are on the path to being awesome.
“I have such a big future ahead of me. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
4. Ask yourself if that thought is helpful or harmful
Does feeling fraudulent help or hinder you? Do you want to be like that? What kind of a person do you want to be? If it is helpful to you, then keep it. If not, let it go.
The more we live our values, the easier this process becomes. It gets easier to tell the difference between a helpful thought and one that is harmful.
5. Act as if you are already the person you want to be
What would that look like? How would that feel? Take a moment and imagine what it would feel like if you really were qualified, or if people really liked your designs, or if your grades were really high.
How would you walk, talk, and act? How would you dress? What would you do for fun? What would your community and social life look like?
6. Turn your thoughts around
Instead of telling yourself that you don’t deserve success, change your way of thinking to give yourself more credit and enjoy it.
Remember that you deserve success, and that you can do it. Success is yours for the taking.
7. Realize that it’s okay to mess up
Instead of being afraid of failing, you should learn how to deal with mistakes in a healthy way. Accept that making mistakes is normal and learn from each one.
8. Find a mentor or coach who can help you
If you don’t have one, seek out someone who has already done what you want to do and ask for advice.
Ask them to guide you and help you get started. Find someone who is already successful, who has already done what you want to do, and ask for advice.
9 Ask for help if you need it
Having a safe place where you can get support will help you feel less like a fake. When you feel like you’re not good enough, make a mistake, or get a compliment, you may want to hide.
Instead, reach out to a supportive mentor, coach, or co-worker for help.
10. Keep a journal and write down your accomplishments. Set achievable goals, write down why you are where you are today and what you have achieved.
11. Learn to love yourself
When you love yourself, you can do anything. Practice mindfulness (being present in the moment) daily.Â
12. Live your life in the present moment and enjoy it
Focus on the present moment. If you’re constantly living in fear of the future or dwelling on the past, you’re not going to be able to enjoy the present.
Try to take pleasure in simple things and focus on what you’re doing right now.
13. Stay strong and keep going
No one’s journey to success is easy, but you can do it! Believe in yourself! Keep being your own #1 fan and cheerleader, because you are amazing just the way you are!
Final Thoughts
Almost everyone experiences imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. It’s the feeling of not being good enough, of being a fraud, of being certain that you’ll be exposed as a imposter
But imposter syndrome doesn’t have to rule your life. These are a reminder on the things you can do to overcome it and live your life in the present moment.
- Accept that everyone feels like an impostor sometimes. It’s normal and it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you.
- Don’t put your successes down to “luck” or “help from others.” Instead, take credit for them.
- Set smaller goals so you can enjoy the process instead of setting standards that are impossible to reach.
- Don’t forget that there will never be a “perfect time.”
- Accept the fact that everyone has to start somewhere.
- When someone gives you a compliment, say “thank you.”
- Practice being honest when you feel like you’re not good enough, embarrassed, or you’ve done something wrong.
- Share your accomplishments and successes, and be proud of them.
- Realize that it’s okay to mess up. Instead of being afraid of failing, you should learn how to deal with mistakes in a healthy way.
- Accept that making mistakes is normal and learn from each one.
Take the steps above to build your self-esteem and self-worth instead of doubting yourself.
In conclusion, imposter syndrome is a real phenomenon that affects many people. However, it is possible to overcome it.
Recognize that you have imposter syndrome first. Once you have done that, you can start to work on changing your mindset.
This includes challenging your negative thoughts, building up your confidence, and seeking out support from others.
With some effort, you can overcome imposter syndrome and begin to silence your inner critic to become the confident person you know you are.
