Unmasking imposter syndrome
It is normal to feel out of place once in a while. This can happen when you move to a new area, start a new job, or meet a new group of friends. However, imposter syndrome makes you feel this way in all walks of life.
Imposter syndrome is when you feel like you do not belong and that it is only a matter of time before others discover this about you. You think every success you ever had is from dumb luck instead of your own skills. This condition is a form of perfectionism where you will want to work twice as hard as anyone else to avoid “newbie” vibes.
Here is how to recognize and treat imposter syndrome to ensure that you are the best version that you can be
How to Identify Imposter Syndrome
It is said that 70% of people experience an episode of imposter syndrome at least once in their lives. Imposter syndrome can make you feel like you are a fraud every time you advance in life.
Ask yourself if you overanalyze every flaw of yours or every mistake you make. Think about how sensitive you are to criticism. If someone tells you that your work is good but could be better, you could be taking that too personally.
Imposter syndrome can cause you to downplay your own skills even if you are the best at them. You feel out of place and think it is only a matter of time before people catch on.
Discuss Your Feelings
Without sharing feelings of inadequacy, those negative feelings will grow stronger over time. Finding someone to discuss these feelings with will make you feel much better.
This person you talk to should be someone who has known you for a long time. They will be the best person to tell you what you should believe about yourself and to send your irrational beliefs out the window.
Recognize Your Strengths
Think about the strengths that you have had since you were younger. Maybe you are good at working under pressure or speaking to a crowd better than other people are.
Write down accomplishments that you have had since childhood. Take a look at this list whenever you think the accomplishments you have made are dumb luck. Give yourself a reminder that the luck you have made is based on your skills alone.
No More Comparisons
There is a saying that there will always be someone out there who is better than you at something. Even if that is true, it does not make you a failure or a phony.
If you get jealous when you see the success of others on social media, do not start dumbing yourself down. Everyone is good at something and so are you.
For example, one of your followers on social media may be working on engineering a new spaceship. While that is a great accomplishment of its own, that person could end up being jealous of you that you can hold boardroom meetings; a skill your follower cannot do. Let your friends have their accomplishments without feeling like something was taken away from you.
Do Not Hold Back
Negative thoughts can hold you back from going after what you want. You are not going to want to pursue your goals if you think you are not good enough.
Know your worth and tell yourself that you do belong where you are. You deserve all of the good things that happen to you and never let anyone tell you differently. If you are still struggling with imposter syndrome with self-doubting thoughts to follow, speak to a mental health professional right away.
