Imposter syndrome is a common feeling among individuals, where they doubt their own abilities and accomplishments, and fear that they will be exposed as a fraud.
According to the Journal of General Internal Medicine, 82% of people have felt like an imposter at some point in their lives.
What Does Imposter Syndrome Look like?
Common signs of imposter syndrome include:
- difficulty accepting success
- feeling unworthy of praise
- feeling unworthy of positive feedback
- fearing failure
The feelings and beliefs brought on by imposter syndrome can lead to negative consequences such as sabotaging your own success, burnout, and job dissatisfaction.
Is Imposter Syndrome related to other things?
There are often underlying factors contributing to imposter syndrome:
- family dynamics
- work culture
- perfectionism
- social anxiety
Imposter Syndrome – you are worth it
To overcome imposter syndrome, it’s important to acknowledge one’s feelings, talk to others about them, and practice self-compassion and self-acceptance
Acknowledge your feelings
Pause and consider your feelings without any judgement or shame. This helps you to rationalise your thoughts, easing those nagging moments of self-doubt.
Talk to others
It is never easy talking fears but sharing dissolves the intensity. Talking to others can remove aloneness and help us make sense of how we’re feeling.
Self Talk
Chatting in the mirror might be a step too far but sometimes we need a gentle reminder we have abilities. Reaffirming your worth lays down a challenge to your inner critic.
My Imposter won’t shut up
It’s important to remember that imposter syndrome is a common feeling and that many people experience it at some point in their lives.
If Imposter Syndrome is getting in the way of life repeatedly then therapy or coaching can help you talk through the issues and apply some tools to help you feel yourself.