Ways To Deal With The Imposter Syndrome

Have you felt like you don’t belong? Do you feel anxiety even when you are doing well in life? Do you feel that you don’t deserve anything better in life? You might be experiencing the ‘imposter syndrome’.

What is imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a feeling of inadequacy and incompetence, despite evident success in life. It is persistent self-doubt and a sense of hesitation or vacillation that overrides any feelings of being strong and successful.

Why does imposter syndrome happen?

There is not a clear cause, but many reasons why this can happen. Fear of failure, self-sabotage, feelings that you are not as enough or as competent as others that you perceive. While it is not a recognized disorder, it is not an uncommon syndrome. Imposter syndrome has been found to be a reaction to particular stimuli or certain events that produce self-doubt and reasoning and it can happen to anyone. 

How to know if you have imposter syndrome? 

Are you feeling that you are incompetent and incapable despite actually being successful in your life and career? Do you have feelings of severe inadequacy, or feel afraid that people will see that you aren’t good enough to be in your job? If so you might be suffering from this imposter phenomenon which can make you see things in a different manner. There can be mood swings, feeling of anxiety, disappointment, envy, suspicion, guilt, and more. You are constantly judging yourself and seeing a disparity with how you’re perceived, and how you really are. 

How to deal with the imposter syndrome?

One of the important steps to reduce self-doubt is to acknowledge your thoughts and put them in the right perspective. You need to critically question your thoughts and find your motivation in every feeling. Constantly ask yourself, ‘does that thought help you or disturb you?’

Reframe your Thoughts

Experts say that the difference between the people who have imposter syndrome and those who don’t is the way they react to challenges. 

Determining the value of constructive criticism, comprehending that you are delaying your team’s performance when you don’t ask for cooperation, recognising that the more you craft your skill, the more qualified you will become, can all help.

Share your Feelings

Never hide what you are feeling. The feeling of self-doubt can lead you to depression. Thus, experts suggest that you should constantly stay in touch with the people you trust.

People who know you well can help you understand that whatever you are feeling is normal and you will be absolutely fine once this period of self-doubt is over. If you prefer, you can also take help from a professional psychologist to ease the feeling of constant self-criticism. 

Summing up, most people have moments of self-doubt and this is quite normal. It is important to not let that feeling overcome or control your actions. The goal is to accept the challenge and carry-on knowing that just moving forward is a positive step. However, it can be beneficial to seek outside assistance if needed, whether that be a colleague, a friend, or a professional to gain some perspective. 

Carrie Benedet is a leadership coach and an expert in improving emotional intelligence. You can read more relevant blogs on https://www.carriebenedet.com/blog/. To know more, write to https://www.carriebenedet.com/contact/.