Have you ever thought or felt you aren’t good enough for the job for you were employed to do and that your boss could discover that at any time? Or perhaps you’ve felt like you’re just pretending to be an adult who is capable of acquiring a home or raising a child, while everyone else you know seems to have everything under control.
Despite the overwhelming proof that we’re managing our lives, careers, and relationships successfully, many of us still harbor the delusion that we aren’t as capable or intelligent as people think we are. This is called Impostor syndrome.
It is not a medical condition or diagnostic, but rather a way of thinking that can result in self-doubt, unfavorable self-talk, and missed opportunities.
Taking ownership of your accomplishments and realizing your own potential are the first steps in overcoming imposter syndrome. According to psychologist, Dr Susan Albers these are a few steps you can take in overcoming imposter syndrome:
Have your accomplishments as reminders
It can be useful to have a physical reminder of your accomplishments in situations where you feel inferior. Put the email your manager gives you in a dedicated folder after they commend you on a job well done. Hang the card your child made you on the fridge so you can see it, especially on days when it seems like nothing is going right. It will remind you of what a wonderful parent you are.
Do not compare yourself
Focus on evaluating your own accomplishments rather than comparing them to others. Comparing your own life to a meticulously curated influencer’s social media page, for instance, can lead you to believe that you fall short of their standards.
Your feelings are not facts
Chances are, you’ll feel imposter syndrome creeping in at some point in your life. “Be ready for those feelings, observe them, be mindful of them and be ready with a response,” Dr. Albers advises. Recognize that just because you think these things, doesn’t mean they’re true. “If your mind says, ‘I don’t know what I’m talking about,’ remind yourself that you know more than you think you do and are capable of learning.”
Attend therapy
A therapist can assist you in identifying imposter syndrome-related emotions and developing new coping mechanisms. The solution, according to Dr. Albers, is action. It’s important to take action and move on rather than becoming bogged down by the thought that you can’t do anything.
It can be crippling to have self-doubt. But now that you’re aware of how to handle these emotions, you may try to avoid falling victim to the impostor cycle by making an attempt to move on.
Also see: Basic rules to live by in 2023 according to a life coach
