Impostor Syndrome – 14 Ways To Stop Feeling Like An IMPOSTOR
Ever experience impostor syndrome? No worries! Here are the 14 best tips to stop feeling like an impostor today.
Let’s chat about impostor syndrome.
Have you ever felt like a fraud in danger of being exposed when someone praises your work?
Do you ever think your achievements are just a matter of luck (rather than a result of your amazing ability)? If so, you may be experiencing what is called Imposter syndrome.
Impostor Syndrome (what a lovely name right?) is a term that psychologists invented in the 1970s when they were studying successful women.
Now, they know that men are just as likely to be affected.
In fact Albert Einstein himself said:
The exaggerated esteem in which my lifework is held makes me very ill at ease. I feel compelled to think of myself as an involuntary swindler.
An estimated 70% of adults experience these “impostor syndrome” symptoms at least occasionally.
High-achieving individuals are particularly vulnerable to experiencing it, especially when they are trying something new or celebrating an important occasion like a job promotion.
They think things like:
I am a fraud.
I can’t do this.
What if people find out I really have no idea?
I am not good enough.
Despite outstanding academic and professional accomplishments, women who experience the impostor syndrome phenomenon persist in believing that they are really no bright and have fooled anyone who thinks otherwise.
Impostor syndrome is thought to be caused by your personality or the way you grew up.
It’s the feeling whereby you find it difficult to internalize your accomplishments – even though there is external evidence of your competence.
Whatever the reasons, you can stop undermining yourself.
You can learn to experience doubts without MAKING THEM MEAN SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR WORTH or letting them interfere with the happiness and success you deserve.
Here’s How to Change Your Thinking:
DITCH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
TIP # 1 – Remember your achievements.
Review your track record.
Don’t be humble.
You need to acknowledge your achievements!
Once you have that list of victories written down hopefully you will see that they are not just random things that happened.
You worked hard for it and you earned that success!
DITCH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
TIP # 2 – Give yourself credit.
Once you have your list of achievements in hand, you need to celebrate how great you are.
The best way to do this is by changing your self-talk.
When you catch yourself becoming critical, congratulate yourself instead.
Reframing your thoughts will help you to view yourself in a more positive light.
DITCH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
TIP # 3 – Accept uncertainty.
Impostor syndrome is often associated with perfectionism.
But the truth is there is no such thing as perfection!
Aim to be perfectly IMPERFECT instead.
Embrace yourself unconditionally, flaws and all, your strengths and weaknesses included.
Set realistic goals and expectations and know that there will always be hurdles along the way.
DITCH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
TIP # 4 – Validate yourself.
You don’t need to rely on the approval of others.
Instead you can live up to your own standards and validate your own successes.
As Lecrae once said “if you live for people’s acceptance, you will die from their rejection.”
Be mindful of your thoughts and feelings so you can manage them effectively.
Stop looking outside for scraps of pleasure or fulfillment, for validation, security, or love – you have a treasure within that is infinitely greater than anything the world can offer. Eckhart Tolle
DITCH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
TIP # 5 – Appreciate effort.
Do you regard struggle as a sign of weakness?
In reality, success often requires careful planning and hard work.
There is nothing to be ashamed of if you sweat and toil a bit on the path to success.
Changing Your Behavior:
DITCH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
TIP # 6 – Talk it over.
Impostor syndrome can be a difficult cycle to break because your first impulse is to cover it up.
You want to pretend it doesn’t exist.
On the other hand, revealing your insecurities will help you to put them in perspective.
You might discover that some of your peers feel exactly the same way.
DITCH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
TIP # 7 – Build support.
Ask family and friends for help if you need it.
Having the courage to be vulnerable will boost your confidence and strengthen your relationships.
DITCH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
TIP # 8 – Fight stereotypes.
Feeling like an outsider can contribute to impostor syndrome.
For example, maybe you’re much older or younger than your coworkers.
Um, so what?
What’s the big deal?
Look for ways to turn that diversity into an advantage instead of feeling awkward about being different.
DITCH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
TIP # 9 – Be spontaneous.
There is a chance you may be putting unnecessary pressure on yourself if you frequently over-prepare for various events.
This often comes back to wanting things to be perfect!
Let go of that need and aim for some flexibility instead.
Throw a party with takeout pizza instead of spending an entire day in the kitchen.
Just RELAXXXX.
DITCH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
TIP # 10 – Accept compliments.
Can you receive praise graciously or do you secretly want to run and hide when someone showers you with compliments?
It may be time to practice saying thank you sincerely.
You’ll create a more pleasant experience for yourself and the other person hen you learn to graciously accept compliments.
DITCH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
TIP # 11 – Find a mentor.
Changing long-standing habits can be tough work which is why working with a mentor will give you the benefit of ongoing feedback from someone you trust.
You may also feel more accountable knowing that someone else is monitoring your progress, too.
DITCH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
TIP # 12 – Teach others.
Do you realize yet how much you have to teach others?
Recognizing your areas of expertise can be tricky when that knowledge and skills are built up slowly over time.
However instructing others is an excellent way to learn more about yourself while providing a valuable service.
You will feel less like an impostor when you are actively DEMONSTRATING your skills to others.
DITCH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
TIP # 13 – Stay relaxed.
Challenging situations are likely to trigger a defense mechanism.
You’ll find it easier to be authentic and feel less like a fraud if you manage your daily stress.
Carve out some time for meditation and physical exercise.
Slow down and take a deep breath if you find yourself starting to question your worth.
DITCH IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
TIP # 14 – Take risks.
Impostor syndrome can also hold you back from trying new things.
Make a list of all the projects that excite you and take pleasure in learning as you go along.
Saying goodbye to impostor syndrome often comes down to building your confidence and sense of belonging.
You really do need to feel more comfortable with yourself which in turn will lead to you taking more satisfaction in your achievements.
Develop a mantra such as “I’m meant to be here” to overcome Imposter Syndrome because guess what?
You are exactly where you are meant to be right now in life my friend.
You are meant to be RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW.
The best advice I’ve ever received is “no one else knows what they’re doing either.” Ricky Gervais
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I’m Frances Vidakovic – a mindset & action coach for quietly ambitious women who want to stop overthinking and finally take aligned action. I help women achieve their goals and follow through on what matters, without sacrificing their sanity or soul.