Imposter Syndrome: What it is and How to Deal With It
Regardless of whether you are an intern or a CEO, we can guarantee that nearly everyone reading this has experienced Imposter Syndrome at some point or another. In fact, research shows that up to 82% of people have been a victim of this phenomenon.
Imposter Syndrome can be incredibly damaging to your performance and self-esteem, but rest assured that it is easily cured. In this article, we will discuss what Imposter Syndrome is, its symptoms and impact, as well as how to deal with it.
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What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome is the name for a common experience amongst professionals, regardless of their industry or skill level. It can be described as a feeling of incompetence and self-doubt within one’s career that usually appears for no apparent reason. This feeling is most common in the workplace, but it can manifest in just about any part of a person’s life.
Some people describe it as feeling like a fraud or an imposter, hence the name. Regardless of how hard you’ve worked or how skilled you are, you may feel as if you have tricked everyone into believing that you are good at your job. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and guilt, and a fear that you will be ‘discovered’ and fired.
Signs That You Are Experiencing Imposter Syndrome
If you are feeling insecure and incompetent in your career, it is important that you consider Imposter Syndrome as the cause. Below are some signs that you may be experiencing this issue:
⚠️ Self-doubt: Constantly questioning your abilities and feeling inadequate, even when you are successful in your career
⚠️ Perfectionism: Setting excessively high expectations for yourself and feeling like a failure if you don’t meet them.
⚠️ Discounting your achievements: Downplaying your accomplishments as luck or as a result of external factors rather than allowing yourself to acknowledge your skills and hard work.
⚠️ Fear of failure: Being consumed by the fear of making mistakes, being exposed as a fraud, or feeling anxious about being ‘found out’.
⚠️ Comparing yourself to others: Constantly comparing yourself to coworkers and peers and feeling inadequate or inferior to them, even when you objectively perform well.
⚠️ Difficulty accepting praise: Brushing off compliments rather than acknowledging your own abilities and efforts.
⚠️ Overemphasis on criticism: Constantly dwelling on negative feedback or criticism while simultaneously disregarding any positive feedback or achievements.
⚠️ Feeling like an outsider: Believing that you don’t belong where you are or that you’ve somehow deceived others into thinking you’re more competent than you really are.
If these feelings persist and start to impact your self-confidence, performance, and mental well-being, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional or reach out to a friend who can provide guidance and strategies to address these concerns.
Tips to Combat Imposter Syndrome
✅ Find the Source of Your Anxieties
Often, people project their anxieties onto something easier to deal with than the actual problem. In some cases, delving deeper into your emotions can help you to locate the source and find more effective ways to cope.
✅ Challenge Negative Thoughts
When negative thoughts and self-doubt arise, challenge them by identifying evidence to the contrary. Remind yourself of your skills, knowledge, hard work, and past success. Practice reframing your negative thoughts into more positive and realistic ones.
✅ Seek Support
Sometimes, a shoulder to lean on can make the world of a difference. Talk to friends, family members, or mentors about your experiences and feelings of Imposter Syndrome. They will be able to provide encouragement, perspective, and support and remind you of your worth and abilities.
✅ Set Realistic Goals
If you set high expectations for yourself and fail to reach them, try setting the bar a little lower. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way.
✅ Develop Self-Compassion
Treat yourself with kindness and compassion, just as you would support a friend or loved one, and recognize that everyone makes mistakes and experiences self-doubt at times. Practice self-care and prioritize your well-being, and don’t beat yourself up when you make mistakes.
✅ Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity
Every failure is an opportunity to learn something. Instead of viewing failures as confirmation of your inadequacy, see them as opportunities for growth and development.
✅ Celebrate Your Wins
When you achieve something new or succeed at a task, celebrate the win, no matter how small it may be. This is an important process to reframe your thought patterns, so that you learn how to recognize your successes.
The Impact of Imposter Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome can lead to other problems in your life if not properly managed, and can also be a sign of a larger issue, such as depression or anxiety. It is important that you confide in a close friend or family member about your doubts, and reach out to a mental health professional if necessary.
Remember that Imposter Syndrome is a common issue, especially in the workplace, and can affect anyone, regardless of their professional achievements. Listed below are some ways that Imposter Syndrome can negatively affect your life if left unmanaged.
Imposter Syndrome can significantly undermine a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Constantly doubting one’s abilities and feeling like a fraud can lead to a negative self-perception and a persistent fear of being exposed, and persistent feelings of inadequacy can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
Additionally, Imposter Syndrome can hinder a person’s career progression, as it may cause someone to avoid taking on new challenges or opportunities due to the fear of failure. This can limit their professional growth and prevent them from reaching their full potential. Imposter Syndrome can also negatively impact work performance, as excessive self-criticism can lead to procrastination and reduced productivity.
The constant pressure to live up to high standards and the fear of being ‘discovered’ can contribute to chronic stress, loneliness, and burnout. Individuals with Imposter Syndrome can often push themselves to work harder and longer than their peers in order to compensate for their perceived inadequacies, leading to exhaustion, and a lack of work-life balance.
Conclusion
Imposter Syndrome is a common experience that can significantly impact people’s personal and professional lives. The important thing to remember is that it can be dealt with and overcome.
By recognizing the signs and practicing self-compassion, individuals can combat Imposter Syndrome, regain their self-confidence and well-being in the workplace, and thrive in both personal and professional endeavors.
