Table of Contents
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Will I be exposed as a fraud? Will people realize that my accomplishments were nothing but mere luck? Has any of these thoughts bothered you ever? If you have ever felt like being an imposter at work, college, or school, realize that you are not alone in this journey. Several people go through this, and there are different ways to cope with and overcome imposter syndrome. A review article published in International journals and behavioral science estimated that nearly 70 percent of people come across similar experiences at some point in their lives.
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Share your Feelings
Are you struggling, fighting alone in this journey? How far will you push yourself to work hard? Don’t be too harsh on yourself. The first step to stop being an imposter is by stopping to think like one. For this to happen, try to acknowledge your feelings. Know your feelings are real, and it’s normal to feel so. Once you come to terms with yourself, try sharing your feelings with your close friends or mentors. Imposter syndrome is all about the contradictory thoughts between your self-perception and others’ perceptions about you. Once you start talking to people around you, they will help you reassure their thoughts about you, making it less overwhelming by pulling you out from the circle of anxiousness.
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Fake it Till you Make it
You might be well familiar with the saying, “Fake it till you make it.” Not everyone is initially good at doing anything. It is with time and patience we gain expertise and become experienced. This is a simple yet effective theory you can use to fight your imposter syndrome. Do not wait until you mug up courage and confidence to get started. Drag yourself out from the sphere of self-distrust and start believing in yourself. Build your confidence day by day and wait until the day you make it. Also, Read: Personality Development Tips to be Successful in a Short Time
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Challenge your Doubts
When in distress, keep your heads up and face your challenges. Test and prove yourself wrong. For instance, if you keep doubting your success at previous projects at work, or achievements at the university, take up a new task or project to work on. Make use of your time and skills and analyze your achievements. Challenging your doubts by accomplishing a new task can act as a powerful weapon to overthrow your doubts and trust your talent and hard work. This is an efficient and practical way to fight imposter syndrome.
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Don’t Drag Yourself to the Pool of Comparisons
Comparisons can be detrimental. Nothing else is a lousy self-destructor than comparing yourself to others. Focus and streamline your attention to chasing your dreams by building your abilities and skills. It’s not too late to realize that comparing your weaknesses with others’ strengths is not different from belittling yourself. Why waste energy when you can use it to build your career and future. You can compare, not with others, but with your past and track how better and capable you have become. This will increase your self-worthiness and your self-esteem.
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Reward Yourself
Some people are extremely good at what they do. Few such perfectionists have high standards and expectations to the extent that they consider a project a complete failure, even if there is a slight mistake. As a result, they will start questioning their competence and skillsets, showcasing the symptoms of imposter syndrome. If you fall under this category, do realize that taking sufficient breaks in between is essential. Don’t push yourself too hard. Have faith in your abilities and put a halt to seeking validations. Reward yourself after each cycle of work. This way, you will feel content, peaceful, and at ease. Also, Read: 10 Signs you Should Consult a Therapist
Self-growth makes a person a better human. Striving to become a better version of yourself is a positive trait. But it’s important to follow the right path. Doubting one’s capability and living with the fear of being exposed as fraud can inhibit the growth of an individual. Motivating and rewarding oneself instead of self-doubt can help someone soar to great heights.
