Imposter syndrome is more common than many of us imagine. Research suggests that 70% of people suffer from this kind of self-doubt at some point or other.
Imposter syndrome is when you fear that you aren’t good enough to do whatever you are doing, that you don’t deserve your success, and that you will probably be discovered for the fraud that you are and lose everything. Moreover, you might feel like you are the only one who is hanging on by sheer luck. Everyone else around you belongs.
Symptoms of Imposter Syndrome
If the following thoughts cross your mind on a fairly regular basis, there is a good chance that you are suffering from imposter syndrome.
- I feel like I don’t deserve any of the success that I have attained
- Even if people praise my skills, I still don’t think of myself as skilled or accomplished
- I never feel like I deserve the rewards that I get for my hard work
- I fear that people will realize that I am not as smart as I pretend to be
- Most of my accomplishments were just a fluke
- I don’t like to accept compliments
- I downplay my achievements because I don’t think that they are as good as people say
These types of thoughts tend to represent a balance in your self-perception. You think that you are less talented, hardworking, and deserving than you probably are.
Imposter syndrome can have a detrimental effect on your behaviour.
- You may be afraid to ask for a raise or promotion than you deserve.
- You may shy away from opportunities for fear that they will “expose” you.
- You may overwork to compensate for what you see as deficiencies elsewhere.
- You may struggle to make decisions for fear of messing up.
- You may refrain from sharing your opinion fearing that others will think it stupid.
- You may push other people away for fear that they won’t like you any more if they see the “real” you.
SEE ALSO: How Self-Doubt Can Sabotage Your Career
How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome?
Just because you know that many of your thoughts and feelings might stem from an unreasonable center of self-doubt doesn’t mean that you can just switch them off and stop them from influencing your behavior. So, what can you do to deal with imposter syndrome?
Take note of your accomplishments
Take some time to sit down and make a note of all your major accomplishments, and what it was that allowed you to achieve them. When you allow yourself space to do this objectively, it will be much easier to identify the hard work that you put in, rather than assign everything to luck.
It is also important to remember that luck requires you to be prepared for an opportunity when it comes along. So, every time you are attempted to assign something to luck, step back and identify how you were ready to take advantage of a lucky opportunity.
There can also be a temptation to attribute success to the help of others. But remember, no one really does anything alone, so you are no different from anyone else when it comes to receiving help. But people usually help people that they trust and believe in, so ask yourself why someone chose to help you. Even better, ask them.
SEE ALSO: 5 Ways On How To Overcome Self-Doubt
Don’t Compare
Comparing yourself to others can trigger self-doubt, as we believe that our accomplishments can never live up to theirs. But no two people are the same, so comparing tends to be a fruitless last.
Plus, remember, when you see the accomplishments of others, you are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. You aren’t seeing all the hard work, failures, and setbacks. When you look at your own accomplishments, you see them warts and all.
Speak to Others
If you know that you don’t have a good vision of your skills and capabilities, try and get a better vision by talking to others and asking them what they think.
It is important to choose someone you trust and will give you a sympathetic ear. But also, don’t choose someone who will simply shower you with praise. False or over-the-top praise often feeds imposter syndrome.
You need someone who can help you make a realistic assessment of your skills, where you are, and how to improve.
Separate Feelings from Facts
Once you have done this groundwork, you also need to work hard of catching yourself when those imposter feelings or thoughts enter your mind.
When you do have thoughts like the ones listed in the section above or catch yourself doing any of the things that self-doubt encourages, try and pause for a moment. Ask yourself to assess the thought and assess how true it really is.
And don’t beat yourself up if you struggle to do this! Learning to identify and control your thoughts in this way is a skill that takes time and practice.
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