Imposter Syndrome is a phenomenon that produces feelings of being a fraud or not worthy of the success you experience. If you have ever had fears of being “found out” or that you “fell into” the success you have, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome.
Essentially, dealing with imposter syndrome is a never-ending cycle of doubting your skills, talents, or accomplishments.
This article will not be full of ways to be successful. Chances are, you already are successful. Rather, it will be focused on owning that success.
First things first, you are not alone.
Icons such as Tina Fey, Maya Angelou, and Michelle Obama have openly spoken about their own bouts of imposter syndrome.
Michelle Obama once discussed laying awake at night wondering if she was ‘too loud’, ‘too much’, or ‘dreaming too big’. Can you even imagine if she allowed these thoughts to come to fruition?
Time to psyche yourself up
You can tackle the way that you view yourself, which will not only help you to overcome these unsettling consequences of imposter syndrome, but can also aid in the way that others see you.
- List out your qualifications. Sounds redundant, or like you’re actually building a resume, but sometimes we just need a reminder of the amazing things we have done in life or in our career.
- Affirmations, but with your name attached. I know, I preach affirmations across the board, but they are proven to be able to change the way your brain thinks. This time, I want you to practice adding your name into your affirmations.
- Own your accomplishments. Accept compliments about your accomplishments without explanation. Do not make excuses for the outstanding things you have done.
Fight the feelings
When the feelings of being an imposter start to creep up, remember that you are in control of those feelings. Choose everyday to be confident. Choose to see the things you are good at. And most importantly, choose to avoid doubt like the plague (too soon for a plague reference?).
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