Is the Imposter Syndrome sabotaging your career?

Have you ever had the feeling that you don’t quite deserve your own success? Or that it appears like everyone else is more knowledgeable than you are? If that’s the case, then you could be suffering from Imposter Syndrome.

What exactly is the Imposter Syndrome?

The voice in your head that tells you that you’re not as good as you believe you are, and that eventually someone will realize this is known as imposter syndrome. It’s more of a bothersome state of mind than a medical disease, despite the fancy term. Individuals who suffer from Imposter Syndrome frequently think that their success is the result of luck rather than skill.

Who is most likely to encounter it?

According to The Journal Of Behavioral Science, almost 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. Many people struggle with it throughout their working life; it’s not simply a one-time issue. It typically sneaks up on accomplished people. Unexpectedly, even well-known people have opened out about their experiences with imposter syndrome. Furthermore, it’s not simply a “women’s thing”— all sexes may be impacted.

What are the signs of imposter syndrome?

It’s likely that if you’re reading this, you’ve dealt with imposter syndrome in the past or maybe even right now. The secret is to not allow it to stop you. Here are a few warnings:

  • Delaying a project’s commencement or completion.
  • Putting things off till the last minute because you think you won’t succeed.
  • Seeking perfectionism in all that one does.
  • Denying assistance when it is provided.
  • Overcompensating as a coping mechanism for feeling unauthentic.
  • Keeping quiet during meetings.
  • Giving up of possibilities such as promotions.
  • Avoiding criticism.
  • Having a constant fear of being exposed.
  • Retaining your creative ideas to yourself.

How can you overcome imposter syndrome?

Recognize Your Imposter Thoughts
Identify your impostor ideas and comprehend your underlying anxieties first. The first step is acknowledging these negative ideas, which could be the fear of failing or the fear of not living up to expectations. Note them down on your phone or in a journal. You can evaluate your impostor ideas more calmly if you can identify them.

Acknowledge and Transform Your Thoughts of Being an Imposter
Once you’ve recognized your false beliefs, refute them and replace them with positive ones. Ask yourself if your negative beliefs are true, and then replace them with positive ones. For example, replace self-doubt with the awareness that you’re doing your absolute best already. Although addressing negative thoughts and the discomfort they cause can be difficult, keep in mind that you are capable of overcoming them and that these thoughts can often be false.

Prevent Comparing Yourself to Others
Accept your unique qualities and avoid comparing yourself to others like for example your outstanding sibling or a competitive colleague at work. Making comparisons can make it harder to see the advantages you have. Accept that you won’t always be the best at everything in life and keep in mind that you might not know the whole story of what other people have gone through.

Summarize Your Successes
Assemble your diplomas, make a summary of your strengths, go back and reflect on your favorite experiences, and give a brief overview of your responsibilities and work history in order to record your accomplishments. If necessary, ask a friend for feedback to identify your strengths or if you want to find out more about your strengths at work, speak with your manager.

Ask for Help and Advice
Consider talking to a manager, a professional, family member, or a trusted friend about your feelings and experiences. They can offer insightful perspectives and assist you in turning your attention from your weaknesses to your strengths. You don’t have to face impostor syndrome alone, so don’t be afraid to rely on your support system.

Keep in mind that you’re not the only one going through this, and the first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is acknowledging it.

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