Most people suffer from feelings of being an imposter at some point in their lives, or what the experts call it: imposter syndrome. This is often a feeling that they have an inability to accept their own accomplishments. It often occurs when you possess the necessary competence and achievements, yet experience feelings of being undeserving of a certain position or opportunity.
Such people, regardless of all efforts they made to be where they are today, seem to have a fear of being ‘found out’ as impostors. Though rogue in nature, Imposter syndrome can be put in place through measures of awareness, cognition and willingness to act.
Impostor syndrome for most of us on a windy day follows for the most part simple concepts and emotions.
Relatively, rather than drawing attention towards their best qualities, you probably downplay your own successes and, if you are that fortunate, recognize that, ascertain that it was all due to luck. In the same breath, a lot of individuals tend to be overly ambitious and make up personal parameters that, once they miss, leave them feeling lacking and stranded. A lot of those suffering from impostor syndrome do also entertain fears of being ‘caught out’ as incompetent thus such stresses diminish the ability to savor success.
As will all struggles people who suffer from impostor syndrome come from different backgrounds, they will be reassured that it is really common.
The other approach to overcoming imposter syndrome is recognizing your achievements. Begin by writing down a notebook that keeps a record of your successes and significant moments. One way to deal with imposter syndrome is by acknowledging your accomplishments. Start simply by keeping a list of your achievements and moments where you felt successful. Try journaling your goals, the steps you took to reach them, and the skills you used along the way.
When feelings of self-doubt creep in, go back to your list as a reminder of what you’re capable of. This will not only boost your confidence but also show you that your success comes from effort, not luck. Reframing how you think about mistakes and setbacks is also very helpful. People with imposter syndrome often feel that any mistake proves they’re not qualified; however, mistakes are a normal part of growth and learning. Instead of looking at them as failures, see them as steps in a learning process. Ask yourself what you can learn from the situation, and apply that knowledge moving forward. This mindset shift can help you reduce the fear of failure and allow you to embrace challenges as opportunities. If you’re feeling doubtful, talk to other people. It is very helpful to share these feelings with trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues. Often, you’ll find that others have the same experiences, and they might even share how they’ve managed self-doubt in their own lives. These conversations can help you realize that you’re not alone, and they can be comforting as well. And the bonus to having a support network is that you always have people to turn to for encouragement when those imposter feelings arise.
Another powerful tool for managing imposter syndrome is practicing self-compassion. Be kind to yourself. Most people dealing with imposter syndrome are perfectionists, constantly pushing themselves to meet high standards. Remember that it’s okay to not have all the answers and that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and remember that you’re allowed to learn and grow. Being kind to yourself, rather than critical, can ease pressure and help build confidence over time.
Lastly, you can manage imposter syndrome by setting realistic objectives and celebrating what you’ve achieved along the way. Turn big goals into manageable tasks. Even if a step seems small, acknowledge it as you finish it. These little victories build up over time and serve as a reminder of your abilities. Celebrating progress rather than just the final product boosts self-esteem and makes tasks seem more doable.
Although dealing with imposter syndrome might be challenging, you can start to feel more
confident and less self-conscious by following these steps. Keep in mind that many people
experience imposter syndrome at some point. You can overcome impostor syndrome and feel more confident in your skills by acknowledging your value, being honest about your emotions, and concentrating on your own growth.
MaryAnne is a renowned Kenyan author and career strategist dedicated to helping students and young professionals unlock their career potential. With years of experience guiding individuals through the critical stages of career planning and skill development, she writes with a deep understanding of the unique challenges in today’s job market. MaryAnne’s engaging articles provide practical, step-by-step advice on everything from choosing a career path to excelling in interviews and building a professional network. Her mission is simple: to empower her readers to find fulfilling careers that align with their passions and strengths.