Do you struggle with imposter syndrome? Or feel like you’re not good enough? When you’ve reached a desired lifestyle, job position, or accomplishment, you might feel like you didn’t actually deserve it. “I got lucky,” you say or “Do I even belong here?” Even if you did work hard and completely earned your place, you might feel like you’re wearing a mask, and one day, people will see beyond the mask. They’ll see your insecurities and your belief that you’re not good enough, that you don’t actually know what you’re doing, and that you faked your way to the top.
This is imposter syndrome. It’s something that most people experience on a daily basis, especially for people who have attained some level of success in their lives and work. By the end of this article, I hope that you will have the tools to overcome these feelings of inadequacy and boost your self confidence. You’re doing SO much better than you think!
1. Realize that imposter syndrome is actually normal
A lot of people feel imposter syndrome and it’s a normal and natural part of life. We usually cause our own imposter syndrome by comparing ourselves to others, not having self confidence in our work, not appreciating our own efforts, and, often, not getting enough validation from ourselves or others.
Especially for people who have built themselves from the ground up, imposter syndrome can feel like they simply had “beginner’s luck” or that the stars aligned for them to make it to the top. While this might be the case for some people, it’s definitely not the case for all of us. For the majority, we have to work hard and put in the effort to reach our dreams and goals.
Imposter syndrome comes as we focus on our weaknesses, flaws, and mistakes, instead of appreciating how far we’ve come in our journey. Know that everyone feels this way at some point in their journey, but it doesn’t have to be forever. The following tips should help you overcome imposter syndrome and gain the self confidence you need to embrace and appreciate your hard work and success.
2. Have self confidence
Self confidence is at the heart of creating the beautiful life. This blog is full of ideas on how to boost your self confidence, and when it comes to imposter syndrome, it’s a must. Self confidence helps you feel good about your work. Though you and your work might not always be perfect, it’s all about the progress. We’re each on a journey, and as you have self confidence, you’ll realize that imposter syndrome isn’t about being perfect in that journey, it’s enjoying and learning along the way.
Check out these articles for ways to increase your self confidence:
How to Stop Caring What People Think
Stop Sabotaging Your Happiness
9 Ways To Get Motivated For Life
3. Let go of perfectionism
Perfectionism is, sometimes, an obsessive need for everything to look and be perfect, whether it’s you, your work, the situation, or whatever else that comes up. The truth is that nothing is ever perfect. We make mistakes, forget things, or simply fail at times. And it’s OK. It’s part of the learning process and a part of life.
Perfectionism becomes especially toxic when imposter syndrome is thrown into the mix. With imposter syndrome, we already feel like we’re letting someone down, or that someone will take off our mask and see the “real” us. Add in perfectionism and we immediately worry that what we do or who we are isn’t good enough. It’s not “perfect” yet.
There comes a point where we must ask ourselves what is “good enough” for us? Because everything can’t be perfect, where’s the bar, our standard of “good enough?” If we don’t set boundaries on it, we can stress and agonize over perfectionism, leading to burnout and worse feelings of imposter syndrome.
4. Create ways to measure your success
If you really, really feel like you faked your way to the top, then create ways to measure your success. This will gauge and prove to yourself that you have worked hard for your success, and that it’s real! You’re not faking it!
For example, if you’re a creator (art, music, writing, videos, etc) then you might gauge your success with how much engagement you got when you posted or shared the product on social media. You might test different things out, like if you get X amount of likes on a post, X amount of shares, X amount of products sold, then you’re really doing a great job and people appreciate you and your work!
Sometimes it’s helpful to take a step back and see the numbers and measurements. You can take your proof and know your hard work, effort, and commitment have added up to success!
5. Celebrate when things go well!
Imposter syndrome usually happens because we don’t know how to slow down, reflect, and appreciate our successes. We are so consumed with distractions, mindless activities, and things that take up our time and energy that we don’t even acknowledge our successes and the things that went well.
Instead of filling up our time with mindless things, we can overcome imposter syndrome by focusing on the things that went well. Focusing on the good actually encourages us, and that encouragement pushes us forward.
6. Get help (or validation!)
Sometimes we need someone else to help us overcome imposter syndrome. Here are some ideas:
-Pray to God for help. He can tell you just how amazing, loved, and worthy you are!
-Ask a close friend for help. Tell a close and trusted friend how you feel and ask if they can help point out some of your strengths. Ask if they can pinpoint the things you’re doing well, and how you’re contributing. A note: Be careful who you ask. Some people go to other coworkers, and both you and the coworker can spiral into imposter syndrome of your coworker hasn’t yet learned to cope with it themselves. I suggest talking to someone outside of your work but who knows you well and who you trust.
-Seek professional help, if this is something you want to try.
In conclusion
Imposter syndrome is real. Every time I publish a book, I agonize over the littlest things, wondering if I ought to go back and change this or that. But it’s not about me, it’s about the value that the book provides for people, and each time I receive positive feedback on how the book has helped someone, I’m so honored and grateful.
So take advantage of the goodness you receive from others. When you’re complimented, take it to heart. When someone points out your strengths, appreciate it. And, of course, appreciate your journey and effort that it took you to get here. The thing is… you’re doing better than you think you are. Just the fact that you came and read this article about imposter syndrome shows that you’re doing your best. Everyone feels insecure about themselves and their work from time to time. Keep going and have self confidence. Believe that God has good things in store for you and believe in yourself. You’re doing amazing!
Let’s hear from you!
Do you suffer from imposter syndrome? What are some things you do to overcome it? Let us know in the comments below!
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