Chances are, you’ve probably heard of the phrase ‘imposter syndrome.’ A psychological term, this relates to feeling like a stranger in your own skin. You often feel inadequate, or fail to have pride in your accomplishments for fear of being seen as a ‘fraud.’
Unfortunately, imposter syndrome affects more people than you realize. From business owners to entrepreneurs, to social media influencers, to parents etc.—everyone has moments of self-doubt. But it’s how we overcome these and focus on our worth that matters.
Imposter syndrome might be affecting how you work, how you feel, or your self-perception, but it doesn’t have to. Here’s how you can combat it:
1. Understand that you’re not alone in feeling this way.
First and foremost, remember this: Imposter syndrome effects everyone. Seriously. Even the most prominent businessman/woman, the person who owns his/her own company, or even the millionaire has moments of self-doubt! It’s honestly human to wonder whether or not you’re doing a good job, to question yourself, and to wonder if you’ll be ‘discovered’ as not knowing every little thing about your industry (news flash: no one does!).
But you’re not alone.
When you get tangled in a web of lies about yourself, your worthiness, and your ability to lead or perform, remember that others have felt this way, too, but they don’t let the fear define them.
2. Focus on your strengths and qualifications.
Imposter syndrome is all about focusing on what you can’t or haven’t done. But if you focus on the qualifications and abilities you do have, you’ll be able to see your strengths first.
Everyone has weaknesses, but if you’re only looking at them, you will convince yourself you’re not good enough—and this simply isn’t true. Change your perspective.
3. Stop measuring yourself on a scale to everyone else.
Everyone has a unique journey. Some will be easier than others, some will be more complicated, and some will downright hurt sometimes. You have to stop comparing yourself to the people around you. You’re not less, or unworthy based upon someone else’s story. You are uniquely you.
4. Don’t listen to people who judge without knowing you or your situation.
When I’ve experienced moments of feeling like an imposter, it was largely because I was listening to other’s judgments of me instead of focusing on who I was and what I was capable of. Instead of being confident in what I was and had to offer, I was letting negative opinions rule over my mind. The truth is, people will always have something to say. But if they’re judging without actually knowing who you are or what you do, then these judgments aren’t valid.
Focus on your truth and let that guide you—not what the haters have to say.
5. Educate yourself over paralyzing yourself.
Guess what? You don’t know everything. Sometimes your feelings of being an imposter can be real because truly, there’s no possible way you can know every single thing. If you’re feeling like a fraud in your personal or professional life, rather than paralyzing yourself, educate yourself. Take a class, watch instructional videos, seek mentorship or advice from elders, etc.
When you choose to empower yourself and better your situation you’ll know that you are capable and you won’t believe lies about your worth anymore.
Featured Image Credit: Jasmine Peardon
