Sample Content Preview
Introduction
5 Strategies To Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Do you not feel adequate at work? If you do, then you are not alone in that way of thinking. An outstanding 70% of people admit to feeling like they aren’t good enough at some point in their career. However, you need to realize that you are good enough.
This feeling is known as imposter syndrome. It is something that sticks with you for long periods of time, making you feel almost crippling amounts of self-doubt. We will be covering everything that you need to know in this short report, so be sure to continue reading if you or someone you know suffers from imposter syndrome.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
To briefly define this way of thinking, imposter syndrome is very loosely like doubting all of your skills and abilities. Many people that suffer from it feel like a fraud in their success- making them worry that they will be “found out” some day.
These feelings usually stem from perfectionism and a childhood with critical parents. Plus, those who felt excluded early on in their lives can also suffer from it, making it more common among minorities, those with learning disorders, or people with social anxiety. The condition mostly affects very successful people, who tricked themselves into thinking their wins came from luck alone, and not from their many talents and hard work.
Anyone can feel like an imposter when they start a new job or attend a new class. However, when those negative feelings persist and don’t go away- that is when it becomes imposter syndrome.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
If you have imposter syndrome, you will want to start changing your mindset right away. You can take several different steps to make your thoughts more positive. When you do, you will notice opportunities you never saw before-they were always there, you just never felt as though you could take them.
Plus, overcoming imposter syndrome can improve your relationships with your loved ones and friends. Overall, there are many different reasons that you should start working on yourself as soon as today. Here are five different strategies that you can use to overcome imposter syndrome.
#1. Stop Thinking Like an Imposter
First, you will need to stop thinking like an imposter. While this is one of the more challenging strategies you can try, it is also one of the most effective options for most people. If you feel like you don’t belong at work, then changing your thinking will be very beneficial to you.
You will need to learn to recognize when you should feel fraudulent and when you shouldn’t. You can try changing how you view your self-doubt into something entirely different. Instead of taking it as a sign that you don’t belong, realize that this feeling could be completely normal.
If you felt like you didn’t fit in as a child, those feelings can follow you into adulthood. Now, you are an adult in an adult workplace- you should not feel like a fraud after you worked so hard to get into your position.
Focus on the Positive
People tend to feel like imposters when they are perfectionists. If you are throwing so much time into your work and projects, then beating yourself up about it; you will want to take a step back and focus on the positives instead.
If you are a perfectionist, that means that you care about making high-quality final results. Your next goal should be to continue striving for quality when it matters, but don’t push yourself on everyday tasks. Then, you want to learn to forgive yourself when mistakes do arise.
Remember- you are good enough! You don’t need to focus on your mistakes. Instead, take time to think about the positives. Usually, making a mistake can be a learning experience for many people. Take what new information you can from the situation, then move on. You don’t need to think about the negatives any more after that.
#2. Talk About How You Feel
This strategy is also very challenging. Many people don’t like discussing their feelings with others. However, it will greatly benefit you in overcoming imposter syndrome. Remember, about 70% of people have felt this way. You are not alone and the odds are that who you choose to talk to about imposter syndrome can easily relate with you.
Talking with someone you trust about this mindset can be very freeing. They will likely let you know that your feelings are normal, but not something that you need to hold onto. They will remind you of your natural talents and skills, allowing you to feel better.