Imposter syndrome is persistent self-doubt or fear of exposure despite noticeable success or growth. It can impact a personal development or growth journey in ways that go unnoticed. Even the most accomplished individuals experience feelings of inadequacy or insecurity about their capabilities. This happens even though their accolades and accomplishments are well respected by the community at large. This dynamic establishes an important question. How do you manage these burdensome feelings, especially when reality is telling a different story? Read on for 3 ways to help overcome imposter syndrome.
1. Take Note of Wins No Matter How Big or Small
When working towards overcoming imposter syndrome, it’s important to distinguish feelings from tangible results. To this end, documenting wins can help alleviate negative emotions. It also establishes a narrative that runs counter to the one being self-reported. Try including everything from daily victories to milestone achievements, and anything in between. Looking back at a consistent history of documented wins helps boost short-term confidence and enhances long-term confidence. This, in turn, helps with both imposter syndrome and overall personal development.
2. Talk Over Feelings With Close and Trustworthy Individuals
Family, close friends, and other confidants can offer meaningful perspectives when battling imposter syndrome. Perception often becomes reality when facing this personal development struggle. Having truthful and objective positive feedback, especially as it relates to strengths and achievements, can balance mindset and emotional scales. It can also serve as a reminder of meaningful truths that are otherwise marginalized or ignored. Try leveraging these external viewpoints in future efforts to fight impulses that lead to negative sentiment.
3. Practice Mindfulness and Other Affirmation Practices
Imposter syndrome is primarily a matter of mindset. Naturally, it makes sense to adopt practices that firmly cement a mindset of being okay with who you are. Mindfulness pauses give the mind opportunities to focus on what’s happening around you. Affirmations, including those around morning routines, goals, confidence, and calming, reinforce worth and worthiness. Establishing a steady flow of positive reminders combats impulses that lead to doubt and fear. In the long-term, alongside other practices and habits, mindfulness and affirmation practices can help break negative cycles of thinking altogether. “You are enough.” “You belong in the room.” “You are as good as people say you are.”
Key Takeaways
Imposter syndrome presents itself in many ways. Even the best of us are susceptible to falling victim to it. Nonetheless, several options are available to navigate and overcome this experience. One useful reminder is that the thoughts and feelings that come with this challenge don’t represent reality as it is. As with other personal development and growth opportunities, consistency will move the needle toward building confident thoughts and behaviors. Take it slow. Take it steady. Take it honestly and objectively. “You deserve this.”
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