Are you one of those individuals who think that you’ve only succeeded due to luck, and not because of your talent or qualifications? Do you have a hard time internalizing and owning your successes? If any of this sounds familiar then you may have a case of imposter syndrome.
What is imposter syndrome? It can be defined as a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. 'Imposters' suffer from chronic self-doubt and a sense of intellectual fraudulence that override any feelings of success or external proof of their competence.
The good thing is that everyone feels like an imposter at some point in their lives and you’re not alone. We’re here to help you get over that ish. It’s time to say goodbye to doubt and fear in 2022. Here’s seven strategies to help you get rid of imposter syndrome.
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1. Live In Your Truth
The first step in breaking any cycle in life is to acknowledge what the problem or issue is. If you are aware of the symptoms associated with imposter syndrome and they resonate with you don’t feel shame or embarrassment. Own those feelings, live in those feelings, know you’re not alone and let’s make a change.
2. Behaving as if, winging it
You’ve heard the phrase “fake it til you make” but instead of faking try behaving as if. Don’t wait until you make it to have confidence TRY walking in that confidence now! Big risks bring in bigger rewards. Impostor Syndrome Institute co-founder Valerie Young, Ed.D. says courage comes from taking risks. Change your behavior first and allow your confidence to build.
3. Make Your Own Rules
If you ever have thoughts like “Never ask for help” or “My question is dumb so I shouldn’t ask it” then it’s time to let those thoughts go NOW! Recognize that you have just as much right as the next person to be wrong, have an off-day, or ask for assistance. It’s 2022 and times have changed! These thoughts don’t make you weak they actually make you strong.
4. Envision Yourself In Success
Picture yourself in your dream career, vacationing on your favorite island and raising your kids the way you want to raise them. You deserve everything you desire so envision it, manifest it and believe it can and will be yours. Believe me it’s much better than dwelling negative thoughts.
5. Know When To Get Out Your Feelings
Feelings, emotions are all good things. If you didn’t experience any of this you wouldn’t be human. However, just because you may feel defeated or stupid doesn’t mean you actually are. Separate feelings from facts.
6. Reward Yourself
You made it to 2022 and you should be proud of that! These past two years have been hell so just making it out alive deserves a reward. Break the cycle of feeling like you have to accomplish the biggest goal on your list to be rewarded. Also break the cycle of continually seeking and then dismissing validation outside of yourself by learning to celebrate you and everything you’ve overcome.
7. Learn That Failure & Mistakes Means You’re Growing
Failure and mistakes are actually good! Winston Churchill once said “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Once you make a mistake or fail a few times you learn from it and come back ten times better. You receive the needed experience you and you’re better off next time around.