Coping with Imposter Syndrome - Imposter syndrome is a common struggle that undermines confidence and personal growth. The persistence to believe that “I am not good enough” or “I am not successful” despite the evidence means you are struggling with imposter syndrome. A feeling of #anxiety creeps in because of self-doubt and lack of confidence in the #success achieved, even though there is evidence of your competence.
It often stems from perfectionism, #fearoffailure, or the belief that luck, not your skills, brought you success.
1. Conquer negative self-talk: A constant need for perfection can get you stuck in a loop of negative self-talk, like ‘I can't do this, it's not possible, it's hard’. Conquering the internal critic requires you to step out of denial, develop self-awareness and then learn effective strategies to manage and unlock your true potential.
2. Embrace your strengths and achievements: Take time to reflect on your accomplishments. Make a list of your strengths, skills, and past successes. This exercise helps shift the focus from self-doubt to recognizing your capabilities.
3. Normalize failure: Making mistakes and experiencing setbacks is a normal part of growth. Every event and relationship is designed for our transformation. Don’t take your failure personally and beat yourself down, use techniques like reframing it as an opportunity to learn and transform.
4. Seek support: According to a 2020 review, 9%–82% of people experience impostor syndrome. It's normal and common to need assurance and support. Also, vulnerability is a strength as it requires courage to be authentic. Reach out to trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues for encouragement and perspective.
5. Practice self-care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Prioritize self-care activities that help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Treat yourself with compassion, just as you would support a friend in a similar situation.
Often, high-performing individuals #experience imposter syndrome. A #KPMG study finds 75% of female executives across industries have experienced imposter syndrome in their careers. The pressure to perform and the oscillation between hyper-criticism and hyper-praise can create conflict and self-doubt in an individual’s mind. Overcoming #impostersyndrome is a process that takes time and effort. As you embrace your journey towards self-love, remember that you are capable, deserving, and destined for success. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress to regain confidence, self-worth, and thrive.
