If there is one thing I suffer from, which has been debilitating and held me back from progressing is my imposter syndrome.
Imposter Syndrome is something many high-achieving individuals experience, and it is affecting women every day. If you’ve ever felt like a fraud, despite evidence of your achievements, you are certainly not alone.
Imposter Syndrome manifests as a persistent feeling that you are not as capable or competent as others perceive you to be. This can lead you to believe that any success has been due to luck or external factors rather than your own ability and effort. Despite concrete evidence of your accomplishments, you might live in constant fear of being “exposed” as a fraud. Does this sound familiar?
Several underlying factors contribute to this sense of inadequacy. Society’s high expectations for women can create an environment where you constantly feel the pressure to meet unrealistic standards. Perfectionism tends to play a significant role. If you always aim for flawless performance, anything less might feel like a failure, further fueling the imposter feelings. Flawless doesn’t exist we are all flawed and fabulous!
In our modern world, thetendency to compare yourself to others, especially in the age of social media, can intensify these insecurities. The curated lives of peers can make anyone feel inadequate in comparison. We watch others highlight reels and compare it to our real life situation. It’s not comparable.
At 54 years old, I finally am figuring it out that the first crucial step is to acknowledge it. Recognizing that these feelings are common and normal can, in itself, be a huge relief. Tracking your achievements by keeping a list of accomplishments, both big and small, can serve as a tangible reminder of your capabilities. Whenever self-doubt creeps in, reviewing this list can help reinforce your self-worth. Whether it getting out of bed, or nailing that dream job, celebrate every win.
Talking about your feelings with friends, mentors, or even a therapist can also be immensely beneficial. More often than not, you’ll find that others have experienced similar feelings. You are not alone!! This shared understanding can provide support and validation. Challenging negative thoughts whenever they arise is crucial.
Questioning the validity of these thoughts and examining the evidence against them can help erase the false beliefs.
Adopting a mindset focused on learning rather than perfection can be liberating. Embrace the fact that no one knows everything, and it’s perfectly acceptable to make mistakes and seek guidance. This approach can alleviate the pressure you place on yourself to always perform with unrealistic expectations. Remember, feeling like an imposter does not make you one. Imposter Syndrome is a common experience among many women, but it can be managed by recognizing your feelings, challenging negative thoughts, seeking support, and celebrating your successes. You have earned your achievements through your hard work and abilities. So, stand tall and own your successes — you’ve got this!