Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern of thought that plants seeds of doubt like an insidious disparaging brain gardener. It’s one of these unspoken yet widespread experiences based on fears of not being enough.
So, let’s talk about it, and make the whole thing as bit more normal, acceptable and far less powerful!
Here are some possibly potent strategies to banish those self-doubts and reclaim your incredibly annoying self-confidence:
Replace Negative Thoughts:
Recognise negative thought patterns and replace them with positive reinforcements. I know it sounds a little cringeworthy, but the power of the mind is undoubtably magnificent. Positive thoughts have biological effects. We can literally think ourselves into, and out of problems, situations and even ill health.
When negative thoughts creep in, realise they do not belong to you. They have no power. You have the power. You decide where you put your energy and which wolf you feed.
If that last bit makes no sense, then research the old Cherokee legend.
Define Your Success:
Ditch the all-or-nothing mindset. Break goals into manageable steps. Your path is unique. Use other people’s amazing achievements as inspiration, rather than proof you’re not enough.
Be wary of refusing to be happy until your chosen image or idea of success has been reached. Find happiness in the process. Energy in action and momentum. Every positive step forward is a piece of success.
The more you live in the moment, driven to achieve more as you go, the less internal conflict you will experience.
Talk to Others:
Somehow, we all feel as though we are the only ones experiencing difficulties. Like everyone else has it all worked out and we are the only ones with doubts and insecurities.
You don’t have to be completely vulnerable with others but know that we are all connected by the human experience and part of that ride is self-doubt and a whole wonderful range of insecurities. Why?
So we get the chance to face them and move on. These feelings often appear when we are moving into new areas of life that are unknown or more demanding. They are markers showing you that you’re heading the right way.
Accept Failure as a Friend:
Failure isn’t the enemy; it’s a stepping stone. Learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.
Failure is not proof that you are incapable, it is a momentary experience that contains all you need to know to get going.
Yes, it absolutely sucks. It can be demoralising, upsetting, heartbreaking and embarrassing even, but in truth it’s a part of success.
Pursue Fulfilment Beyond Work:
Seek joy in hobbies, relationships, and sunny days by the lake. Your worth isn’t solely tied to professional success.
Put it into perspective. Work is something you do. What you are, is far more than any job or career can capture.
Spiritual understanding, love for friends, family nature, music, physical activities and anything you’re effortlessly attracted to, makes life even more beautiful.
Avoid Negative People:
Stay away from those who drain your energy and erode your confidence. People like that are usually unaware that they project their feelings of frustration upon the world and those close by.
Instead, surround yourself with people that vibe with you. Connect with people on positive paths and remember, like attracts like.
Distance yourself from negative people, those that are unable to see your potential, or that are quick to tell you what you can or can’t achieve.
Practice Self-Compassion:
What does that mean?
It means, you can be your harshest critic and greatest enemy. Your monkey mind will lead you astray and may even whisper insults along the way.
Instead, be glad in your goodness. Celebrate your victories. Be aware of your weaknesses but not in a way that anchors you down. Awareness is freedom to change and become stronger.
And its ok to have weaknesses because guess what? You’re human.
Give yourself the compassion you deserve by not wasting time being over self-critical. That only leads to being sorry for yourself and that is one of the worst actions possible.
Kindness is strength. Responsibility is power. Awareness is freedom.
Embrace Growth and Challenges:
Leaving our comfort zones can evoke the imposter syndrome like a beast summoned by a homemade Quija board. But fear not, for you are not alone in this momentary lapse of unwavering confidence.
It’s natural to find new challenges and the demanding personal growth both scary and uncomfortable. That’s why it is often avoided.
Imposter syndrome can be a false positive that disguises normal reactions of the human condition in a convincing shroud of doubt that shakes self-belief.
Instead, awareness of this emotion offers protection from it. Embrace the doubt. Acknowledge the fear. And do it anyway. You will emerge stronger.
Keep learning, exploring the unknown, evolving, and remember, you’re not an imposter; you’re human being making the most of this experience in the best way you know how, just like the rest of us.
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