Do you ever feel like you're just pretending to be good at something when, deep down, you believe you're not? You're not alone. Many people of all ages experience this feeling. It's called "Imposter Syndrome," and it can make you doubt your abilities and accomplishments. But the good news is that you can overcome it by recognizing your true worth!

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome is when you believe you're not as talented, smart, or capable as others think you are. Even if you've achieved something great, you might attribute it to luck rather than your own hard work and skills. It can make you feel like a fraud, as if you're just pretending to be something you're not. I love the way Mike Cannon-Brookes describes Imposter Syndrome on his Ted Talk. He describes how Imposter Syndrome is not just feeling that you can't do something, but that you might find yourself in a scenario where you're already expected to have knowledge. He describes how you might find yourself feeling like you're BS-ing your way through it when deep down you know you don't have the skills or experience to get the job done.

Signs of Imposter Syndrome

Here are some signs that you might be dealing with Imposter Syndrome:

• Self-Doubt: You constantly question your abilities and accomplishments.
• Perfectionism: You set unrealistically high standards for yourself and fear making mistakes.
• Downplaying Success: When you succeed, you don't take credit for it or attribute it to external factors.
• Comparing Yourself: You often compare yourself to others, thinking they're better than you.
• Overworking: You work extremely hard to prove your worth, even if it's not necessary.

Why Do We Feel Like Imposters?

Imposter Syndrome can stem from various sources:

• High Expectations: Sometimes, we expect too much from ourselves, and when we fall short, we feel like imposters.
• Fear of Failure: The fear of making mistakes and failing can lead to self-doubt.
• Social Pressure: Social media and peer pressure can make us compare ourselves to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
• Lack of Self-Confidence: Low self-esteem and confidence issues can make Imposter Syndrome worse.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Recognizing your worth and overcoming Imposter Syndrome takes time and effort. Here are some steps to help you along the way:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step is to acknowledge that you're experiencing Imposter Syndrome. Understanding your feelings is essential to overcoming them.

• Celebrate Your Achievements: Take credit for your successes, big or small. Acknowledge your hard work and effort.

• Change Your Inner Dialogue: Replace self-doubting thoughts with positive affirmations. Tell yourself you are capable and deserving of success.

• Set Realistic Goals: Instead of aiming for perfection, set achievable goals. This will help reduce self-imposed pressure.

• Remember Everyone Feels This Way: You're not alone. Many successful people have battled Imposter Syndrome. Knowing this can be reassuring.

Imposter Syndrome is a common challenge that many people face. It's important to remember that you are not a fraud, and your accomplishments are a result of your hard work and abilities. By recognizing your worth, celebrating your achievements, and changing your inner dialogue, you can overcome Imposter Syndrome and reach your full potential.

If you are struggling with social anxiety or self-image, there is help and hope. You can book a session with one of our team members today using https://lindsaytsang.janeapp.com