I’ve always felt like a fraud. Well, maybe not exactly a fraud, more like a play-actor. Like I didn’t really belong. Like everyone around me was smarter, more talented, and more deserving of success than I was. I used to think that I was the only one who felt this way, but as I’ve grown older and talked to more people, I’ve realized that these feelings are actually quite common. They’re called impostor syndrome, and they can be incredibly debilitating. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experience with impostor syndrome, explain what it is, discuss some of the causes, and offer tips for overcoming it.
Impostor syndrome is the persistent feeling that you’re not as competent as others perceive you to be, and that your successes are due to luck rather than your own abilities. People with impostor syndrome often worry that they will be exposed as less-competent, and that they don’t deserve their achievements. Symptoms of impostor syndrome include self-doubt, anxiety, and a fear of failure. Impostor syndrome is surprisingly common, with up to 70% of people experiencing it at some point in their lives.
There are many possible causes of impostor syndrome. Childhood experiences, such as being told that you’re not good enough or being constantly compared to others, can contribute to feelings of inadequacy. Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism, can also make it difficult to accept and celebrate one’s own successes. Societal pressures, such as the expectation that women or people of color must work harder than others to prove themselves, can also play a role in impostor syndrome. I think in my case, it came on me because I knew I hadn’t lived up to my potential and made decisions that derailed my progress. Even after I got my bachelor’s degree and was on an educational level with my peers, I still felt “less,” but only with regard to my job. In every other facet of my life, I felt like a rockstar.
Overcoming impostor syndrome can be a challenging process, but it is possible. The first step is to recognize and accept that you’re experiencing impostor syndrome. This can be difficult, as many people with impostor syndrome feel like they’re the only ones who feel this way. However, knowing that you’re not alone can be incredibly empowering. The next step is to change your self-talk and beliefs. Instead of focusing on your perceived shortcomings, try to focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Seeking support and feedback from trusted friends and colleagues can also help you to overcome impostor syndrome. Finally, it’s important to celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and to embrace your failures as opportunities to learn and grow.
In my own experience, I’ve found that the best way to overcome impostor syndrome is to focus on the work itself, rather than the validation or recognition that may come with it. When I’m able to immerse myself in a project and focus on the process, rather than the outcome, I find that my impostor syndrome fades away. Of course, this is easier said than done, and I still struggle with impostor syndrome on a regular basis. But knowing that I’m not alone, and that there are steps I can take to overcome it, gives me hope.
If you’re experiencing impostor syndrome, I want you to know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel like a fraud sometimes, and it’s okay to struggle with self-doubt and anxiety. But it’s also important to recognize that these feelings are not an accurate reflection of your abilities or worth. With time, effort, and support, you can overcome impostor syndrome and achieve your goals. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. Remember, you are not an impostor – you belong here.