5 Ways to Deal With Imposter Syndrome

Do you ever doubt yourself? Well, you’re not alone. Many of us convince ourselves that we’re not good enough to be in the position we’re in.

Whether we’re self-conscious about a promotion we landed, nervous about a career change, or feel like we shouldn’t be given an opportunity altogether. This negativity is common and is often referred to as imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome makes us fear that one day we will be exposed by more qualified or experienced people. When in reality, we have every right to be in the position we’re in.

These feelings shouldn’t be our main focus. They shouldn’t have control over us, but sometimes we don’t realise how incredible we are.

So I detailed 5 ways we can learn to handle imposter syndrome. These tips will help us understand that although fears and feelings of inadequacy are common, they don’t define us.

1) Acknowledge Those Imposter Feelings

Before trying to overcome imposter syndrome, it’s a good idea to acknowledge where these feelings are coming from.

Has there been a dramatic change in your everyday? Or did someone speak to you in a way that made you second-guess yourself?

Either way, the fear of failure is normal among many of us. By accepting the feelings, you can begin to address them in a healthier way.

You can start to see if your self-assessment is based on what you believe or what someone else has put into your mind. Once you’ve recognised these thoughts, you’ll start to see how the negative doesn’t define your abilities or worth.

2) Challenge Negative Thoughts

Once you’ve acknowledged that something feels off in your self-confidence or assurance, you can begin to challenge these thoughts.

Realign your focus on what your accomplishments are that have led you to this moment. This is because the negativity will do more damage than you realise to your self-esteem and even your confidence. Which we don’t want.

Reframing these thoughts by highlighting your strengths and giving yourself positive feedback can help build a more realistic self-image. For example, if you begin to doubt a decision, question that doubt.

“Do I really mean to put myself down?” “Would I speak to my friend like this?” “Is there truth in this negativity or is my mind playing games?”

Simple questions like these can help you reevaluate yourself in the moment and gain a balanced perspective on what to do next.

3) You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

When you feel upset or anxious about your circumstances, know that you’re never alone. For those who look to religion or spirituality, you understand there is a God and higher power out there wanting the best for you.

You can also confide in a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional to give you honest feedback from a different perspective.

Sometimes we just need someone to vent to or someone to listen and tell us we’re being too hard on ourselves.

We’re our biggest critics, so speaking to people who may have experienced this themselves or have an unbiased opinion can benefit your well-being in the long run.

4) It’s Time to Set Goals

One of the key ways to overcome imposter feelings is to set achievable goals for yourself. For example, let’s say you have a career growth plan over the next five years.

It can seem like mountains to climb. But when you break it down into smaller, more manageable goals, you’ll start to see the journey more clearly.

You can begin by journalling your aims if you’re someone who works better with visuals. Or create simple checklists and revisit them frequently to see how well you’re doing.

But remember that even if you have a timeframe for your goals, your life isn’t a race.

And as you achieve each objective, you may see yourself as a more confident person. Your self-esteem will build and who knows what opportunities will be attracted to your positive energy.

5) Practice Self-care

Don’t forget to take care of your well-being, including your mental, emotional and physical health. It could start with the food you consume. Perhaps you’ve been eating more unhealthy food or drinks than you wish to admit.

Making small changes will see a significant difference in your emotional health. Similarly with how active you are. Try to engage in activities that bring you happiness and help you feel grounded, like exercise, prayer, or even walking in nature.

And don’t forget to have enough sleep consistently. Because when you’re losing those hours, it’s only a matter of time before it transfers into your daily mood.

Therefore, your mental health suffers, and feelings of inadequacy have a better opportunity of creeping their way in. So take time for yourself.

Final Thoughts

Imposter syndrome can be a challenging experience. But it is possible to overcome it with the right strategies.

By recognising the initial thoughts and accepting how you feel, you can start to reframe your way of thinking.

You can be more accepting of support from others and be ready to set achievable goals, while building your self-care and confidence in the process.

What techniques do you use to help with negative thoughts and feelings of self-doubt? Let me know!

–Seraphina