How to overcome imposter syndrome
If you’re studying towards your career goals, or have landed yourself a successful career, you might occasionally feel a sense of self-doubt. This can become a bigger concern if it’s impacting your decision-making or disrupting your goals and progression. If this is the case, don’t worry. If you need support, there are people there to help. But first, let’s take a look at some of our tips.
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern in which people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud”. This results in feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and an inability to accept one’s successes. People who experience imposter syndrome often worry that they will be “found out” and rejected by others, which can make it difficult for them to take risks or put themselves out there.
Imposter syndrome is a relatively common phenomenon, affecting people in a wide range of fields and professions. Many successful and talented individuals have struggled with feelings of self-doubt throughout their careers, and have often attributed their achievements to chance, luck, or other external factors rather than their own abilities and hard work.
If you are struggling with imposter syndrome, there are many techniques that you can use to overcome these feelings and channel your inner confidence.
How to get overcome imposter syndrome
There are several strategies that you can use to overcome imposter syndrome and start believing in yourself. Some key tips include:
Remind yourself of all your accomplishments and successes – many people with imposter syndrome tend to downplay their achievements and focus on the things that they perceive as “failures.” Taking some time to reflect on all the things that you have done well can help you build up your confidence and overcome feelings of self-doubt.
Ask yourself, “why not?” – why shouldn’t you get the job? Why shouldn’t you complete your qualifications? There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be deserving of your accomplishments. When you question your situation, hopefully, it should help you realise that your hard work and dedication are what has led you to success.
Talk to trusted friends or mentors – sharing your experiences with others can be a great way to get some support and encouragement when dealing with imposter syndrome. Talking about what you are going through can help you feel less alone, and can also provide valuable insight and advice from people who have been in similar situations.
Practice self-compassion – being kind to yourself is an important part of dealing with imposter syndrome. Instead of berating yourself for perceived failures or shortcomings, try to focus on your strengths and the things that you have accomplished. Practising self-compassion can help you build up your confidence and resilience in the face of setbacks.
Visualise success – visualising yourself being successful, confident, and capable can be a powerful tool for dealing with imposter syndrome. Imagining yourself achieving your goals and succeeding in challenging situations can help you feel more optimistic and prepared, which in turn can boost your self-esteem and confidence.
Take small steps forward – when dealing with imposter syndrome, it is important not to get overwhelmed by the challenge ahead of you. Instead, try to take things one step at a time by setting small, achievable goals and celebrating each success along the way. Breaking your goals down into smaller, more manageable pieces can help you stay motivated and build up your confidence over time.
How to channel positivity
One of the best ways to channel positivity when dealing with imposter syndrome is to focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Think about your achievements, no matter how big or small, and set realistic goals.
Practice self-compassion by being kind and understanding to yourself. Acknowledge your feelings, take time to relax and de-stress, and reach out for support.
It’s important to surround yourself with positive people and stay connected to a supportive community. Whether it is joining a local group or online forum, seeking professional support, or simply spending time with loved ones can help you stay motivated.
How to accept compliments, and how to keep the imposter syndrome from ruining your self-esteem.
One of the best ways to accept compliments and avoid letting imposter syndrome damage your self-esteem is to stay grounded in reality. This can involve acknowledging your accomplishments, but also being mindful of the areas where you still have room for growth and development.
Another key strategy is to practice gratitude by reflecting on all the things that you have to be thankful for. This can include recognising the support of your friends, family, and community, as well as acknowledging your own strengths and personal qualities.
Experiencing imposter syndrome whilst studying with us?
If you study with Eagle, and are experiencing episodes of self-doubt, get in touch with your personal mentor who will be able to provide you with support.