How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Not Let it Fool You

Here’s my simple 1 – 2 – 3 method to get past Imposter Syndrome.

Are you worried they are about to realize you’re phony?  Fake?  Αn outsider? Getting ready for a meeting and having second thoughts?

• You are about to be exposed – run!
• Nope, your place isn’t here. You don’t belong.
• Gosh, this will be so embarrassing.

Everybody else’s life seems so effortlessly perfect today – every social media on the planet holds testament to that. The digital world makes them look ever so magical. Flawless. They were born to do this. Well, were they?

According to a research paper published in the International Journal of Behavioral Science, 70% of all people will experience imposter feelings sometime in their lives.

So hang in there, you’re not alone.

It’s probably about time you stop questioning your worthiness and your abilities.

I’m sure you are exactly where you deserve to be in life. So, this post will teach you how to overcome imposter syndrome. And enjoy your successes, your achievements, your life.

Is it a syndrome then?

Yep, feeling like an imposter on the verge of exposure is a scientifically recognized syndrome. It describes this feeling that your success is not yours at all.

At best, a lucky coincidence or even a random event. And this isn’t a new concept either. The term was introduced by clinical psychologists back in 1978.

Just don’t let Imposter Syndrome fool you.

If you give in to those feelings and begin to doubt your value, the consequences are dear. Not respecting your effort is simply unfair.

Don’t allow Imposter Syndrome to cost you jobs.

Don’t let it stop you from taking decisive action.

Or realizing your dreams.

Don’t get fooled into procrastination, missed opportunities, or even underpayment.

See your true worth.

 It’s not necessary to let self-doubt hinder your progress and diminish your confidence. If you couldn’t do the job, you wouldn’t be here now.

You took the steps that led you to where you are. That’s for sure. It didn’t happen by accident. Nothing does.

And that is coming from someone (yes, that would be me) who doubts herself every time there is a big meeting coming up. After hundreds of positive and heartwarming reviews, I am still worried someone is going to tell me off and say my work is rubbish.

But for what it’s worth, I will replay the following tips in my head and get on with it.

So far, it has worked.

 1, 2, 3 – This is how to overcome the Imposter Syndrome

Step 1: Accept the feeling

Start by accepting and acknowledging those feelings.

Yep, they are there, haunting you every time. No point trying to hide from them. Focus on them instead and put them in perspective. This is real.  Let’s get on with it.

By simply being aware, you take the first step towards freedom. Plus, you already know you are not alone. After all, feelings are just feelings; they can’t hurt you. Always remember that!

Step 2: Share it with a friend

Share your feelings with a mentor or a friend.

It’s not just you.  It’s so many of us.

Don’t try to hide from it, don’t let it torture you or slow you down. Blocked feelings lower your self-confidence. Your success is yours to relish.

Talk to someone, take it off your chest, you could even send me a line or two about it in the comments if you want.

Accepting your vulnerability will only give you strength. It takes courage to be vulnerable. Express it.

Step 3: Act in spite of the imposter feeling

Start reframing your thoughts and simply march on. Yep, pretend it’s not there. I’m not saying hide from it.  I am saying Show Defiance.

People who never experience this syndrome are by no means more capable or talented than you. Don’t let it stop you from pursuing your goals. Ask for feedback.  Ask for help if you need it.

But never doubt your place on the table.

 Get over not being good enough

This 1 – 2 – 3 thinking got me out of trouble and gave me confidence countless times.

When decisions need to be made, and imposter feelings hold me back, I stop and think about it. I remind myself that I’m not alone in this; I call a friend to ask for advice and march on despite the fear and the worry.

It gets easier every time, I promise. Besides, it’s all about getting better. Opening up new doors.  Overcoming difficulties.

Hopefully, this post will help you find clarity and awareness and the strength to make choices that make you proud and move you forward.

Enough with fear. You have no harsher critic than yourself. So, it’s up to you to take full ownership of your life and take it wherever your heart guides you.

Feeling that others were born to be successful can be so intimidating. And wrong.

Nobody was born to do everything. We all pay the price to reach our destination. Our mistakes are our chance for self-improvement.

Beautiful images on Instagram may create the illusion that success came easily, but it definitely didn’t! Even the swans move their feet frantically under the water, while they glide gracefully above it.

Don’t let Imposter Syndrome fool you.

 Keep striving. You can do this.

Hell, you are doing this.

X X,

Evgenia

 

About Evgenia

Evgenia Profi is a Brand Voice specialist and copywriter. She loves finding meaning and helping her customers serve their purpose and reach their goals. Human connection is at the forefront of her work, and she enjoys connecting with people from around the globe. You can visit her website writingatelier.com and follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn.