Impostor Syndrome: The gate-crasher

You’re sitting at your desk, working away, when suddenly a thought barges in: “Am I really qualified for this? Will they realise I’m just faking it?” Welcome, Impostor Syndrome, the uninvited guest that likes to crash the confidence party.

Imposter Syndrome brings with it all your Inner Critics, the little voices in your head that love to question your achievements: the Perfectionist, the Comparer, and the Expert in Overthinking. They have a knack for making you doubt your talents, despite your track record and your achievements.

Photo by Viorel Kurnosov

How can you stop Imposter Syndrome from crashing? Here are some tips:

Keep a “Wins” Journal: Every time you triumph over a challenge, jot it down. Soon, you’ll have a list of victories to ground you in reality when you start to question yourself.

Talk Back to Your Inner Critics: When your inner critics start the chorus of doubt, respond with facts and evidence. Refer back to your “Wins” journal if you need help.

Share Your Feelings: Guess what? Many people have felt the same way. Talk about it with friends, family, or trusted colleagues. You’ll be surprised how common this phenomenon is!

Celebrate “Oops” Moments: Mistakes happen. Instead of viewing them as confirmation of your impostor status, see them as valuable lessons on your path to greatness.

Embrace Growth: Remember, even superheroes had to learn to use their powers. Embrace the journey of growth and improvement.

Next time Impostor Syndrome tries to crash your confidence, remind yourself that it’s your party and you got yourself here. Embrace your unique abilities, celebrate your successes.