Impostor syndrome has damaging effects on those who are often high achievers. Women and people of color can be even more adversely affected by the depression and self-doubt that can come with impostor syndrome. Estimates say that up to 90% of people feel impostor syndrome at some point in their lives. Maybe some of the ideas being put forth about personal value need to be evaluated on a societal level.
Impostor syndrome shows up in feeling like a fraud or wondering when people will discover that you are not who you really are. This can be crippling for some people and for others, they live in a quiet misery. When impostor syndrome is present, internalizing and owning your success and achievements is difficult.
Not owning your successes can bring about self-doubt and a lack of confidence. Then your self-esteem or sense of real value begins to become undermined.
You are not alone. There is help.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, frustration, insomnia, low self-confidence, or a sense of being unworthy, you may be experiencing the impact of impostor syndrome. Let’s discuss 6 strategies that can help.
Overcoming impostor syndrome requires that you:
SPEAK UP
It is best to speak up to someone whom you trust and will listen to you. Speaking to someone outside your immediate circles can be beneficial because their objectivity can be helpful. Counselors, mentors, or others that you trust are great places to seek support and guidance.
NEVER LET A LIE GO UNCHALLENGED
You may be telling yourself lies about your abilities and skills as part of the self-doubt of impostor syndrome. By speaking up and sharing what you are thinking, you can hear your thoughts and receive support about the truth rather than self-talk.
DEVELOP COPING STRATEGIES
Learning how to meditate, breathe deeply, structure your time in effective ways for you and other skills can help you manage your emotions and expectations.
Your feelings are not facts. When you share them, you afford yourself the opportunity to distinguish and discern the facts and then release the feelings that are not serving your highest good.
Having a diverse leisure life including relaxation and fulfilling activities that are not work or school related help you take your mind into place that serves your self-concept and welfare.
CELEBRATE CURRENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Celebrate your achievements even if you think they are small. An achievement is an achievement regardless of if your self-talk is downgrading it or not. Practice owning your accomplishments, especially when you think they are small or inconsequential.
LEARN HOW TO HANDLE DISAPPOINTMENT AND FAILURE
You will fail at things and you will be disappointed. Learn how to be gracious in the face of defeat and to focus on healthy integration of emotion and expectations. Life is not about perfectionism; it is about growth and development toward your inner calling.
ENJOY THE MESSINESS OF LIFE
Life can be messy and yet, like finger-painting, there is also beauty. The more you learn to embrace the various experiences life affords you, the more fulfilled you will become, and the less impostor syndrome will impact you. Not everything is pristine and sometimes out of the mess emerges something great.
When you are being your authentic self and living in integrity, you cannot possibly be an impostor.
For more on this topic, check out this post.
Looking for personalized support in overcoming Impostor Syndrome? Schedule a free call with me at VisionsApplied.com/Meet
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