Ever felt like a fraudster at the mention or remembrance of your accomplishments?
Perhaps, reluctant to call yourself by the new name you just earned. It sounds too good to be you, right?
Deep down, you feel you owe those distinct milestones to mere luck and coincidence.
What you are experiencing is called "impostor syndrome".
Don't be beguiled to brand imposter syndrome as "humility". Humility shouldn't make you feel like a fraud while finally working on your dream job.
You must recognize this mindset and nip it in the bud to avoid feeling like an impostor amidst your accomplishments.
What is Impostor Syndrome?
The English dictionary defines it as "a psychological phenomenon in which a person is unable to internalize his or her accomplishments, remaining convinced that he or she does not deserve any accompanying success."
Sounds familiar, yeah?
When I started as a Copywriter and Content writer, I would shudder when someone read my work and applauded me as a content guru. Me? A content guru? LOL.
With all the glowing commendations, I was scared I might be unable to keep up with writing great content and was merely lucky to have written those first few.
It took a while to get past the fear and admit that I was a brilliant writer and then introduce myself as one. You can also overcome this feeling of self-doubt.
This is how you can get started:
1. Acknowledge the problem and be open
You must acknowledge that there is a problem that needs to be addressed urgently. Trying to suppress the feeling of guilt doesn't stop it from popping up after a while. You shouldn't continue to live in oblivion.
While applying for that job, you bragged about many things you had little knowledge of during the tete-a-tete. Yeah, I was there.
Now, you finally have the job of your dreams, but you feel a little uncomfortable because you don't think you deserve the job.
Instead of acting like a fraud that crawled their way in, it's better to speak to someone about it immediately.
Let it out of your chest. You would be shocked to hear the person share a similar story.
2. Change your mindset
Motivational talks and affirmations may not be your thing, but a little of that will go a long way to help you. You need to talk yourself out of this impostor mindset. With a mindset of self-doubt and fear, you might lose your job early.
What transpires in your mind has a way of determining your physical outlook, deposition and energy level. Start to see yourself worthy of your accomplishments. Own it. That was you, you did that great thing, and it wasn't a lottery you won.
3. Avoid the trap of comparison
Comparison is a trap you should avoid. When you pay more attention to yourself, you will not only be more grateful, you'll see yourself in a better light. You are not your friend. Their failure at something doesn't mean your failure is an event about to unfold. In all, don't compare in any form. Be you and save a little grace for yourself.
4.Upskill
There will always be room for improvement. Not making efforts to improve your skill level would eventually make you feel like an impostor.
Meanwhile, if you continue to master your craft with a positive mindset, you won’t be prey to impostor syndrome. The key is a positive mindset that doesn’t think inferior of its accomplishments.
Impostor syndrome is not insurmountable. It can be a thing of the past if you are ready to lead yourself the way you ought to.
I can't wait to hear how you dealt with it.
Till I write to you again,
With love and laughter,
