Overcoming Impostor Syndrome

Have you ever felt you’re not as competent as others perceive you to be? And that at any given moment people will realize you are phony – Like you don’t belong where you are, and you only got there through a strike of luck.

By: Tatiana Cortes

Also known as the impostor syndrome, is the persistent inability to believe that one’s success has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s efforts and/or skills. This ‘chronic self-doubt’ is not uncommon amongst entrepreneurs. 

So, what can we do to overcome the impostor syndrome? Here are some tips to mitigate the negative effects of this syndrome:

Recognize impostor feelings

Being self-aware of those feelings when they emerge is the first step to change. Track your thoughts, analyze what they are and when they emerge.

Reprogram your mind

Instead of accepting the thought of self-doubt, in whatever scheme that comes to your head, replace it! Remind yourself that is normal not to know everything and that you will learn and become a better professional as you progress. The only way you can stop feeling like an impostor, is to stop thinking like an impostor.

Talk about it

There might be others having the same self-doubting thoughts and having an open dialogue can have a positive impact on both of you.

Consider the context

We all have moments when we don’t feel 100% confident and during those times when we feel out of it, self-doubt can be a normal reaction. If you catch yourself thinking that you are useless, reevaluate your thoughts: “the fact that I feel useless right now doesn’t mean that I really am.”

Re-define failure

Instead of fearing failure and feeling worthless when it happens, see failure as an opportunity to learn. These lessons will impact you positively and constructively in the future. Knowledge is power!

Be kind to yourself

Remember that no one is perfect, and we are all entitled to make mistakes – So forgive yourself and don’t forget to reward yourself for the small achievements.

Seek support

We all need help! Recognizing that you need assistance and that you don’t have to do everything alone, will help you to keep your feet on the ground and help with the load you have on your shoulders. 

Visualize success

Keep your eye on the goal – no matter how big or how complex an obstacle can be – nothing will stand on your way if you concentrate on the outcome.

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