5 Tips to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
First, if you suffer from imposter syndrome, know this is a compliment. Many intelligent, successful, driven high achievers ask themselves, “Who am I to do this?”
But the real question here is, who are you not to? Have you ever wondered where these voices telling you that you are a fraud come from? Was it one of your teachers who advised you not to apply to university because you would fail? Did you feel such pressure to be “the best” in your home that making a mistake would be deeply frowned upon? We develop our identities due to the stories we are told as children, which later become part of our subconscious minds. Sometimes, it is surprising that people can achieve substantial success but feel unfulfilled along the way.
Their mind is already on the next thing because they need to fill something up inside, which is different for everyone. The healing process can assist you in replacing your story with ease, appreciation, and self-praise as you accomplish your next goal. Whenever success becomes an addiction, then we have a problem. Addiction has no end, and that is the nature of the beast. The million-dollar question is: Are you willing to work yourself to the ground without enjoying the other abundant aspects of life? How does imposter syndrome impact you differently? For example, you won’t raise your hand in meetings because you’re afraid of making mistakes. Is it too scary to put forward an idea that might be perceived as a worthwhile one? Is being seen uncomfortable because you are used to staying in the shadows? When you are on standby, does it feel safer to you? Unless you are familiar with self-reflection questions, you may not realize they are one of the most effective means of determining what prevents you from reaching your full potential.
Tip 1: Just do it
No one has said it better than Nike. If you are a constant achiever, nothing ever seems good enough to you. The most beneficial thing you can do for yourself is to get therapy and “just do it.” There is a deeper issue at play here; yes, it is a problem that needs to be addressed. Continually achieving success is nothing to be ashamed of, and neither is being in therapy or coaching. When you can’t feel right unless you’re constantly working, it’s concerning. You can access your subconscious mind with RTT by finding the root cause for performing consistently and starting the journey of true freedom. Now, if you are a person who does not dare to try, try anyway! Raise your hand, ask questions, share ideas, and accept recognition even if it feels uncomfortable. “JUST DO IT!” This issue dates back to your childhood and needs to be addressed. RTT is a great way to let go of the old and bring in the new! The motto for this tip is to “JUST DO IT!”
Tip 2: STOP comparing yourself to others:
As the saying goes, “the grass is always greener on the other side,” and comparing can be demotivating and self-defeating. There may be intrusive thoughts such as, “I should have tried this way for better results, I should have stayed back for a longer period, or I should not have spoken at all.” The shoulds or shouldn’ts are usually filled with shame. Here’s one of the truths about shame: the less you discuss it with someone safe, the more it controls your life and psychological well-being. Did you know people you think are most successful tend to see something in your skills they don’t have? There are abundant gifts inside everyone. I want to encourage you not to focus on the lack of your abilities.
Instead, I would like to enable you to acknowledge and celebrate all the achievements you have made along the way. When you compare yourself to others, let their successes inspire you to grow rather than feel inferior. You know perfectionism doesn’t exist, right? Where do you draw the line between progression and perfection? Put an end to the notion of flawlessness by setting a time and date to complete a goal. Please don’t let social media fool you, either. People can selectively share parts of their lives on these platforms, but no one knows the truth behind the happy and prosperous posts. People rarely share their fears or the ups and downs of their journey. There is nothing better than authentic posts because they are insightful and compelling.
Tip 3: Write out your critical voice:
As soon as you have written down all the reasons why you cannot do something, read them to your child, best friend, lover, pet, or anyone you love and respect. To say those things to your loved ones would be unthinkable. It then begs the question, why do you tell yourself a limiting story? You must share this critical voice with someone you trust and with whom you feel safe. You can bet they won't agree with your list. Emotional expression is a very effective way to release limiting beliefs. A loved one will challenge your negativity and encourage you to believe you can handle whatever comes your way. You will be encouraged to be kind to yourself and to keep your inner critic in check.
Tip 4: Find a coach or therapist
Accountability allows you to follow through with your goals and progress towards self-development. Power and magic are involved whenever there is a union of this type. There is also an objective perspective that can shake your beliefs and daily habits. If you have the opportunity to work with a coach, mentor, or therapist, they possess valuable knowledge that can help you uncover hidden resources within yourself. This understanding can help you find the solutions you need. For your overall growth, you can use them to overcome personal or career obstacles. The value of facilitating connections within yourself and others extends beyond learning various things. Their job is to give you the gift of truly listening to you, and are also reliable allies. Using their relevant knowledge and experience, they can provide unbiased and accurate advice. Their expertise can help you identify and improve your weaknesses.
Tip 5: Cheerlead your doubts and fears away
We all have voices floating in the back of our minds, and most of the time, they are harmful. Why not change that background noise to positivity instead? Human beings also tend to magnify the negative thoughts in their minds; it is an innate survival instinct. These thoughts later develop into emotions, then the states of being, then daily habits, and finally, outcomes in life. What is your life telling you? Discover liberation by embracing your doubts and fears. One of my other favourite quotes is, “If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” ~Vincent Van Gogh. My point is that, this can be achieved by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself to try new things. This can help you to realize that your mind is capable of more than you initially thought.
