Blueroomcare
Did you ever accomplish something significant but did not feel as if you deserved to do so? Maybe you have been complimented at work, done well on an important test, or been given new responsibilities, yet rather than feel proud of yourself, you feared others would soon realize how incompetent you actually were?
This is what imposter syndrome is all about.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is characterized by a consistent lack of self-confidence whereby an individual finds it difficult to accept or acknowledge his or her own achievements, fearing that others will find out that he or she is not as competent as they seem. An individual experiencing imposter syndrome tends to feel that the reason for their success is good fortune or timing or help from other people and not due to their own competence.
What Are the Signs of Imposter Syndrome?
Imposer syndrome symptoms differ from one individual to another, although they always encompass persistent self-doubt, inability to accept one’s successes, and fear that people will realize that you are not as successful as they assume. People suffering from imposter syndrome doubt their skills, even though it is evident that they possess these skills.
Common symptoms of imposter syndrome include:
- Doubting your skills regardless of having evidence of your capabilities
- Attributing your success to luck or other people
- Feeling as if you do not deserve all the praise and promotion
- Fear of being discovered by others as not as competent as they think you are
- Setting very high standards for yourself
- Needing to work extra hard to be able to prove yourself
- Avoiding new challenges due to fear of failure
- Inability to accept compliments or acknowledge your success
All of these thoughts come even though you managed to prove that you are competent.
For instance, a person who proves his or her capability at work can feel that all the success was pure luck. A student who scores high can still be afraid of being unsuccessful next time.
Who Experiences Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome can happen in various circumstances. It can be seen among learners, workers, supervisors, businesspersons, specialists, or individuals who are transitioning into a new phase of their lives.
It may become especially noticeable when you find yourself facing new challenges, switching to a new job, receiving a raise, finding yourself in an unfamiliar environment, or being compared to people whom you consider more successful.
The social and professional contexts can also play a part in one’s self-perception of one’s accomplishments. Constant comparison with other people’s achievements can make you forget about your own progress and achievements.
How Can Imposter Syndrome Affect Your Mental Health?
Self-doubt from time to time is normal. Nonetheless, feelings of inadequacy may become emotionally draining.
Imposter syndrome may play a role in causing chronic stress since you feel the need to prove yourself all the time. You might end up using too much time to prepare for an activity due to fear of making errors or being ridiculed.
Such feelings of inadequacy may lead to low self-esteem. You might be prone to belittling yourself all the time until you start feeling worthless even when there is no reason for it.
In addition, chronic self-doubt might be coupled with anxiety. You might find yourself worried about making errors, disappointing people around you or being found out.
Lastly, imposter feelings may be behind perfectionism. Due to fear of making errors which would expose you as an impostor, you will be under pressure to meet high standards all the time. Such pressure can be emotionally draining.
How to Stop Imposter Syndrome
The realization of these thoughts is already the first step towards solving the problem.
If you have doubts about yourself, try to separate your feelings from the facts. Just because you feel unqualified does not automatically mean that you are unqualified.
You can also write down all of your accomplishments, positive comments, completed projects, skills, and progress. Such review will help overcome the habit of undervaluing your achievements by dismissing them as coincidence.
It could also be helpful to discuss these issues openly with someone whom you trust. You may realize that other people, including the qualified ones, have such emotions as well.
Try not to compare yourself with the successes of other people while ignoring your own failures. After all, you never know what problems and difficulties lie behind other people’s accomplishments.
Finally, give yourself permission to make mistakes. Learning something new does not require you to be perfect from the beginning.
When Should You Consider Professional Support?
Imposter syndrome does not necessarily mean that you suffer from a mental disorder. Nevertheless, if ongoing self-doubt affects your social life, career, studying, sleep, self-confidence, or quality of day-to-day activities, talking to a licensed therapist might be beneficial for you.
A professional will assist you in uncovering the reasons behind your self-doubt, realizing the harmful nature of certain thoughts, and finding constructive approaches to dealing with stress and expectations.
Takeaway
Thinking that you are an imposter does not mean that you actually are one.
It is possible that your mind doubts your competencies even though your experience and achievements tell you otherwise. The ability to distinguish between these two states can help you form a healthy picture of yourself.
You don’t have to rid yourself of all doubts to make changes. Sometimes, the beginning of a positive process lies in the awareness of these doubts and decision not to let them define your capabilities.
- Need support? Start your care journey by booking a confidential therapy session and accessing daily journaling and wellness check-ins through the Blueroomcare App.
- Looking for more guidance? Explore our blog for more mental health tips.
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