Do you ever feel like you’ve been getting by on pure luck and that someone will eventually catch on and call you out?
That nagging voice in the back of your head that’s telling you these things isn’t unique to you – it’s imposter syndrome.
Many people experience these feelings. Even though they have the accolades to prove otherwise, they still have that voice, that doubt, that plagues them.
While those feelings of being a “fraud” are strong, with mental skills training and a commitment to break these thought processes, you can feel confident and give yourself the credit you deserve.
In this blog we’ll cover:
- 5 common ways imposter syndrome presents itself
- 4 practical ways to overcome it
5 common ways imposter syndrome presents itself
1. Believing it’s luck
Instead of recognizing your hard work and talent, you downplay your successes and attribute it to luck.
2. Constant comparison
Whether it’s peers or teammates, if you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to others.
3. Excessive anxiety
Pre-game jitters are common, but when that anxiety becomes excessive and obsessive over potential failures, that’s when imposter syndrome is hard at work.
4. Overworking
There’s nothing wrong with working hard, however, it’s not good when the effort is coming from a place of overcompensation for perceived inadequacies.
5. Seeing failures as evidence
Failure is part of the process. They’re not dead-ends, but lessons. If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, failure is evidence that confirms your perceived inability to perform at a higher level.
Do you any of these examples align with how you’re feeling?
4 practical steps to overcome imposter syndrome
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
Everyone at one point or another has experienced imposter syndrome.
It’s natural and instead of seeing it as something negative, view it as a sign you’re pushing past your boundaries to realize your true potential.
2. Reframe Failure
As I mentioned before, failure’s not a dead-end or evidence that you’re inadequate.
Failure’s a chance for you to adapt, adjust, and grow.
When you change your perspective on failure, you strengthen your resilient mindset.
3. Be OK with being Vulnerability
There’s nothing wrong with feeling vulnerable.
Share your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust like a family member, friend, or mentor.
Sometimes, simply getting the thoughts out of your head can help reduce their power over you.
4. Find Joy in the Journey
It’s easy to focus on the end goal and overlook the steps that got you there.
When you shift your focus from the outcome, to enjoying the process you’ll find you appreciate your success even more.
If you want help overcoming these feelings of imposter syndrome, let’s talk.
