How To Stop Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a nagging suspicion that you’re somehow tricking people into thinking you’re more skilled or knowledgeable than you are. 

And it gnaws at you despite all the evidence that says, “Hey, you’re actually pretty darn good at this!”

Today we’ll dive deep into this feeling and where it comes from and give you proven ways to kick its butt. So stick around!

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Unmasking Imposter Syndrome

When I first started posting life advice on YouTube, one of my videos unexpectedly went viral. 

Suddenly, my inbox was flooded with messages saying how much my content helped them. 

Every message had me thinking, “Did I trick this person? When are they going to find out I’m just winging it?” 

I felt like I was playing an influencer or thought leader role, which I didn’t identify with. 

It felt like my followers and I were on a countdown, waiting for the moment they’d discover I’m not the person they imagined me to be.

Imposter syndrome can be boiled down to persistent feelings of inadequacy, even with a track record of success. 

Legends like Maya Angelou, Mike Myers, and Einstein have confessed to similar feelings, proving that success and self-doubt can, unfortunately, coexist.

How To Combat Imposter Syndrome

To paint a picture of imposter syndrome, think of your mind as a garden where you grow flowers or weeds. 

In the beginning, when you’re inexperienced, your garden is overrun with weeds. 

However, as you gain skills and knowledge, you learn how to cultivate beautiful flowers. 

Still, despite the flourishing blooms, there’s this nagging worry that someone might dig up your garden and discover it was initially full of weeds. 

That’s what imposter syndrome feels like.

So, how do we combat this? 

First, let’s dissect our feelings of inadequacy. 

Pay attention to moments when your emotional reaction seems disproportionate to the situation. 

Maybe you get a promotion and can’t feel happy. 

Or perhaps you embarrass yourself, and it destroys you.

When this happens, ask yourself five questions:

1. What am I feeling?

2. What need is not being met?

3. What am I secretly afraid of, and why?

4. What’s the underlying issue here?

5. Deep down, what do I believe about myself?

By answering these questions, you start tackling the emotional variable of imposter syndrome, understanding where it comes from, and how to mitigate it.

Rethink Your Thoughts

Another step to conquering imposter syndrome is challenging and changing your internal narrative. 

Impostor syndrome often appears as an internal critic, bombarding us with debilitating thoughts like “You’re not good enough” or “You’re just faking it.”

If you’re always thinking you’re a fraud, guess what? 

You’re going to feel like one. 

So, let’s rewrite that internal script. 

Firstly, become aware of when you’re engaging in negative self-talk. 

Counteract these thoughts by questioning their validity. 

For instance, if you think, “This success was just a fluke,” challenge it with, “What effort and strategy did I invest to reach this achievement?”

Next, reply to your question using positive affirmations—brief, precise, optimistic declarations related to a goal you’re aiming for. 

An affirmation like, “I am diligent, and my hard work pays off,” can be immensely effective.

Remember that failures and mistakes aren’t evidence that you’re an imposter but stepping stones on your path of growth.

Use Imposter Syndrome To Your Advantage

There are four ‘P’s of imposter syndrome: perfectionism, paralysis, people-pleasing, and procrastination. 

You might see some of these characteristics in yourself and start questioning your abilities. 

However, what if these traits that you consider ‘flaws’ could be beneficial?

While perfectionism often gets a bad rap, you can view it as a sign of diligence. 

Instead of agonizing over minor details, consider it as your dedication to thoroughness.

If you are prone to procrastination or feel paralyzed when faced with tasks, don’t be too hard on yourself. 

Instead, view this as your unique approach to problem-solving—taking the time to think things through before making a move. 

It’s your own way of tackling challenges.

When it comes to being a people-pleaser, it’s not necessarily a drawback. 

You may have overlooked this quality as a strength you possess. 

People who aim to please others are often great at communication, empathetic, and know how to keep the peace. 

Yes, taking care of yourself is crucial, too, but aiming for a harmonious environment in the workplace is a good objective.

That said, monitoring these traits to prevent them from becoming destructive and avoiding burnout is important.

Setting boundaries, especially time limits, is an excellent approach to mitigating this risk. 

For example, allocate a specific amount of time to work on a project instead of grinding away until you consider it ‘perfect.’ 

This way, you set a sensible limitation and reduce the likelihood of burning out.

Growth Mindset

In my own experience tackling Impostor Syndrome, I’ve realized just how crucial it is to adopt a mindset focused on growth. 

This outlook allows me to openly acknowledge my gaps in knowledge and the areas where I could improve. 

However, identifying these gaps is only the first step; I invest time diving deeper into subjects I want to understand better and skills I aim to enhance. 

For instance, when I organized my calendar with color codes, I set aside slots for “personal development” to ensure I’m dedicating regular work hours to learning.

Take a moment to jot down the root causes of your Impostor Syndrome on paper or a digital note. 

What situations or challenges bring out these feelings? 

Consider this list your roadmap for areas you want to focus on for growth and continuous practice. 

Then, consider ways to keep learning on the job or through other resources like specialized training or books. 

Share these insights with your supervisor to explore how they might help you secure opportunities for further development in these targeted areas.

Don’t Compare Yourself To Others

Measuring yourself against others can often fuel feelings of being an imposter. 

When you notice someone excelling in a way you’re not familiar with, it’s easy to slip into a pattern of negative self-talk. 

Rather than going down that road, shift your focus toward your unique talents and strengths. 

Sure, there are plenty of areas where I’m not particularly skilled—I could probably fill a whole video or podcast about them. 

Some I’d like to improve, and others I’m fine with leaving as they are. 

For example, I may not be a wizard at typography, but I can create a visually pleasing presentation. 

Plus, I collaborate with experts who can fill in the gaps when needed. 

I choose to concentrate on my strong suits and appreciate the skills of those who excel where I don’t.

Applaud Your Success

People grappling with Impostor Syndrome often struggle to embrace compliments and give themselves credit. 

When they succeed, they chalk it up to luck or the assistance of others, but when things don’t go as planned, they assume full responsibility for the failure.

Start by cultivating a robust sense of internal agency. 

If you can see your life as the outcome of your choices and actions, it becomes easier to own your accomplishments and missteps. 

So, the next time you reach a milestone or complete a task, recognize that your abilities and hard work got you there.

Don’t just nod at your wins; revel in them! Keep a file of all your positive feedback, and revisit it when wrestling with self-doubt. 

Doing so can neutralize any self-inflicted criticism and give you the confidence boost you need.

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Stay Positive Friends