The term “imposter syndrome” is a type of feeling that many people from all walks of life experience, many on a daily basis. It’s a feeling involving personal incompetence and self-doubt about yourself, regardless of your experience, education, and accomplishments. Many people, men and women, feel like “frauds” in their line of work and in their life. Even celebrities, such as Tom Hanks, have reported suffering from imposter syndrome.
So what do you do when you feel like you are nothing but an imposter in your field? Keep reading for three helpful tips that will help you overcome this fear and lead a more productive and happy life.
- Acknowledge the feeling
The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is to acknowledge the feeling. You need to realize that these thoughts are a perfectly normal reaction. Then, take a good step back to go over the situation as objectively as possible. Separate any feelings from the facts at hand. It’s important to take the emotion away from the situation to get a better grip on your feelings of inadequacy. Consider whether your feelings are valid or not. For example, is the task at hand something you are not used to doing? You may just need more time to learn and grow.
- Keep a record of accomplishments
It’s perfectly acceptable to keep a log of any and all accomplishments, skills, and goals that you have met. Think of it as a “brag sheet.” A brag sheet highlights all experiences and accomplishments that you have had in the past. It may be a little bit awkward to do at first, but it will help you remember who you are and why you have made it so far. It’s something to look at when you start having feelings of inadequacy.
- Celebrate each and every win
Too many of us think that we shouldn’t toot our own horn when it comes to a job well done, yet we are very quick to congratulate someone else for the same victory. When you have imposter syndrome, you often feel as if you are no good at your job. To overcome the feeling, make sure you celebrate every win you have, big or small. The more you acknowledge and celebrate your wins, the better you will feel about yourself. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself the way you would treat someone else in your position.