Transform Imposter Syndrome into True Confidence

Imposter syndrome is commonly found in the professional world, even if the feelings that accompany this pneumonia aren’t helpful. If you’re currently grappling with self-doubt, it’s time to get out of your own way and apply for that job, start that business, or improve your skills.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t deserve your achievements and luck was the only factor in your success, then you may have imposter syndrome. Someone with imposter syndrome may worry that they’ll be revealed as a fraud, despite their proven track record of earned success.

Why is Imposter Syndrome Difficult to Overcome?

Vocalizing your feelings of inadequacy can help you understand and cope with them, but doing so isn’t easy because you’ll have to admit that you aren’t qualified for your position in life.

Workplace pressures don’t make it easy to be transparent. In this JobSage study, 64% of employees admitted that they’re hiding something from their employers. 41% do so out of fear it’ll impact their career advancement, proving that employees don’t feel safe at work.

You may also have a person in your life that’s undermining your accomplishments. This may cause you to compare yourself to others or develop trust issues for those close to you.

Is Imposter Syndrome Common?

Imposter syndrome is very common, even with most esteemed professionals. It’s estimated that 62% of global employees feel imposter syndrome, but these feelings are rarely spoken about. However, there are plenty of compassionate people who want to listen and help you.

Career growth is difficult, scary, and intimidating, especially if you feel you’re lagging behind your coworkers. But it can help to realize that everyone feels insecurity and self-doubt.

Negative or depressive thoughts are yours, but they aren’t you. Life is about discovery, making mistakes, and growth, and it’s normal to feel inexperienced or trapped. If these feelings are so overwhelming that they affect your happiness, you need to work through them slowly.

How Can You Become More Confident?

When you’re stuck in a mental state, it can be hard to move away from it, but not impossible. With time and hard work, you can use the following tips to overcome imposter syndrome.

Acknowledge the Thoughts

To truly overcome imposter syndrome, you have to acknowledge your feelings when they show up. Pushing them away will only make it worse. Instead, notice the feeling and ask yourself if they’re real or if they spawned from self-doubt. Then, move on and focus on something else.

Pay Attention to the Facts

Our brains create stories to protect us from failure, pain, or rejection. Unfortunately, it may use negativity to try and prevent further negativity, which isn’t helpful. If you make up stories in your head after an experience (i.e., speaking up at the meeting), focus on what was actually said.

Find Evidence for Support

We sometimes have to tackle our emotional thoughts with logic to calm down, and that’s okay. If you’re having a hard time meeting a deadline, look at all the other times you went above and beyond on a project. This will give you the support you need to successfully meet your deadline.

Speak to Someone you Trust

It’s unhealthy to internalize your emotions and isolate yourself. If you don’t feel confident speaking to your coworkers, consider talking to someone who isn’t at work, like your friends, spouse, or psychiatrist. But you’ll probably find a workmate that’s going through the same thing.

Look for a Talented Mentor

One symptom of imposter syndrome is the feeling that you aren’t good enough. A remedy for this is mentorship, as they can help you improve your hard and soft skills. They’ll also serve as your cheerleader when you need practical advice, support, and/or a shoulder to cry on.