Psychology
Coping with imposter syndrome
All of us doubt ourselves from time to time. So how do we manage it?
Do you ever feel like you don’t belong or are not good enough, even when you have achieved remarkable things? Do you go through crippling feelings of anxiety that spiral out of control because you feel you aren’t able to deliver your best even though you know you can? And sometimes, do those goals you set out to achieve look too big for you because you think you are just kidding yourself and won’t be able to make them happen?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you may be experiencing imposter syndrome. And you are not the only one to go through it. At some point in our lives, we all go through it. It just creeps into our minds and can be hard to let go. But it is possible.
I have gone through many phases of imposter syndrome, and the times weren’t pretty. It made me question many things about myself even though I knew I had accomplished multiple things, professionally and personally. Those phases severely hit my self-confidence, leading to bouts of depression and anxiety. The constant questions of “Am I good enough?” “Am I doing things right?” “Omg, there are people better than me; why am I even doing what I do?” would fly threw my brain and make me lose my mojo. That repetitive questioning and putting myself down never did me any good.
So what is it, and why is it considered so scary? 🧐
Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where people doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of their accomplishments, competence and great success. Despite the evidence, it is a common experience where people doubt their skills and abilities. They may attribute their actions to luck or external factors rather than their abilities.
Imposter syndrome can have a significant impact on our lives. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also prevent us from pursuing new opportunities and taking risks. A time might come when we may avoid challenges or give up quickly because we believe we will fail. Sometimes we may also have difficulty accepting compliments or recognition for our achievements because we don’t feel we deserve them.
Creatives + imposter syndrome = 😵💫😵💫😵💫
Imposter syndrome can be especially tough for creatives and designers. As a creative, I know how daunting it can be to come up with new and innovative ideas every time, whether at work or with my artistic pursuits. The pressure to deliver quality work over and over again can be overwhelming. And when you are not at your best, it’s easy to feel like you’re not good enough.
If you’re going through imposter syndrome, it may feel like your creativity and design choices are not up to par, and you may second-guess yourself constantly. The fear of failure can be paralysing, and it’s easy to procrastinate instead of taking action. It’s important to remember that many creatives experience imposter syndrome, which doesn’t mean you’re not talented or skilled. With practice and self-compassion, you can learn to overcome imposter syndrome and build confidence in your abilities.
How do I sort this out? 😟
It can be tough to overcome if you’re like me and experiencing imposter syndrome. It is not a pretty scene. However, there are ways to tackle it, even if it takes time and effort. Here are some approaches that may help you — they did and continue to help me whenever I enter the dark side of doubting myself —
- Recognise and name your imposter syndrome — The first step in overcoming it is recognising and naming it. By acknowledging your feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt, you can begin to address them more effectively.
- Challenge negative self-talk — Instead of believing the negative self-talk that fuels imposter syndrome, reframe it by focusing on your strengths and accomplishments. Practice self-compassion and self-care by acknowledging your efforts and progress, even small ones.
- Connect with others and seek support— Reach out to others who can relate to your experiences and provide support and encouragement. Surround yourself with positive, affirming people who lift and remind you of your worth.
- Take help and ask for feedback — Don’t be afraid to seek input from others and ask for help when needed. Recognise everyone has strengths and weaknesses; seeking input and assistance can help you grow and improve.
- Set realistic expectations and take action — Have realistic expectations of yourself and your goals. Recognise that mistakes and failures are a natural part of the learning process and that setbacks can provide valuable opportunities for growth and development. Take small steps towards achieving your goals. Getting started matters and will give you the confidence to achieve your goals slowly.
- Celebrate your successes — Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Reflect on what you have accomplished and how you have grown. Isn’t progress better than perfection?
Remember … 😇
We all go through this at some point in our lives. Be patient with yourself and trust the process. It’s normal to experience setbacks and challenges, but each step you take towards overcoming imposter syndrome is a step towards personal growth and success.
Lastly, reminding yourself that you are not alone in this experience is essential. Many successful and accomplished individuals have struggled with imposter syndrome but have come out strong because they have taken small steps towards their goals. You can achieve great things too, and believing in yourself is necessary. Do not let imposter syndrome hold you back from reaching your full potential.
So take a deep breath, give yourself a break, and remember you are enough. With time and effort, you can learn to recognise your strengths and talents and overcome your feelings of inadequacy. It will take time, but in the long run, you will effectively quell your feelings of being an imposter and take challenges as they come.
