The Impostor Syndrome - You Are the Move You Make

If you suffer from the impostor syndrome, it may seem impossible to break free of the feeling of inadequacy. However, it's easier said than done. The impostor syndrome is a common problem faced by seventy percent of us. Learning how to overcome this condition means taking action. For example, you may seek advice from a supportive supervisor or a career coach. You can also volunteer in your industry or seek out mentors. This will help you discover your inner expertise and heal fraudulent feelings.

The impostor syndrome can prevent you from celebrating your accomplishments. It can make you feel that you're unqualified or underqualified for the job. You may feel as though you're not capable of achieving something, or you might over-prepare and overwork yourself in order to avoid being discovered. Over time, this anxiety can cause a downward spiral of depression and self-doubt. As a result, you may believe that you're a failure in class and have only survived because you've been rehearsing all night. Or, you may believe that you survived a family gathering because you've practiced small talk and made small talk.

Acknowledging your impostor syndrome is the first step towards healing it. Although this can be difficult, writing down your experiences and thoughts can help you acknowledge the feelings of inadequacy. Assuming that you don't possess the qualities necessary for your success, the next step is to learn about your own unique strengths and skills. By developing a list of your strengths and special skills, you can begin the process of healing your impostor syndrome.

By discussing your own struggles with others in a group, you'll see others' challenges more realistically. Most people have a paper rejected, but you don't know what happened behind the scenes. If you compare your worst self with theirs, you'll be tempted to compare yourself to them and feel even worse. But comparing yourself to others can only make you feel worse.

Managing impostor feelings can take many forms. It can interfere with your happiness, and taming them doesn't mean they'll never come back. When your social reference changes (perhaps you went from being a valedictorian in high school to becoming a lawyer or businessman), the impostor feelings are likely to emerge. This can happen as a result of pressure to succeed or a lack of experience.

In addition to women, men and perfectionists are also affected by the impostor syndrome. Many of us feel unworthy of our accomplishments and we often discount our rates before asking for a lower rate. Those seemingly small discounts can add up to millions of dollars over the course of a lifetime. But the fact is that we should all be millionaires, and lack of confidence costs us millions.

The American Psychological Association lists procrastination, over-preparation, and perfectionist behaviors as the most common impostor symptoms. People who feel like "impostors" often put off tasks or spend too much time preparing for them. This lack of productivity leads to feelings of inadequacy and failure. Fortunately, there are several ways to overcome the impostor syndrome. There are life coach sessions, yoga retreats, and hypnosis.