Last Updated on October 20, 2021 by Rovamedia
Imposter syndrome is really a thing. According to MediacalNewsToday, Impostor syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of job or social status, but high-achieving individuals often experience it. Psychologists first described the syndrome in 1978. According to a 2020 review, 9%–82%Trusted Source of people experience impostor syndrome. The numbers may vary depending on who participates in a study. Many people experience symptoms for a limited time, such as in the first few weeks of a new job. For others, the experience can be lifelong.
The person may fear that their colleagues and supervisors expect more from them than they can manage. They may feel unable to deliver. The person may fear that their colleagues and supervisors expect more from them than they can manage. They may feel unable to deliver. The fear of not succeeding may cause a person to hold themselves back and avoid seeking higher achievements. This, along with the fear of doing things wrong, can affect their overall job performance.
People with impostor syndrome may focus heavily on limited tasks instead of taking on additional duties that can prove their abilities, according to research published in 2014.
They may avoid taking on additional tasks for fear that they will distract from or compromise the quality of their other tasks.
I vented to a marketing friend about a project I’m stressed about. I can’t forget his response:
“I think you undervalue yourself and the work you do.”
While people say imposter syndrome means growth, I think it can also hold you back. So here are some tips to manage it.
Managing Imposter Syndrome
1. Focus on the facts—not your emotions: We have a tendency to be so cruel to ourselves. We’ll dwell on negative thoughts and completely disregard anything positive. Celebrating your successes doesn’t mean you have an ego, so don’t be afraid to acknowledge them more often.
2. Take a look at projects you did a few years ago: When you do, you’ll see how much you’ve grown in a short time. When you’re practicing your career every day, it’s impossible not to get better at it. Your old projects will be proof of that.
3. BREATHE: Does anyone else get so wrapped up in their thoughts that they forget to breathe and suddenly you’re dealing with shaking hands and short breaths? This is a sign of anxiety, and I’ve let IS take me to that point before. Pause and breathe. Daily meditation is good.
4. Stop comparing yourself: There are writers I look up to every day for inspiration. But sometimes when I read their work, all I’ll think is “Why can’t I do that?” Stop thinking these thoughts! Your idols are successful because they have YEARS of experience—and you will too.
5. Try the elastic band trick: Training your mind isn’t easy. One thing you can do at home is put an elastic on your wrist, and every time you say something mean to yourself, switch the elastic to your other wrist. The motion will remind you to be nicer.
6. Lean on your friends: The whole reason this thread started was because of a friend calling me out. Who are your cheerleaders? The ones that will give you complete honesty? Don’t be afraid to talk to them. They’ll remind you how great you are, and be realistic about it.
7. Don’t be afraid to share your feelings: Look, imposter syndrome doesn’t just go away. People who are YEARS into their career experience it. Talking to others can help you realize there’s nothing wrong with YOU. Everyone has doubts—it’s about how you manage them.
8. Lean into your strengths: Find your niche and where you’re stronger in your career. Use that to become the expert. For example, my niche is eCommerce, my strength is writing. This is what I know I’m good at, and I can accept I won’t be great at other things.
Conclusion: The Path To Positivity
Undervaluing skills and abilities can lead those with impostor syndrome to deny their worth. They may avoid seeking promotion or a raise because they do not believe they deserve it.
Sharing feelings with or getting feedback from a trusted colleague, friend, or family member can help a person develop a more realistic perspective on their abilities and competence. Some experts recommend group therapy as a treatment option, as many people with impostor syndrome mistakenly believe that only they have these feelings, leading to isolation.
Opening up with a mental health professional may also enable a person to identify the reason for their feelings, giving them the chance to tackle the underlying causes.
In the original 1978 study, one academic believed there must have been a mistake in the selection process when they received their appointment, as they did not see how they could be deserving of the role.
Managing IS isn’t easy. Like I said, even some of my idols have opened up about experiencing it. The key is to not let it hold you back from experiencing great opportunities. This is where the growth part of it comes in.
