When I think of impostor syndrome I liken it to a thermostat set to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Just as the thermostat regulates the heat, your mind tries to regulate your sense of self-worth and belonging. However, when impostor syndrome kicks in, it’s like the thermostat gets stuck in an uncomfortable setting, making you feel unworthy or fraudulent despite all your achievements. Instead of adjusting to the reality of your skills and achievements, it keeps you at a temperature of self-doubt and anxiety. We’ll take a minute now to explore the nuances of impostor syndrome, how it affects our lives, and strategies to recalibrate your internal thermostat to recognize your value and capabilities.
What is Impostor Syndrome?
Impostor syndrome describes that feeling or habitual behaviour that indicates that you’ve somehow fooled others into believing you’re more capable than you really are.
It’s a mental pattern that leads you to think of your success as luck or other reasons rather than your hard work and talent. In psychology, it’s often viewed through a negative lens, but we can shift our understanding with the right insights and tools.
Common behaviours that indicate impostor syndrome:
Overworking: They may put in extra hours and effort to prove their worth, often leading to burnout or increased anxiety. Relationships can often suffer here.
Perfectionism: They strive for perfection in their work, fearing that anything less will expose their perceived inadequacies. Perfectionism is a common comorbidity to anxiety and depression.
Avoiding New Challenges: They might shy away from opportunities or challenges for fear of failure or being “found out.”
Downplaying Achievements: They often think of their successes as luck, timing, or outside factors rather than their abilities.
Seeking Constant Validation: They may commonly seek reassurance from others about their performance or skills.
Comparing Themselves to Others: They often compare themselves with others in their field or tribes, leaving them feeling like they aren’t enough or not in the same league. With social media being such a big player in our lives, this is easier than ever to access.
Debunking the Myth of Impostor Syndrome
Instead of viewing impostor syndrome solely as a negative affliction, it’s helpful to understand it through the lens of other viewpoints. One standpoint might be that the inner voices of self-doubt may come from the stories we tell ourselves and the expectations others place on us. If it was learned, we can unlearn it. We can create something new and empowering as a replacement.
Another viewpoint is in the leveraging of the adaptable nature of our minds. These limitations we see in ourselves can be moulded or even transmuted into something self-serving. Working on our internal narratives is crucial. The key is repetition as repetition is the mother of skill. Thanks to advances in neuroscience, it is now widely accepted that the brain remains plastic throughout human life and this means that people are not stuck in their idea of themselves. They can change their thought patters and behaviours – there’s a way out.
Moving Beyond impostor Syndrome
1. Awareness of the Story: Take a moment to consider the stories and beliefs that you hold. Are they helpful or unhelpful? Awareness precedes change.
2. Recognise your worth: Create a list of your achievements and contributions, big and small. Looking back on your successes can be a fantastic reminder of your strengths and capabilities.
3. Shift Your Focus: Instead of comparing yourself to others, concentrate on your own journey and growth. You are unaware of what others did to get where they are. Remember that everyone has their unique path, and feeling like a fraud does not detract from your accomplishments. There’s a great book called The Gap and the Gain, where it goes into detail on how you can reduce comparison to others from a negative lens.
4. Seek Support and Guidance: Engaging with a therapist can help you explore the roots of your impostor feelings and provide you with tools to develop a healthier self-image. I don’t know that Hypnotherapy is right for you but any help is better than none. There’s an abundance of modalities out there and you must find the one that’s right for you.
5. Practice Self-Compassion: Recognise that it’s okay to feel vulnerable and to have doubts. These feelings are part of being human. By treating yourself with kindness and understanding, you can cultivate more compassionate and self-serving inner rhythms.
Your Path to Empowerment
Impostor syndrome doesn’t have to define your reality. By learning new skills and reframing your experiences, you can reclaim your sense of worth and competence. As you navigate this journey, remember that you’re not alone and that seeking support is a sign of strength.
If you feel ready to explore impostor syndrome further and work on crafting a narrative that empowers you, consider reaching out for guidance. Together, we can develop strategies to help you embrace your unique story and thrive in both your personal and professional life. You, and everyone else has the potential to let go of limiting beliefs that we may not have chosen for ourselves.