No matter how successful you are in your life, you still could suffer from this condition. Read more about imposter syndrome and ways to deal with it in this story.
Have you ever felt that you have been cheating everyone around you by not being good enough in the job you are doing? Do you often get anxious that you are not capable enough for the work that you are doing and your boss will soon find out, and you shall be exposed in front of everyone? You feel that you are doing all the adult things like going to work, paying bills, even though you are not even fit to be a responsible adult and haven't figured out how things go around in the world while others around you are much smarter than you.
If you think that only you are the only one who feels this way, then the bigger secret is that many peoplefeel the same as you. This situation is known as imposter syndrome. To think that one is not smart enough is a psychological condition that is an offshoot of low confidence, self-doubt, and missed opportunities leading to a negative thought process. It is also curious to observe that most people facing imposter syndrome are often the most diligent perfectionists and yet feel no more than a fraud. Even celebrities suffer from the complex. Albert Einstein famously commented that he thought that his work got a lot more attention than it deserved.
You could take simple steps to avoid feeling unworthy despite being intelligent and proficient in your work.
Stop comparing yourself with others: Sometimes, we get upset by people's progress around us, making us feel like an utter failure. The trick is to stop holding such thoughts against others and focus on one’s own life and achievements.
Acknowledge your achievements: Whenever you are caught in self-doubt, go back to your work emails and read the good –job-done emails sent to you by your manager. Or look at a beautiful card/craft your child has made for you as the best parent. It helps to be reminded that you are great in your own right.
Don’t look for absolute perfection: Believe it or not, perfection sometimes becomes a stumbling block to fight imposter syndrome. It is because you set unreal standards for yourself which are often impossible to achieve. As a result, you begin to believe that you are a fraud because you couldn't bring the task to impeccable perfection. Striving for perfection is undoubtedlygood, but you need to draw a line to know how much good is good enough for you.
Let’s rebuild our confidence and bounce back to a fulfilling life.
