Things To Remember When Imposter Syndrome Kicks In
A couple of days ago I did a poll on my Instagram stories asking if people have experienced imposter syndrome. But before we get into the poll results, let’s discuss imposter syndrome. What is it?
I found these definitions on Google:
“Imposter syndrome describes feelings of severe inadequacy and self-doubt that can leave people fearing that they will be exposed as a “fraud”, usually in their work lives. It can affect anyone, regardless of their success.”
SURVEY RESULTS:
95% of the people who completed the survey said that they had experienced imposter syndrome before.
I have seen quite a few posts and stories discussing experiences or feelings of imposter syndrome. I am here to say I experience imposter syndrome too. In so many ways. I feel imposter syndrome at work, as a blogger, as a makeup enthusiast. I even feel imposter syndrome in my own relationship.
Imposter syndrome for me consists of spiraling thoughts about me not being qualified or worthy of certain positions or worthy of receiving certain benefits. If you find yourself having these thoughts and feelings too, news flash: these feelings are NOT valid! They are only negative thoughts that will end up ruining future promises. All of these negative thoughts will literally cloud your vision and prevent you from seeing all that you are destined to be. Imposter syndrome will have you giving up on a dream because you’ve convinced yourself that you aren’t worthy.
My boyfriend and I were watching Hamilton The Musical the other day and as the play neared the ending, one line resonated with me. It was during the scene where Aaron Burr is recounting his actions leading up to the slaying of Hamilton during their duel.
Burr states, “I should have known the world was wide enough for Hamilton and me.”
This line resonated with me so much because it made me think about how often and easily we compare ourselves to others. Comparing our successes and possibly belittling our accomplishments. Even thinking that because someone else is embarking on similar endeavors, there isn’t room for us and we won’t be as successful. This is also a part of imposter syndrome. Burr’s constant competition and comparison to Hamilton in some way led to him killing Hamilton in a duel. A duel that probably could have been prevented if he would have realized that the world was wide enough for the both of them. What will this imposter syndrome and comparison mindset make you miss out on or make you mess up?
If you are feeling smothered by the imposter syndrome monster, remember these things:
The world is wide enough for you and everything you have to offer.
The only person you should compare yourself to is the past you.
Your thoughts are powerful and negative thoughts are self-sabotaging. So think positive, powerful thoughts and empower yourself.
The devil is a liar. The enemy places these negative thoughts in our minds.
Celebrate all wins. Big or small, new or old.
Noone can be you but you.
Your perception of yourself holds so much more weight than the perception others have of you. Work on your self-image.
You can’t fail if you don’t try.
The world needs what you have to offer.
You are more than qualified. Believe it.
I hope you are able to get up over the imposter monster and defeat it. If not, I hope you are able to recognize that you are not alone in this battle.
If you want more on imposter syndrome, check out this Ted Talk.
