Imposter syndrome - you are not alone

From the outside looking in, it may seem like some people have it all together. They might be successful in their careers, have a great group of friends, and always seem to be putting their best foot forward. But what you don't see is that many of these people are actually struggling with imposter syndrome.

What is imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a term used to describe the feeling of self-doubt and insecurity that can come from achievement. It's the sense that you're not really supposed to be where you are, that you're an imposter in your own life.

If you've ever felt like a fraud, like you're just faking it until you make it, then you know what imposter syndrome feels like. And you're not alone. Imposter syndrome is extremely common, especially among high achievers.

The good news is that once you understand imposter syndrome, you can start to address it. Here are some tips for dealing with imposter syndrome:

1. Acknowledge your feelings of self-doubt.

2. Talk to someone about what you're going through.

3. Remember that everyone feels like an imposter sometimes.

4. Focus on your accomplishments and don't dwell on your failures.

5. Practice self-compassion and give yourself credit where it's due.

The signs of imposter syndrome

Do you feel like a fraud, despite your successes? Do you downplay your accomplishments, attributing them to luck instead of skill? If so, you might be experiencing imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which people doubt their abilities and believe that they are unworthy of success. Even though they may be highly skilled and accomplished, they feel like imposters who are about to be exposed at any moment.

Imposter syndrome is common among high-achieving individuals, especially women. It can be destructive, leading people to question their abilities and undermining their confidence. But it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. With awareness and effort, you can overcome imposter syndrome and learn to embrace your achievements.

Here are some signs that you might be experiencing imposter syndrome:

• You attribute your success to luck or timing instead of skill or ability.

• You downplay your accomplishments, saying they’re no big deal or anyone could have done it.

• You’re afraid of being found out as a fraud or fake.

• You feel like an imposter in your field or profession.

• You avoid taking risks

Overcoming imposter syndrome

If you're reading this, chances are you've experienced imposter syndrome at some point in your life. You're not alone. Imposter syndrome is incredibly common, especially among high-achieving individuals.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to overcome imposter syndrome and start living your best life:

1. Acknowledge your achievements.

It's easy to focus on your failures and shortcomings when you have imposter syndrome. But the truth is, you wouldn't be where you are today if you weren't talented and capable. Acknowledge your successes, no matter how small they may seem.

2. Talk to someone you trust about your feelings.

Venting to a friend or family member can help you feel better and start putting things into perspective. It can be helpful to talk to someone who's been through something similar and come out the other side.

3. Seek professional help if needed.

If your imposter syndrome is really holding you back, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist can help you work through your feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Get in touch with the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (https://www.sadag.org/).

4. Practice self-compassion.

Beating yourself up will only make things worse. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself the same compassion and understanding you would give to a friend.

5. Set realistic goals.

Don't set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals. Start small and work your way up. Celebrate each accomplishment, no matter how small.

6. Take breaks.

When you're feeling overwhelmed, it's important to take breaks. Take a few deep breaths, go for a walk, or just step away from your work for a few minutes. It's important to recharge so you can come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way

Successful people with imposter syndrome

You may have heard of imposter syndrome before – the feeling that you’re not good enough or that you don’t deserve your success. Even successful, high-achieving people can feel like imposters. If you’ve ever felt like a fraud, you’re not alone. Here are some examples of successful people who have dealt with imposter syndrome:

• Maya Angelou: The famous author and poet overcame a difficult childhood and worked hard to become successful. Even after her many accomplishments, she still doubted her talent and feared that she would be exposed as a fraud.

• Jodie Foster: The two-time Oscar-winning actress has said that she constantly feels like she is about to be found out as a “huge fake.”

• Meryl Streep: One of the most successful actresses of all time has also said that she deals with imposter syndrome. She has described it as a “creeping feeling of inadequacy” that is always there, despite her successes.

If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, know that you are not alone. Many highly successful people have dealt with the same feelings of self. The key is to recognize imposter syndrome for what it is and to use it as motivation to keep pushing yourself. With hard work and dedication, you can overcome imposter syndrome and achieve your goals.