I have always been a high achiever. That is just how I was raised. Whether it’s trying to be involved in countless organizations, getting good grades, or trying to please everyone and everybody around me; I always try to go above and beyond. Still, no matter how many awards I win, accolades I gain, or good grades I receive, deep down I have an inner voice that tells me I don’t have what it takes to succeed. I find myself sitting in class feeling like a fraud surrounded by people that are more qualified than me. No matter how many times my peers or professors compliment me on my work, it does not matter. It sounds bizarre, but many others feel this way, and that is entirely normal. What exactly is this you may ask? This is called imposter syndrome.
What are the signs?
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Do you feel that you have not earned any of the success that you have received?
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Do you feel that you are not qualified for the job that you applied for?
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Do you feel that you do not fit in, whether it’s at your workplace or school with your peers?
If you answered yes to one of these questions, then you too have experienced imposter syndrome. And that is fine. You don’t have to feel this way forever. Here are some tips if you ever experienced imposter syndrome.
The first step in beating imposter syndrome is acknowledging that the feelings you have are real. You are not alone. So many people have similar thoughts. It’s okay to have doubts within yourself but how you choose to deal with them makes all the difference.
It is essential to remind yourself daily that you are more than enough. Some tips to overcome this feeling is to remind yourself how far you have come on your journey and all of the hard work you put in. I tell myself affirmations every day in the morning before I start my day. Another idea is to buy a journal and write at least three things that you have accomplished or something that you are proud of doing. It can be as small as making it to your 8 am or getting an A on that research paper you thought you failed. You have what it takes to excel in whatever you choose to pursue. You are worthy of success and don’t need validation from anyone. Don’t listen to your doubts but instead let that push you towards greatness.