Last Updated on November 23, 2020 by Shane Corbitt
Do you ever feel like you aren’t deserving of your success? Maybe you got a promotion at work, or your business started really rolling. But instead of feeling happy or joyful, you question why this would happen to someone like you. If you feel like this, you aren’t alone! This feeling is now commonly known as “Impostor Syndrome.” Even in the face of evidence to the contrary, we can’t accept that we earned our success. If you ever feel like that, you should follow these nine tips to overcome impostor syndrome.
1.Know The Signs
The first thing you need to recognize is when you are suffering from Impostor Syndrome. Some common signs include; feeling like you got lucky instead of worked hard, you struggle accepting praise, and/or apologizing for shortcomings you don’t exhibit.
2.Be Open About Your Doubts
You don’t have to keep your feelings bottled up. If you feel unsure about your success, be open about it. It’s important to normalize feelings of doubt and fear that come with any new endeavor.
3.Recognize Feelings Are Just Feelings
Your feelings are indeed important but remember they are just feelings and not facts. Just because you feel a certain way about yourself doesn’t mean it is true. Don’t hesitate to challenge your feelings, especially if they are about any perceived inadequacy you may have.
4.Connect The Dots
If you feel like you aren’t worthy of your success or accomplishment – try connecting the dots. Think back on each of the steps that lead you here. You will quickly realize it isn’t just blind luck that helped you succeed. You earned it.
5.Assess Your Strengths
Stop obsessing or worrying about your weaknesses so much. You have managed to get this far in life, so you must have some strengths to balance them out. Take some time to assess your strengths. It will help you feel more confident and less like an impostor.
6.Keep a Success Log
Just as important as assessing your strengths, you should keep track of all of your successes, small wins, and even compliments. The best strategy is to keep a running list that you add to regularly. Refer to this list the next time you are feeling like an impostor.
7.Ditch The Negative Self-Talk
I don’t know why we feel so comfortable talking to ourselves in ways we’d never do to someone else. Whatever the reason, the important thing is to try and avoid negative self-talk as much as possible. A good way to start is to try and counter your negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
8.Spend Time With People Who Believe In You
Most of us have a few (or more) people in our lives that do a great job at building us up. We feel more confident just being around these people. Embrace that! Spend as much time with these people as you can. Alternatively, if people in your life make you feel less than worthy, try limiting time with them.
9.Let Go of Perfection
If you feel like an impostor, it’s likely because you compare yourself to some preconceived idea of perfection. It will help if you let go of perfectionism and start to appreciate who you are and how far you have come.
Actionable Steps:
1.Develop Some Affirmations
You need to tell yourself that you are worthy of everything you receive. Create a couple of affirmations that you can use each morning (or whenever doubt creeps in).
2.Start Your Success Log
Start a success log that lists all of your accomplishments. Reflect and write down your past accomplishments. Add new accomplishments as they happen.
3.Talk to Someone
Letting other people know how you feel is a great way to get the support you need. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a friend, reach out to a professional.
