Impostor Syndrome
What is impostor syndrome? The Oxford dictionary defines impostor syndrome as, “The persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.
How does impostor syndrome manifest? Impostor syndrome has a core element of fear and low self- worth. Consider these examples:
Brent is due for a pay raise at work. Leslie, his coworker, says he deserves it and should ask for it. But
Brent has impostor syndrome and doesn’t think he’ll get the raise. He’s convinced himself that his work isn’t good enough and that asking for a raise will only embarrass him.
Leslie wants to ask Kim from advertising out, but she has impostor syndrome. She tells herself that Kim will never accept. Kim is intimidating to Leslie because she is beautiful and confident, so Leslie convinces herself that asking Kim for a date will only end in embarrassment.
Mel wants to try out for the school dance team. Their mother and friends cheer them on but Mel has impostor syndrome. Every other dancer seems better, even though Mel has been praised for their hard work and graceful moves. Mel is sure that trying out will shame them in front of their peers.
Self-doubt kills joy and destroys opportunities. Fortunately, there are lots of different ways we can help ourselves and each other deal with impostor syndrome:
− Be the friend people need and give them honest praise for their skills, talents, and achievements.
− Try using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) methods to change the way you think.
− Try using meditation and mindfulness practices to concentrate on positivity and self-growth.
− Use talk therapy to get your thoughts out and dissect those thoughts with an expert.
− Journal, alone or with a therapist, to get your feelings out onto the page.
− Try hypnotherapy to get your mind into a more flexible, suggestible state with a professional.
− Listen to your friends and relations who give you constructive feedback about your skills, talents, and achievements.
May is Mental Health Awareness month, and everyone deserves help to get a better outlook on life. If you find yourself struggling with impostor syndrome that is holding you back from getting what you
want, give us a call at (585) 442-6960 or write to us on our website.
