How do we deal with Imposter syndrome?

You may have come across a few articles on how to overcome Imposter syndrome. But is it really something we overcome?

In my journey, I have learned that it is more effectiveto work with Imposter Syndrome. Than than overcoming it. I personally believe that it is not something we overcome. We will come across events and scenarios in our life where we will again face imposter syndrome.

It is a matter of how we deal with the imposter syndrome at that time.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

According to Webster’s dictionary, Imposter syndrome is defined as :

a psychological condition that is characterized by persistent doubt concerning one’s abilities or accomplishments accompanied by the fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of one’s ongoing success

To me, imposter syndrome is that feeling of not being good enough. Despite all the achievements one has achieved. I have experienced this throughout my journey. Personal and Professional.

The thoughts…

Who do you think you are?

Do you really think you can do it?

How will you do it?

Who are you to do it?

Again, these thoughts are not very motivating. These questions are the ones that will make you feel like you are in a fight or flight mode. It is not a good feeling.

This is why I am writing this blog post to share how I deal with Imposter Syndrome.

Techniques on how to deal with imposter syndrome

1. Surround yourself with people who will push you and support you.
2. Talk and confide with people you trust
3. Do it scared
4. Record and celebrate your accomplishments
5. Improve yourself and be teachable
6. Stop comparing yourself with others
7. Learn from each setback, challenge, and problem that you will face

Surround yourself with people who will push you and support you

You are the average of the five people you hang out with.

Jim Rohn

According to Jim Rohn, “You are the average of the five people you hang out with. I find this comment true.

If you hang out with the five most hard-working people, you will be the six. If you hang out with the five smartest people you will be the six. If you hang out with the five most successful people you will be the six.

And if you hang out with the five most negative people, you will be the six.

You see, the people you surround yourself with, according to Rob Dial, can either be a battery or a vacuum.

Those people can either give you energy or suck the energy out of you. So, be mindful of the people you spend time with.

Talk and confide with the people you trust

What do I mean by this?

There will be situations in your life when fear and limiting beliefs will hinder you. Hinder meaning prevent you from taking action on whatever it is you want to do.

One perfect example was when I was asked if I would like to speak on a podcast as a guest. I was very excited then so I accepted the offer.

I was filling out the registration form and all of a sudden my imposter syndrome came at me. I had this thought that I cannot do the podcast because I am not qualified enough. I reached out to the host and advised her that I no longer want to do the podcast.

She was very patient with me, we hopped on a call and talked it through. I confided with her and shared the reasons why I no longer wanted to proceed with the podcast. That call ended on a positive note and I ended up realizing that I was having the imposter syndrome . I ended up doing the podcast and did really well.

So, again, surround yourself with the right people. Confide in them, and they will push you where you wanted to go, they will help you get there. Versus running away, and hiding, and just not asking for help.

Do it scared

I did this a lot. The way I deal with my imposter syndrome is acknowledging that it is there and taking action anyway. I did not have confidence in myself at the beginning of my journey. And I know that I can till improve my confidence right now. But when I started, I did it scared.

Before I had this fear of doing a ‘go-live’ on social media. I remember the very first time I went live. I was at a waterfront for an hour trying to gather the courage to press the go-live button on my phone. I was so scared, I was sweating, and I did not know what to do. I did it anyway. The live video last for 3 minutes. I forgot about the fear and started talking and the words came out naturally. My voice was cracking. I was trying to catch my breath. But I still did it.

So again, do it scared gorgeous. I promise you, you will be surprised of how much you can do by using this technique.

Record and celebrate your accomplishments

This technique is very important gorgeous because you will have a lot of wins in your journey. That is if you choose to take action. It will be so much that you forget what accomplishments and wins you’ve done.

Lack of reminder of your accomplishments helps imposter syndrome find a way to overpower you.

I journal all my wins. Big and small. And I celebrate each one of them. Yes, each one! You should too! You deserve it!

Improve yourself and be teachable

Humans are designed for growth. Continously learning and growing helped me build the confidence I needed to deal with imposter syndrome. Personal development was crucial to get me where I needed to be. It was crucial to reach the next level of my journey. Now, there is a difference from academic learning and personal development. Personal development is working with YOU.

Working in your own growth. Learning life skills that will help propel you forward. Learning information that are not taught in school.

We now live in a generation where you can get information easily. You just have the initiative to learn. Read a book. Listen to podcast. Join a mastermind. Be an avid learner. And I promise you, you will see, feel, and think differently.

Stop comparing yourself with others

Let me say that again, stop comparing yourself with others.

Remember, I shared how I decided to back out on an opportunity to speak on a podcast intervew? That was because I compared myself to others. I compared myself to the other speakers and thought that I was not as successful like them. I was not as skillful as them.

Chabidaye, the host of that podcast reminded me that I should not compare myself to others. The only person I can compare myself with was the person I was yesterday. So, gorgeous this is for you too. You are smart, capable, and authentic just by being You!

Learn from each setback, challenge, and problem that you will face

This technique was huge for me. I have encountered a lot of adversities in my journey. A lot of setbacks. A lot of struggles. And yes, they will come.

You should expect those adversities, setbacks, and struggles in your journey. Life will suck. Life will feel unfair. Life will feel like you shouldn’t move forward.

Now my question is, what will be your next move?

Will you give up or you will learn from the setback. Will you throw in the towel or will you analyze what went wrong? Will you let adversities cripple you, or will you get back up and try again?

So there you are gorgeous, the techniques I used on how to deal with imposter syndrome. Let me know your thoughts about this post through the comments below. Share this to someone who may need to hear it as well. Let’s spread positivity and motivation around. Remember…

Be bold

Be radiant

Be confidently YOU!