How To Overcome Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome is characterized by an inability to believe that one's success is deserved, despite the effort and energy put into achieving the outcome.

The syndrome is linked to low self-confidence, self-doubt, feelings of intellectual fraud, and increased stress and anxiety levels.

While it can be hard to uproot the mindset contributing to impostor syndrome, you can take some actions to help you overcome it.

Positive Self-Talk

Self-talk can be described as the story we tell ourselves about ourselves. The thoughts and phrases we think or say reinforce positive or negative things about us. Positive self-talk demonstrates self-compassion and understanding of who we are and what we have experienced.

Thus, we can make our internal narrative positive, encouraging, uplifting, and reinforcing our intellect and abilities. For some, this comes naturally, but for most people, we must build this skill intentionally with practice and effort.

Using positive affirmations to change the internal dialogue from negative and discouraging to uplifting and encouraging can help uproot the thinking contributing to impostor syndrome.

Growth Mindset

A growth mindset believes we can grow in our capabilities, intelligence, and talents over time. It works against impostor syndrome because even if there is a belief that one is not “enough” in a particular moment, a growth mindset speaks to the idea that one can increase and become “enough” at any given time.

Thus, one is not stuck to their present level of knowledge or skill but can increase in knowledge and skill with effort. This mindset can enhance confidence and success because individuals with this mindset are geared more towards self-improvement. People with a growth mindset are more resilient when faced with challenges and failures.

Rather than proof of their incompetency, these failures become viewed as opportunities for growth.

Stop Comparison

Comparing yourself to others can cause impostor syndrome to grow in its severity. Looking around and seeing other people's success can wrongfully reinforce the idea that others have worked hard for and are worthy of their success, while we are not.

Using others as a measuring board for our success, accomplishments, or intellect is unhealthy. Instead, it can increase self-doubt and low self-esteem, allowing impostor syndrome to fester.