How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Take the steps to understand that you do in fact, belong.

I’ve been thinking about the psychological phenomenon of imposter syndrome a lot recently.

I’m starting a new job in a few days, an AWESOME gig I’ve worked hard for.

I’ve also started writing and producing content online, setting the ground work to share all of my life experiences and things I’ve learned over the years.

I have big plans to develop courses, write books, and start a newsletter.

Who am I to do all of these things?

Imposter syndrome is actually way more common than most people think.

Even the most successful people suffer from the fear of being ousted as a “fraud.”

The National Library of Medicine published research in 2020 that stated up to 82% of people suffer from imposter syndrome at some point.

Good grief.

So how do I remind myself I am skilled and talented enough to do everything I’m setting out to do?

What are some tactics we can all use to remind ourselves we’re worthy of being in the position we are?

Let’s break it down.

First let’s start with a job, and how you can remind yourself you’re ready for the role.

If it’s a new job and you’re just starting, this should actually come quite easy.

This position you were offered and accepted. They likely screened dozens if not hundreds of candidates. They chose you.

They held an entire interview process. You may have met upwards of 4, 5, or 6 people. They might have even required a case study.

Regardless of the process, they completed an entire procedure and chose you. Your now employer didn’t just ask random questions then throw a dart at a board and pick a candidate. They asked targeted and specific questions and chose you for the role.

The skills, knowledge, and characteristics they were looking for? You have them. You belong.

Simple reminders like the situation above is a way to tackle incoming anxiety surrounding the beginning of something new, but there’s other types of imposter syndrome as well.

Here’s an overview of some of the personal characteristics of those that suffer from imposter syndrome, and potential solutions.

Taking On Too Much Responsibility This is a type of person that has a hard time saying “no.”

“Hey ________, Can you help me complete this project?” Yes.

“Hey ________, Can you review this PowerPoint?” Yes.

“Hey ________, Can you stay late tonight and prepare the presentation” Yes.

The people that can’t say no and end up juggling way too many tasks, working overtime and not completing everything, and neglecting core duties.

As a direct result of that, imposter syndrome sets in when you’re not getting everything done. This type of person beats themselves up over not completing projects when they’re already doing twice the work of someone else.

Stop the people-pleasing.

Never Asking For Help The individualist tries to do everything alone.

This is the cousin of being that people-pleaser that’s always saying yes.

You have tons of work and assignments, and there’s just no way any person could complete them all. This results in feeling down and unworthy because you’re not getting everything done.

Acknowledge you need some help, and ask for it!

The Perfectionist The type of person that always wants to consume more knowledge.

I fall into this category.

Some people recognize just how much they don’t know, instead of how much they do. Then comes a never-ending chase for knowledge.

Knowledge is infinite. One can never learn everything about a particular field, industry, or topic.

Focus on what you’re great at, not the skills you haven’t yet developed.

There’s some additional characteristics of people that suffer from imposter syndrome, but from my experience those 3 are the most common.

Once you reflect and determine where your imposter syndrome originates from, then you can apply actionable activities to assist in changing your mindset.

Here are 5 tips to assist in getting over imposter syndrome.

Positive Affirmations The art of telling oneself positive statements to overcome self-doubt.

I am successful.

I am getting better and better every day.

My team realizes my value.

All three of these are examples you can use every day.

Separate Yourself from Social Media It’s not some big secret that social media leads to self-doubt and other troublesome psychiatric symptoms.

Social media is often times a highlight reel of ones life, not the real deal showing any signs of daily struggle.

Or look at LinkedIn, it’s the most me-me-me of any platform at all.

Constantly looking at other’s successes leads to self-doubt. Separate yourself from this practice and blossom on your own.

Keep a Record of Accomplishments There’s no better boost to self-esteem than reminding yourself how bad ass you are.

Write a list of all the goals you set out to achieve that you completed.

Win an award? Keep the certificate.

Fill a box up somewhere with uplifting things to be proud of. Visit the box when you’re feeling unworthy.

Talk About It With Others Lean on your support system. This could be friends, family members, or colleagues.

Sharing thoughts and experiences with others will lead to receiving positive feedback and external validation.

Perfect for taking down imposter syndrome.

Reframe Your Mind Into a Learner Acknowledge that no one knows everything, even the most intelligent person you’ve ever met.

Become motivated by learning, and excited by the possibility to consume new information.

This is much healthier than beating yourself up over lack of knowledge.

Whenever you hear a negative voice in your head, take a deep breath, and remind yourself you belong.

You do.

My name is Thomas Strider and I write about self-care, self-improvement, productivity, and introspective topics concerning mental health.

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