As we navigate the complex journey of adulthood, it’s all too common to find ourselves doubting our accomplishments and worth. Caught in the whirlwind of “adulting,” many of us experience moments where we feel like impostors in our own lives, questioning whether we truly deserve the success we’ve achieved. This phenomenon, known as “impostor syndrome,” although not an officially recognized disorder, is a very real and pervasive issue, especially among women striving for self-discovery and personal growth in mid-life. Imposter syndrome is self-doubt at it’s core. In this post and podcast episode we discuss how to overcome imposter syndrome and work to ‘own’ our worth.
Impostor syndrome is characterized by persistent self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of one’s competence and achievements. It’s a thought pattern that can hold you back, making you feel as if you’re not good enough and attributing your success to external factors such as luck, rather than recognizing your own hard work and abilities. But it’s important to understand that feeling this way is more common than you might think, and it doesn’t have to define your story.
Recognizing the Signs of Impostor Syndrome
If you find yourself constantly feeling like a fraud, fearing failure despite past successes, or uncomfortable accepting praise for your achievements, you might be experiencing impostor syndrome. Other signs include over-preparing or procrastinating due to a belief that you can’t perform a task perfectly and attributing your success to luck or timing rather than your own effort and skills.
Strategies for Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
- Open Up: Sharing your thoughts and feelings can be incredibly liberating. You’ll often find that many of your peers have felt the same way, helping to normalize these feelings and make you feel less alone.
- Reflect on the Facts: When insecurity strikes, take a moment to reflect on the concrete steps you’ve taken to achieve your success. Consider your training, job experiences, and any positive feedback you’ve received.
- Acknowledge Your Unique Talents: Remember, you don’t have to be an expert in everything. Embrace your unique skills and focus on the positive aspects of your capabilities.
- Stop the Comparisons: Comparing your journey to someone else’s highlights is unfair and unproductive. Your path is unique and should be celebrated.
- Craft a New Narrative: You control your story. Shift your mindset from doubting how you got here to recognizing all the hard work that has brought you to this point.
- Embrace Continuous Learning: Setting new goals and continuing to learn and grow can help you feel more secure in your expertise and achievements.
Understanding and tackling impostor syndrome is a gradual process that requires patience and self-compassion. It’s perfectly okay to seek support along the way. Remember, experiencing these feelings is common, and acknowledging them is a significant step toward overcoming them and fully embracing your journey of self-discovery and empowerment.