Imposter Syndrome is Real

The big struggle of "imposter syndrome" hit me hard this past year. For those who are unfamiliar with this phenomenon, imposter syndrome is when you doubt your abilities, knowledge, and skills. After countless conversations with friends on how imposter syndrome was creeping its way into their brains, I wondered why so many people in their 20's felt this way. I read a bunch of articles on how imposter syndrome can affect you in the workplace and take a toll your career plans. I also found that imposter syndrome can cause you to write off your accomplishments or praises as a result of luck or good timing.

The major component of imposter syndrome is fear. We fear that our abilities are not good enough and our peers, in particular our superiors will have even more of a reason to look down on us.

This is another reason why imposter syndrome was so difficult for me . I had spent a lot time in an environment where I was unable to cultivate my creativity. I felt like I was restricted in verbalizing my ideas or solutions. When you are constantly "hushed" by others, you begin to think that whatever you have to say isn't worth saying. Because of this fear of failure, my confidence kept failing me throughout real world experiences. Completely felt like I was underqualified, unable, and unprepared. However, the more I came to realize this was just a mental block, I tried so hard in finding ways to be more mindful.

I read an article by goop a few months ago that completely changed my mindset. This article encouraged readers that they are able to change their own narrative because it is THEIR narrative. And if fear is a major part of your narrative (which it was/ is for me), even though it is natural to have, you do not have to keep it. This article was so impactful for me, that I made a major life decision to pursue a passion project and work part time. I realized that if I always let my fear of failure keep me back, I would never learn anything or grow in any way.

How to reverse imposter syndrome

1. Learn how to sing your own praises. Whether you write down 3 things you did that day that you are proud of or take pictures when you feel like you accomplished something, DO IT! Even if you aren't talking about it with other people, you'll learn that the confidence needed to combat imposter syndrome comes from within.

2. Talk about your slumps. Verbalizing what you're so worried about often times makes you realize how your fears are so much so in your head. Saying it or writing it down takes the mental block out of your head where it doesn't need to stay.