03 Sep 5 Tips to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Unleash Your Full Potential

Have you ever felt like you’re not truly deserving of your success? That nagging feeling that you’re a fraud, despite all your hard work and achievements? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us battle with what psychologists call “imposter syndrome.” It’s that persistent belief that we are not what we appear to be, holding us back from reaching our full potential.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome is like that cloud that follows you even on the sunniest of days. It’s a psychological condition characterized by persistent doubt concerning your abilities or accomplishments, accompanied by the fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of your ongoing success.

My Personal Story with Imposter Syndrome

When I was 10, my parents decided to move from Germany to Turkey. It was a cultural shock because my German was stronger than my Turkish at that time. The first day at school, my teacher read a paragraph and asked me to write it on the blackboard. I tried my best with my broken Turkish knowledge. The entire class started laughing at me because I wrote the text using the German alphabet. That’s the first time I remember I felt inferior.

It became a mission of mine to catch up with my Turkish, and my parents hired a private tutor. That feeling of inferiority was so powerful that it turned me into an overachiever and years later I scored 100% in the Turkish section of the university entrance exam. During my high school years, I had no idea what I wanted to do in life and ended up studying English Literature. Today, I realize that it was a subconscious selection that shaped my life because I wanted to prove that my language skills are not inferior.

However, I was still holding myself back from speaking. When I moved to the US, I was mostly silent and more observant because I thought my English was not good enough due to my accent. Imposter syndrome started crawling on me again. Although I studied English Literature and knew more words than average Americans, I felt inferior because it was not my native language.

After doing the self-work that I’m sharing below, I was able to overcome my imposter syndrome. Today, I’m in peace with my English skills because I no longer compare myself with native speakers. If they were to comment on my English, I’d ask them how they’d feel being commented on the 3rd language they learned in their life. Learning how to reframe helped me to bring a new perspective to the conversation. That’s enough about me; let’s explore the internal and external factors that contribute to imposter syndrome, what feelings it evokes, how those feelings impact your career, and how to overcome imposter syndrome with five easy tips.

The Factors Behind Imposter Syndrome

Here are the three most common internal and external factors that can contribute to imposter syndrome:

Internal Factors:

1) Perfectionism:

Individuals with imposter syndrome often have perfectionistic tendencies. They set extremely high standards for themselves and believe they must excel in every aspect of their lives. When they fall short of these unrealistic expectations, they may feel like frauds.

2) Low Self-Esteem:

A lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem are internal factors that can contribute to imposter syndrome. Those who doubt their abilities and constantly question their self-worth are more likely to experience imposter feelings.

3) Fear of Failure:

The fear of failing or making mistakes is a common internal factor. People with imposter syndrome may avoid taking risks or pursuing new opportunities to prevent potential failure. This fear can hold them back from reaching their full potential.

External Factors:

1) Social Comparisons:

Constantly comparing oneself to others, especially those who appear successful, can fuel imposter syndrome. In today’s social media-driven world, where people often only share their successes, this comparison can be particularly damaging.

2) Cultural and Work Environment:

The culture and work environment can play a significant role. In highly competitive or critical environments, individuals may feel constant pressure to prove themselves, which can exacerbate imposter feelings.

3) Family and Upbringing:

Early life experiences, such as receiving excessive praise or criticism from parents or caregivers, can contribute to imposter syndrome. People who were consistently told they were “the best” at everything may later struggle with feeling like they must live up to that image.

Outcomes When You Leave Imposter Syndrome Untreated

Imposter syndrome can manifest in various feelings and emotions. Here are the top five feelings that someone with imposter syndrome may experience:

1) Self-Doubt:

People with imposter syndrome often doubt their abilities and accomplishments. They may question whether they are truly capable of the tasks they’re assigned or the success they’ve achieved. This self-doubt stems from a lack of self-confidence and the belief that they are not as competent as others perceive them to be.

2) Fear of Exposure:

Individuals with imposter syndrome often fear that others will discover they are not as skilled or knowledgeable as they appear. This fear of exposure is rooted in the belief that they are “faking it” and that their true inadequacy will be revealed. They may go to great lengths to hide any perceived shortcomings.

3) Inferiority:

Feelings of inferiority are common among those with imposter syndrome. They may constantly compare themselves to others and feel that they are not measuring up. This sense of inferiority can lead to a chronic sense of inadequacy and unworthiness.

4) Anxiety:

Imposter syndrome is often accompanied by anxiety, particularly in high-pressure situations. The fear of making mistakes or failing to meet expectations can cause heightened anxiety levels. This anxiety can be paralyzing and prevent individuals from taking on new challenges.

5) Overachievement:

Paradoxically, some individuals with imposter syndrome cope by overachieving. They work excessively hard to prove their worth, often to the point of burnout. This overachievement is driven by the constant need to validate their competence and avoid being exposed as imposters.

How Imposter Syndrome Can Derail Your Career

Imposter syndrome can have a profound impact on various aspects of your work life. It might be holding you back from contributing to group meetings because you don’t want to embarrass yourself. It might even make you contemplate leaving your current career and going back to school for something different. You could be talking yourself out of taking a promotion because you think you don’t deserve it. Perhaps you’ve never negotiated your salary because you were scared you’d get ‘caught,’ believing you should prove yourself before asking for more money. Imposter syndrome might make you try not to stand out, so that no one will notice. Consequently, you might be feeling self-doubt, inhibition, fear, dread, and anxiety that lead you to mundane tasks and prevent you from going for anything uncertain and interesting. Do you feel like you’re constantly chasing a ghost version of yourself that you will never actually catch, but you seem to be getting closer to every day? Overcoming imposter syndrome can be a transformative journey towards realizing your true potential and embracing new opportunities.

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Here are five easy tips that helped me overcome imposter syndrome:

1) Desire Change: 

You must be at a point in your life where you say, “Enough is enough.” Acknowledge your desire to break free from imposter syndrome.

2) Acknowledge and Accept Feelings:

It’s okay to feel this way. The first step in change is recognizing your emotions and starting from where you are.

3) Self-Awareness:

Delve into your thought patterns, habits, behavior, and personality. Making the subconscious conscious will unlock a higher level of awareness.

4) Define Values and Desired Identity:

Clarify what truly matters to you and the person you aspire to become. Set realistic goals guided by your values and desired identity to transform negative thoughts into positive ones.

5) Understand the Inner Works of Your Mind:

Explore the science of brain waves and their influence on your perspective and perception. Identify and address the mental blocks that hinder your progress.

Transform with BeYu Wellness

If you’re ready to break free from Imposter Syndrome and boost your confidence, I invite you to explore The Mindset Shifter coaching program. Our holistic approach is designed to help you connect with your authentic self, cultivate a positive mindset, and find your true purpose.

Take the first step towards a more confident you, and explore The Mindset Shifter program today. Don’t let Imposter Syndrome hold you back any longer. Be YOU!

“It’s not what you are what holds you back,

it’s what you think you are not.”

Denis Waitley