Humans end up striving for more in their lives. One achievement is made, and we start paving the path for another one. People say that this helps them build their self-esteem and confidence. That’s nice, but the problem occurs when one starts feeling anxious or doesn’t experience success internally, despite being a high performer professionally, or generally in other-worldly affairs.

BEWARE, if you sense this state of mind within you or your loved one because this can be an indication of Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter Syndrome refers to those weird feelings of self-doubt and incompetence at any point of life in any aspect like from work to family to friendship and more. This condition often results in people feeling like a ‘fraud’, or ‘unqualified.’

Before one gets into the persistent internalised fear of being exposed to fraud, it is important to get out of this dooming zone and give your life a fresh start.

 Here are a few ways to tackle Imposter Syndrome:

1. Track. Measure. Write your success: When a person feels like an imposter, he/she constantly churns the negative thoughts and doesn’t count his/her success. But one must make a habit to jot down his/her achievements so that one can realise they are worth it and grow in life. You can also capture moments of achievements and keep track of your wins in a private document.

                You can also keep a separate folder to save kind words people have written to you via mail, blog, comments, and so on.

2. Say ‘Yes’ to New Opportunities:  By saying yes to new opportunities, individuals can challenge themselves and gain valuable experience, which can increase their confidence and self-esteem. This, in turn, can help individuals overcome their feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Additionally, saying yes to opportunities can help individuals build a support network and establish themselves as experts in their field. This can lead to increased recognition, opportunities for advancement, and a sense of belonging. 

3. Make a Habit of Speaking “Self – Affirmations”: Pay attention to negative self-talk and try to reframe it in a more positive light. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough,” try thinking, “I may not know everything, but I am capable of learning and growing.”  When you start doing a new task, say, “I trust myself to make the best decisions for myself”, “I am worthy of pursuing my dreams and goals.” “I believe the process of life and know everything will work out for me in the end.”

4. Communicate your Emotions: Yes, imposter syndrome can make you feel like you’re the only one struggling with ‘self-doubt’ feelings. However, by communicating your emotions and sharing your experiences with others, you can realise that you’re not alone and many people experience similar feelings. When you receive validation and support from others, you may counteract the negative thoughts and feelings associated with imposter syndrome.

5. Balance your Time and Energy:  Learn to balance your time effectively to avoid feeling inadequate and succumbing to perfectionism, obsessiveness, or overworking. Prioritise your commitments based on their importance and allocate your energy accordingly. Remember to take regular breaks to recharge and reset your mind, as this is just as essential to your overall well-being as productivity.

 So, follow these steps and witness “New You.” Remember, that you are capable and deserving of your achievements, and don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back from reaching your full potential. You are enough, and your accomplishments are valid.