Every three months, I experience the worst case of Impostor Syndrome. This time, however, it's been different. I've been living with it for a couple of months straight, unable to diagnose myself. Let me set the scene. Since the start of 2024, I've struggled to create content. When I do manage to create something, I often don't do anything for weeks afterward. I recognized these as symptoms of Impostor Syndrome, but I mistakenly thought that since I wasn't doubting my work, I couldn't possibly be in the cycle. Yet, here I am.
Before I continue, let me clarify that I am not an expert in Impostor Syndrome, nor am I in the psychology or sociology field. I am, however, very interested in it.
Let's define Impostor Syndrome:
Impostor Syndrome is when you feel as if your achievements aren't warranted or that your skills and talents are not worthy of praise. It leads to second-guessing yourself and holding yourself back because you don't fully trust in yourself.
Disclaimer: This is Barbara's definition; please refer to Merriam-Webster's definition for a formal explanation.
Getting out of the Cycle
Here are some of the common things I do when I'm having a cycle of Impostor Syndrome:
Push Through Despite Doubts
I try to get out of my own head and continue advancing even when I don't feel worthy. By persistently taking action, I can eventually trick myself into believing in my abilities. This means showing up, doing the work, and putting myself out there despite the nagging voice that tells me I'm not good enough. Over time, this persistence helps me build confidence and see that my efforts are indeed valuable and impactful.
Adopt Confidence and Arrogance
Sometimes, I become very confident, even to the point of arrogance about my skills. This shift in attitude can be a powerful tool. By exaggerating my confidence, I can push past feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This heightened state of self-assurance helps me perform at a higher level, adopting a "fake it till you make it" mindset. This approach helps me reach a point where I no longer feel like a failure or a fraud, even if the confidence feels somewhat forced initially. It's important not to project uncertainty or let others see your fear.
Create an Alter Ego
I've created an alter ego named Sanctified Fox. This persona is a confident person who has their life together and never doubts themselves. Whenever I feel unworthy, I step into the shoes of Sanctified Fox. This alter ego allows me to channel a more self-assured version of myself, making it easier to overcome feelings of inadequacy. By adopting this character, I can navigate challenging situations with grace and confidence, as if I truly believe in my own capabilities.
Conclusion
Dealing with Impostor Syndrome is a continuous journey. I've experienced many lows, but I've been able to bring myself back through persistence, confidence, and a bit of creative role-playing. These strategies help me navigate the challenging times. Remember, while these methods work for me, everyone's experience with Impostor Syndrome is unique. Find what helps you push through, and keep striving towards self-belief and acceptance.
I also want to add that you are not doing this alone. Many individuals are going through Impostor Syndrome. You're not the only one who has doubts about your abilities, which is why I want to leave you with some homework. If you see someone doing something good—whether it's at work, at home, being a mom, a boss, or an employee—please acknowledge it. I didn't include this in my list, but positive reinforcement and praise from others really do help keep my Impostor Syndrome at bay.
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