Impostor Syndrome: Meaning and Tips for Overcoming It

Impostor syndrome torments you when you feel you don’t deserve your successes and don’t see yourself as competent as others perceive you. This feeling persists regardless of the level of success you have achieved in life. More information on this topic can be found on my career counseling website.

Article source: https://worktime.hu/imposztor-szindroma-jelentese-es-tippek-a-lekuzdesere/

What Causes Impostor Syndrome?

1. High Expectations: When someone is subjected to excessively high expectations, or if they set goals for themselves that are difficult or unrealistic.
2. Perfectionism: Those who strive for perfect performance often tend to be overly critical of themselves. Constant striving for perfection and the need to meet expectations can also contribute to feelings of being an impostor.
3. Cultural or Social Pressure: In environments where performance and results are highly valued, such as competitive workplaces or elite educational institutions, there is a greater likelihood of experiencing impostor syndrome.
4. Lack of Feedback: Insufficient feedback on one’s work or efforts, or an inability to accept positive feedback, can exacerbate feelings of being an impostor.
5. Comparison Syndrome: Impostor syndrome often relates to constantly comparing oneself with others. If someone always compares themselves to others and feels they are always behind, it predisposes them to feelings of being an impostor.
6. Low Self-Confidence: Low self-esteem or lack of confidence can also contribute to the development of impostor syndrome. If someone does not believe in their abilities, they are more likely to think that their achievements are accidental.

Overcoming Impostor Syndrome

1. Boosting Self-Confidence:
   • Reflect on your achievements. Keep a journal of your accomplishments. Remind yourself that your merits are not accidental or the result of lucky circumstances.
   • Work on increasing your self-confidence, such as through positive affirmations or acquiring new skills.
2. Questioning Negative Thoughts:
   • Try to consciously develop a more positive and realistic viewpoint about yourself.
3. Accepting Positive Feedback:
   • Pay attention to positive feedback and try to accept compliments. Don’t trivialize your successes and merits.
   • Let go of your self-imposed expectations: less can be more. Set realistic goals and don’t demand the impossible from yourself.
4. Compare Yourself Only to Your Past Performance:
   • Accept that you make mistakes and see the learning opportunities in situations.
5. Accepting Support:
   • Talk to others about your feelings.
   • Seek help or advice from friends, family members, or professionals if necessary.
6. Avoid Self-Criticism:
   • Be aware of the internal dialogue you have with yourself and try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
7. No Success Without Failure:
   • Accept that we all are continuously learning and developing. Nobody is born perfect.
   • Be open to new challenges and accept that learning is a long and ongoing process.
8. Redefine the Definition of Success!
   • Success can also be overcoming a fear, for example.

You can find more interesting articles on Home and Garden in the worktime.hu online magazine.