I originally wrote about the bright side of imposter syndrome a few years ago which has repeated helped me, and after receiving yet another wonderful email from a young woman thanking me for sharing, I revisit and expand on this mindset and perspective some more:
Feeling like a fraud, or imposter syndrome, is something a lot of us deal with. It’s when you think you’re not as good as everyone else thinks you are. But what if we could see this feeling as something helpful instead of something that holds us back? Let’s break it down into simpler parts and find out how to make the most of these feelings.
What Is Imposter Syndrome Really About?
- It Means You Care: If you’re worried about being an imposter, it shows you really want to do well and keep getting better. It’s a sign you’re down-to-earth and always trying to improve.
- It Keeps You Learning: That nagging feeling is like a reminder that there’s always more to learn out there.
The Bright Side of Feeling Unsure
- Keeps You Going: Facing challenges, including feeling like an imposter, can actually make us stronger, just like exercising makes our muscles stronger.
- Brings Us Closer: Talking about our doubts can help us connect with others who feel the same way, making us feel less alone.
How to Handle the Hard Parts
Feeling like an imposter isn’t all sunshine and rainbows; it can be really tough sometimes. Here are some ways to deal with the hard parts:
- Be Your Own Best Friend: Treat yourself kindly, just like you would with a friend who’s feeling down.
- Ask How You’re Doing: Getting feedback from others can help clear things up and make you feel better.
- Break It Down: Tackling big tasks in smaller pieces can make things seem more doable.
Thinking Differently for a Better Journey
Changing the way we think about ourselves and our abilities can make a huge difference:
- Believe in Getting Better: Thinking that we can always improve with practice, rather than believing our abilities are fixed, can help us grow.
- It’s Okay to Share: Letting people see the real you, doubts and all, can lead to stronger friendships and more support.
- Focus on the Ride, Not the Destination: Enjoying the process of learning and growing, rather than obsessing over being perfect, makes the journey more fun.
What Psychology Tells Us
Understanding a bit about psychology can give us clues on why changing our mindset is helpful:
- The Dunning-Kruger Effect: This fancy term means that often, people who aren’t that good at something think they’re great, while people who are actually skilled tend to doubt themselves. This shows us that doubting ourselves doesn’t mean we’re not good; it often means we’re more aware and capable than we think.
Wrapping It Up
Looking at imposter syndrome in a new light reminds us that it’s a complex issue but also a chance to grow and connect with others. By getting to know it better and changing how we think about it, we can make our journey, both in our personal lives and at work, more fulfilling. Remember, feeling unsure at times is part of being human and trying to get better. It’s not about never doubting ourselves but learning how to move forward with those doubts.
It’s not about never doubting ourselves but learning how to move forward with those doubts.
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