Have you ever believed that you lack the skills necessary to perform your job, and that everyone could discover this at any time? Impostor syndrome indeed exists in the workspace. Here are the reasons and ways to cope with it.
According to a study by InnovateMR in 2021, imposter syndrome affects 65% of professionals.
Most of today’s workforce suffers from imposter syndrome, the unfounded assumption that you are underqualified for your professional position. Imposter syndrome explains a tendency to mistrust your accomplishments and to live in constant fear of being exposed as a complete fraud because you believe you are not as skilled as you appear to be.
Pervasive self-doubt, insecurity, and the unwavering conviction that your accomplishments and successes result from luck rather than any intrinsic or taught skills and knowledge are all symptoms of impostor syndrome.
It’s important to understand that impostor syndrome is not a realistic self-assessment of inadequacy in particular circumstances but a continuous sense of unworthiness and incompetence.
So, what are the reasons for imposter syndrome?
Reasons for imposter syndrome
- Childhood
Imposter syndrome in children may be facilitated by parenting characterized by controlling or overprotective nature. For instance, you might have come from a household that placed great importance on accomplishment or had parents that alternated between being critical and praising. For a more specific, imposter syndrome may be more prevalent in those from families where there is a high level of conflict and little support.
- Perfectionism
Because of your high standards, you probably have a hard time asking for help from others and may put things off. However, when you don’t achieve a goal you set for yourself, you end up with many self-doubts and worry about whether you deserved success in the first place.
- New opportunities
You could feel unqualified and unworthy when you first start a new job. Imposter syndrome seems more prevalent when people are undergoing transitions and trying new activities. Lack of experience and the pressure to succeed and achieve can lead to feelings of inadequacy in these new situations and responsibilities.
Many factors influence imposter syndrome at your workplace, but with practical skills and information, you’ll learn how to cope with it.
Ways to cope with imposter syndrome.
- Acknowledge the signs
Initially, keep a journal. Write down your feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt whenever you experience them, and be clear about why you feel that way. The likelihood is that reading your views aloud will help you recognize just how damaging they genuinely are—and, most crucially, how to challenge them.
Although feelings are significant, remember that they are merely feelings and may not always correspond to reality. So even if you don’t think you’re qualified, you probably are!
- Be kind to yourself
The voice in your thoughts that berates you with negative statements like “you’re not smart enough” or “you’re a fraud” is a common manifestation of impostor syndrome.
Negative self-talk is a terrible habit that can significantly increase our stress and anxiety levels.
Simply put, “being kind to oneself” is using constructive self-talk to alter the way you speak to yourself in your thoughts. It can help you feel less stressed and anxious and give you the courage to take risks that will pay off more handsomely.
- Track your success
How much of a part you had in your successes is one of the most challenging concepts to comprehend when you feel like an impostor. For example, you might attribute your success to chance or the labor of others when, in reality, it was mainly the result of your efforts, knowledge, and planning.
Keep track of your victories and achievements in a confidential record to convince and acknowledge that you’re genuinely succeeding.
- Accept changes
Saying “yes” to everything is impossible, especially when you’re under stress. But imposter syndrome sufferers frequently decline career-advancing possibilities because they don’t believe they would perform well in the position.
It’s critical to separate between the voice in your head that says you can’t do something because you aren’t worthy and the one that says you can’t because you already have too much on your plate! Remember that succeeding in difficult new employment might lead to many opportunities for you. So don’t allow your inner impostor to reject these possibilities that could change the game for you.
Although your inner critic may seem there to protect you and keep you in check, you may adjust your perspective when it begins to drag you down rather than lift you up!
