What exactly is impostor syndrome?
Anyone can suffer from impostor syndrome. That is to say, anyone who is given more power than they had previously. Typically, it will be someone who has been promoted or put in charge of a new project.
As Toastmasters International states, a typical manifestation of impostor syndrome is doubt: doubts about oneself, one's skills, and the adequacy of one's experience. Someone suffering from imposter syndrome feels they have been given a new position by mistake, they are basically not up to it and that fact will soon become obvious. Such doubts are often unfounded and false, yet the person concerned cannot prevent them.
How to get rid of impostor syndrome?
- Acknowledge your feelings. Look within yourself and try to comprehend your feelings and doubts. Become aware of how you feel and try to rationalise and accept your feelings.
- Look objectively at your abilities and experience. You can also combat imposter syndrome by trying to look objectively at your ability and experience. You are probably better than you think.
- Accept you have been promoted for a reason. There is a reason you have been given certain greater powers. Recognise the fact you are in a certain position is in itself proof that you are qualified to be there.
- Compare yourself to yourself. Unhealthy doubt often results from unrealistic comparisons to other people. However, you should always compare yourself only to yourself or, more precisely, to your past self.
- Talk to a professional. If imposter syndrome continues to bother you, try talking to an expert - for example, a psychologist.
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