Ever had those moments when you think, “Hmm, maybe my opinions are just floating out there in the void?”
Guess what? You’re not alone in this game. It’s a phenomenon we like to call imposter syndrome, where our inner critic decides to join the party. Some people refer to it as a mischievous gremlin or a harmless monster. I envision it as a quirky little “being” that thrives on fear, occasionally putting a damper on our progress.
But hey, let’s not let that little rascal steal our thunder! It’s just one of those things many of us go through. So, here’s a friendly reminder to trust in yourself, because you’ve got what it takes to conquer any doubts and shine bright.
Here are five tips that can help you combat imposter syndrome:
- Identify Your Negative Self-Talk: Pay attention to the words you use to describe yourself. When you catch yourself using negative language, challenge it. Ask yourself if those words are true, and how they make you feel. One thing to keep in mind is that the words we use to describe ourselves and our lives REALLY matter. Our “self-talk” shape our thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behaviors…ultimately, it’s how we experience life. We attract what we put out.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself! Everyone makes mistakes, and you’re doing the best you can. We are human after all! Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend. Celebrate your successes, and have a dance party! Please remember that setbacks and failures are opportunities to learn and grow. A mantra I love is: It is this or something better.
- Reframe Your Thinking: Focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Write down a list of your achievements. Put it in your phone or paste it to your wall — have it accessible. Because when you’re feeling self-doubt, revisit it. Recognize that you’ve earned your success through hard work and dedication. Show some gratitude for yourself, friends!
- Practice Mindfulness: Stay present in the moment. And try to focus on your thoughts and feelings without judgment. By being mindful of your thoughts, you can identify negative self-talk. If it does come up, try to reframe it into positive affirmations. For example, if you think “I don’t belong here”, you can reframe it to “I am here because I deserve to be here. And I have worked hard to get here.”
- Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out for support! Talk to a trusted friend or mentor about your feelings about imposter syndrome. Sometimes, just talking about it can help you feel better. You can also consider seeking professional help from a therapist or coach.
You deserve to feel proud of yourself and your accomplishments — you have made it this far! Try one or two of these steps out to start taming your inner critic and build a more positive self-image. It won’t be immediate, so show yourself some grace, be kind to yourself, and as hard as it can is, be PATIENT with yourself. You can change your story and live the life you love.