Have you ever experienced thoughts like “I don’t deserve to be here”, “I am not smart enough”, or “everyone else is smarter than me”. If so, then it’s normal. These thoughts that occur are due to imposter syndrome where you feel like an outcast no matter the skills you possess. You can be the smartest person in the room but still feel worthless in the position that you are in because you believed lies that you aren’t good enough for the position you are in.
No matter where we are in life, imposter syndrome has found its way to occupy our mind. It affects us so much to the point where we start believing these doubts instead of shutting them down. Overcoming imposter syndrome is a battle of its own and it’s something that will need to be fought over constantly. The imposter syndrome cycle is something that everyone goes through, but some people have it worse than others because they learned how to remove these thoughts. There isn’t a simple way to overcome imposter syndrome; it is a journey that is filled with highs and lows. Some days you will feel confident to take control over the thoughts while on other days it will be challenging to quiet the inner doubts.
One thing that needs to be understood is that those doubts that fill your mind always start with the “what if’s”; “What if I can’t succeed in my position”, “what if my boss doesn’t like me”. All these “what ifs” turn into “I am” sentences and that transition from “what if “into “I am” is where you reached the tipping point. It’s at that moment where those fears turn into truths, where self-doubt starts to take root in your heart, and it becomes your identity. This is why it is important to stop those self-doubting thoughts as soon as possible because then the imposter syndrome will intensify.
Whenever you feel like a “What if” statement is coming in your mind, you must replace it with a positive affirmation until you believe that statement. For instance, if you say, “what if I don’t get the promotion”, challenge it by considering the possibility that you did get the promotion. Substituting those negative thoughts into positive ones will transform the renewing of your mind and will allow you to enjoy each season of your life without the constant negativity.
No one said the journey to overcoming imposter syndrome will be easy but by learning how to constantly speak truths over yourself and affirm them in your daily life will allow you to have a more positive outlook on life. This new understanding of yourself and the ability to fight the negativity will amplify your happiness and productivity in the stage you are currently in. With each positive affirmation, you lessen the impact of the lingering doubts allowing you to navigate life with peace.
