When I enter yet another business meeting, a familiar feeling settles in me. A shadow that pursues me through office corridors, meeting rooms, and even at home, haunting me even in my most intimate moments of reflection. This is the Impostor Syndrome, with which I fight a daily battle not to let it consume me.
For those who are not familiar, Imposter Syndrome is a psychological condition where a person feels that they are not qualified or capable enough, regardless of evidence to the contrary.
It’s as if, no matter how high you climb on the ladder of success, there’s always a voice in the back of your mind whispering, “You don’t belong here. You’re not good enough for this task.”
The Daily Struggle with Imposter Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome is like a thief in the night, robbing you of the satisfaction and pleasure of success. Even when you achieve something big, there is always this lingering doubt, questioning your ability, diminishing your achievements.
Triumph turns to dust, and the only thing left is the suffocating feeling of being a deceiver. But how to deal with this incessant voice? How to silence the shadow of doubt that seems to be always lurking?
The first thing I did was admit that I had a problem. For the longest time, I ignored the voice in my head, pushing it away and telling myself I was being paranoid.
But the truth is, the first step to overcoming any problem is admitting it. So I recognized that this voice was part of the Impostor Syndrome and that I needed to deal with it.
Building self-confidence
Next, I started working on building my self-confidence. It didn’t happen overnight, and in many ways it’s still an ongoing process.
I made an effort to recognize my accomplishments, no matter how small they seemed. Instead of focusing on what I hadn’t done or what I could have done better, I started paying attention to what I had achieved.
I also found support from mentors who believed in me. They helped me to see my worth and to understand that I was not an imposter. Over time, I learned to trust his words of encouragement and to see myself through his eyes.
Beware of Perfectionism
Imposter Syndrome is often accompanied by a cruel and demanding inner voice. I had to learn to be kinder to myself, allow myself to make mistakes and accept that I’m not perfect. No one is. And everything is fine.
Imposter Syndrome is not something you just get over and leave behind. It’s a constant battle, but one worth fighting.
It is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, in which acceptance and understanding are needed. It doesn’t mean, therefore, that you will never doubt yourself again. No, that would be unrealistic.
We all have moments of self-doubt when we question our worth and ability. But what matters is how we deal with these doubts.
Imposter Syndrome Can’t Define You
So, don’t let this syndrome define you. Don’t let the shadow of doubt overshadow your accomplishments. Recognize your voice, but don’t let it take over the narrative of your life. Remember your successes, however small. Celebrate them.
Believe in yourself. As cliché as it sounds, this is the truth. You are capable. You are worthy. And even if that inner voice tries to convince you otherwise, remember: you are not an imposter. You are more than your insecurities.
And most of all, you belong on the stage of life you are playing, no matter what your inner voice whispers in your ear.
