Do often compare yourself to other people?

Do you struggle to acknowledge major accomplishments or strides you have made?

Do you often feel inadequate?

Do you sometimes struggle with feeling like a fraud?

If so you may be struggling with imposter syndrome.

For those that are unaware of what that is let me explain - imposter syndrome (also known as impostor phenomenon or sometimes, fraud syndrome or the impostor experience) is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments. When struggling with imposter syndrome it is heavy feelings of severe inadequacy and self-doubt. While it’s not an official DSM diagnosis, it’s very real.

Researchers estimated that nearly 70% of individuals will experience signs and symptoms of imposter phenomenon at least once in their life. The craziest part is that with each uplevel you have the more you can begin to feel it.

I personally believe imposter syndrome comes from feeling not good enough which stems from usually these three things:

1. Perfectionism - adopting this idea that everything needs to be perfect.

2. Comparison - comparing yourself and your life to others.

3. The expert phenomenon - feeling like you need to know everything quickly.

Some characteristics of imposter syndrome:

• An inability to realistically assess your competence and skills

• Attributing your success to external factors

• Downplaying or minimizing your performance

• Fear that you won't live up to expectations

• Overachieving

• Sabotaging your own success

• Extreme Self-doubt

If any of this sounds familiar you my friend may be suffering from imposter syndrome, but I have good news. That doesn’t need to be your reality any more! Lets talk about how to tackle your imposter syndrome

1. Recognize that it exists. How can you address something you don’t even realize is happening? On the flip side when you become more aware of it you can take strategic action to address it.

2. Assess your abilities. If you have long-held beliefs about your incompetence in social and performance situations, make a realistic assessment of your abilities. Write down your accomplishments and what you are good at, and compare that with your self-assessment.

3. Affirm yourself. Affirmations are amazing because that help you reprogram your mind snd create a new story that serves you and your success!

4. Keep showing up! Refuse to be held down or back by it. No matter how much of an imposter you feel never let that stop you from showing up in your life to your greatest ability . Keep going and refuse to be stopped.

5. Get support. I am a huge advocate for coaching because while we sometimes can overlook or blow up our flaws coaches can help you put them into perspective. In addition they can support you to bridging the gap or where you are to where you desire to be!

Do note that if you are feeling like an impostor, it means you have some degree of success which in reality you deserve to celebrate and enjoy! I challenge you to instead turn that feeling into one of gratitude!