Feeling like a fish out of water at your new job?
Or like you don’t deserve to be where you are, unlike your co-workers?
You may be experiencing impostor syndrome, which is the belief that you’ve only succeeded due to pure luck – not because of your talents or skills. Setting high expectations for yourself isn’t exactly a bad thing.
You just have to remind yourself that we all make mistakes and mistakes allow us to grow.
Why Do People Experience Impostor Syndrome?
There’s no single answer. It can affect anyone at any time.
Impostor syndrome impacts all of us in different ways. Some people may feel the need to work more hours in order to feel “good enough”. While others may be too scared to even start working or ask for help out of fear of being judged.
Constantly worrying about being “perfect” can lead to burnout and bring on anxiety.
How to Deal with Impostor Syndrome
One of the first steps to overcoming impostor feelings is to acknowledge your thoughts and see them through a different lens. When negative thoughts pop up such as “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t know what I’m doing”, call them out.
Instead of pushing these thoughts down deeper, sit with them for a little while.
Question yourself and ask, “Is this helping or hurting me?”
By being honest with yourself, you can reframe your thoughts. It can also be helpful to share what you’re feeling with friends or family.
You never know – chances are at least one of your friends has been in the same boat.
They can reassure you that what you’re feeling is normal and nothing to be afraid of.
“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”
— John Wooden