Have you ever felt like you just do not do enough? Or do you feel like every other person with the same skills can do better than you? One of the many challenges professionals go through in their careers is Imposter Syndrome, especially now that there are a handful of talents everywhere. You wake up tired for fear of not doing it right, so you end up not selling yourself to the world as a professional in any career path. It is important to give ourselves credit to prevent us from losing ourselves. How do we then give ourselves the kudos we deserve and overcome imposter syndrome that can stand as an obstacle to achieving a fulfilling professional life? 

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is the continual psychological inefficacy of self-doubt and lack of confidence about one’s work’s successful outcome. This feeling comes from justifying that the successful outcome was achieved by an advantage instead of one’s skills and knowledge. Imposter syndrome is a stealer of joy, the never believing that you are deserving of your achievements, the constant beating of yourself and your skills, and the feeling of not being good enough. 

The impact of imposter syndrome on professionals

There are so many significant ways in which imposter syndrome influences professionals while impeding their career prospects. Some of these are: 

• The need to achieve perfectionism and over-stressing: 

Imposter syndrome can cause you to want to achieve perfectionism, which impacts professionals in a way that results in straining yourself. You want to get everything right and perfect for fear of being called a scam. When your product or content does not match up with the vision, you have in your head; you end up highlighting and finding too many faults, which brings you to the imposter state. 

• Fear:

As humans, we are generally afraid of failing, and that is not a surprise. However, failure is a motivation to try it another way and not an obstacle that stops you from trying again. Not every professional has the confidence to take on new challenges and opportunities for fear of failing again and again, which coerces imposter syndrome.

• Self-doubt:

Do you frequently feel like you are not enough or you do not do enough? Professionals with imposter syndrome fight so hard to receive adoration for fear that they are not entitled to it. It is important to understand yourself and get rid of any self-doubt or feeling that you are not enough. 

• Mental health struggles: 

Professionals or individuals with imposter syndrome are observed to fight certain mental health issues, like anxiety and depression that come because of a feeling that they do not have self-control over the situation. Realistically, as humans, we can not have control over every situation, and that this okay. The most important part is giving your best without reservations in all situations or circumstances. 

• Comparison: 

Comparison, they say is violence against the self. Professionals or individuals dealing with imposter syndrome are considered to suffer from comparison because of how much they second guess their work to other professionals in their career industry. While comparison can be an instrument for professional growth, it is essential to identify the positive impact and ways to go about comparison and ensure to channel that the right way. 

How to overcome Imposter Syndrome as a professional

• Recognizing the signs: 

One of the many first steps to overcoming imposter syndrome as a professional is to recognize the signs and acknowledge that it is there. This way, you can teach yourself to push away negative self-talk that disregards your achievements and success. Also, you can only address a problem you can identify. Seeking a solution or help requires you to not be in denial and accept that there is a need to get help. It is vital to understand that imposter syndrome is nothing to be ashamed about and the earlier you recognize this, the easier and earlier you can be assisted with it. 

• Control Intrusive Thoughts: 

Another essential way you can deal with this as a professional is to control intrusive thoughts. For every negative thought, tune it out and start thinking positively. Nudge yourself with your high-quality skills and abilities. The power of channeling your thoughts to be positive can not be overemphasized. Acknowledge your feelings and always control your feelings to be positive, while finding a positive way to express yourself with positive and inspiring words. 

• Celebrating achievements and building confidence:

Another reasonable way to overcome imposter syndrome as a professional is to celebrate achievements and build confidence because every little win is a WIN. You can do so by putting into a record every one of your successes as a reminder to yourself for each time your insecurity sets in. Also, to build your confidence, you can ask your colleagues or supervisors at work to highlight your strengths and weaknesses. 

• Cultivating a supportive relationship:

When you build and connect with family, friends, or mentors who can impart your life with support and direction, telling you how they overcame theirs, it helps to reduce anxiety and lessen the fear of trying out new baby steps and setting goals while at it. Don’t forget to remind yourself of your capabilities and skills. You are who you think you are, and you are not a sham!

• Seeking professional help if needed:

Everyone needs somebody. You can reach out to counsellors, communicate key issues and be vulnerable all you want. Do not be reluctant to ask for help. Seeking for help only makes you become a better person. Embrace change and positivity while being open-minded. Getting help doesn’t only help your professional life, but also helps you find a more fulfilling personal life. 

In conclusion, it is okay to feel uncertain about situations. However, do not let uncertainty stop you from reaching your goals. Seek help when you need it. It inspires you to be more aware of yourself and yes; you are still being professional.