How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

If you struggle with imposter syndrome, you aren't alone. Almost one-third of Americans believe that others think they're more capable than they actually are. According to Very Well Mind, common signs of imposter syndrome could include attributing your success to external factors and not handling constructive criticism well. The good news is that there are ways to tackle imposter syndrome—however, you'll have to get proactive about the process. The below tips can help.

Stop comparing yourself to others

Comparison can be risky, leaving you worried that you aren't measuring up to others' expectations of you. Unfortunately, comparing yourself to others doesn't just contribute to imposter syndrome. It can also lead to higher rates of anxiety and depression. To stop comparing yourself to other people, try steps like practicing gratitude, highlighting your strengths, and competing with yourself—not other people. It's also a good idea to steer clear of social media, where people's lives tend to look more perfect than they really are.

Celebrate your successes

Imposter syndrome can make you unwilling to celebrate your successes because you don't feel like they've been earned or like they aren't deserved. However, it's important to take the time to celebrate your wins and to make them meaningful. Recognize your own achievements by verbalizing them or writing them down. Then, find a way to treat yourself. You might treat yourself to a celebratory gift, for instance, or organize a get-together with friends to celebrate your accomplishment.

Try positive affirmations

Positive affirmations can be an effective way to shift your daily mindset. Better Up provides a list of affirmations specifically designed totackle imposter syndrome, like "The point of life is balance, not perfection," "I am as good as people say I am," and "I am worthy of my achievements." Try saying these affirmations in the mirror when you get up in the mornings. You can also keep them on hand to refer to when you feel a moment of imposter syndrome creeping in.

Tackle your perfectionism

Perfectionism goes hand-in-hand with imposter syndrome. If you're always striving to get everything just right, you'll inevitably be let down. This can exacerbate feelings of not being good enough. The first step to tackling perfectionism is becoming aware of this tendency in yourself. Then, instead of focusing on the negatives, focus on the positives. It's also important to allow yourself to make mistakes. Finally, reassess your goal-setting behavior. Are you creating objectives that are out of reach? It may be time to set more reasonable goals.

Manage the stress around imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome can contribute to stress and anxiety, as you're always trying to achieve a level of "perfect" that isn't possible. As part of your mission to take down imposter syndrome, manage your stress. Start with basics like creating a soothing space at home where you can unwind. There are many ways to create a calming atmosphere, like adding plants, letting in more light, and organizing and cleaning. When buying cleaning products for your home, read online reviews to find out more information about quality items.

Get professional help if needed

Sometimes, overcoming imposter syndrome on your own can be too big a task. Luckily, there are professionals that can help. A coach can get you to lean into your strengths and build up your confidence. In case you're experiencing more serious issues, like anxiety or depression, a mental health expert like a licensed therapist may be useful. You can connect with certified professionals via platforms like Better Help, which tend to be a more affordable option than in-person counseling.

Imposter syndrome can take a serious toll on your mental health, so it's important to address. Taking steps like creating a soothing home environment and seeking support from a professional therapist or coach can help.

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