Sometimes it’s hard to give ourselves the same level of kindness and acceptance that we so easily offer to others. We can be quick to tell ourselves that we’re failures, unworthy, or simply not good enough, yet we’d be reluctant to think that way of someone else. 

This harsh, unfair way of judging ourselves is often where imposter syndrome stems from. It’s a harmful way of thinking that undermines confidence and prevents us from achieving the success we deserve.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a pattern of thinking where someone doubts their skills and accomplishments. This term is usually associated with the workplace, where people feel they don’t deserve their job and fear they’ll be exposed as less capable than they seem. 

However, imposter syndrome can apply to almost any area of life, including:

• School
• Sports
• Creative pursuits
• Relationships
• Parenting
• Social interactions

Imposter syndrome can make you feel like a fraud, as if you don’t belong or truly deserve your accomplishments. It can even lead to self-doubt so intense that you feel like giving up entirely. These feelings don’t just affect your mood, but can hold you back and cause you to miss out on valuable growth opportunities. 

How Do I Stop Feeling Like an Imposter?

Even when two people take similar paths to achieve the same level of success, they can interpret their accomplishments in completely different ways. One person may feel proud and embrace the new challenges that often come with success. The other may feel like an imposter and fear they aren’t capable of handling what lies ahead.

The difference between these two people isn’t their skills or capabilities, it’s their mindset. Changing how you view yourself and your accomplishments is the first step in overcoming imposter syndrome, and here’s how you can do it.

Look at Your Achievements Objectively

When imposter syndrome takes hold, it can be easy to dismiss your accomplishments as random luck or perfect timing. One way to counteract this is to take a step back and look at your achievements with clear, unbiased eyes. 

To help you to this, make a list of what you’ve done, the skills you applied, and the effort it took to get to where you are today. Seeing your successes laid out in black and white helps you recognize that they weren’t handed to you, they were earned.

Let Go of Perfectionism

Perfectionism and imposter syndrome often go hand in hand. If you feel like you have to do everything flawlessly, even a small mistake can trigger intense self-doubt. The truth is, nobody is perfect, and mistakes are a natural part of learning and growth.

Try to reframe errors as opportunities for growth rather than evidence of inadequacy. Celebrate progress, not perfection, and remind yourself that your worth is not tied to being flawless.

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Accept Your Failures

When you struggle with imposter syndrome, failures can feel like evidence that you don’t belong or aren’t capable. Instead of letting your mistakes define you, try to accept them as part of the journey.

Reflect on what you learned, how you grew, and what you can do differently next time. By acknowledging your failures without harsh judgment, you can show yourself that setbacks don’t erase your accomplishments and are simply a part of the growing process.

How Do I Gain Confidence?

After changing your mindset, the next step in overcoming imposter syndrome is being the confident person you’re meant to be. Before you can be confident, you need to feel confident, and here’s how to do it. 

Be Kind to Yourself

Start by treating yourself with the same compassion and kindness that you’d offer to a friend. You wouldn’t tell a friend that they aren’t capable and don’t deserve to be where they are, so don’t talk to yourself like that either.  

When you notice your inner critic is making you feel like an imposter, challenge the negative self-talk. Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes, challenges are a natural part of growth, and you deserve to be happy and successful.

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Set Realistic Goals and Celebrate Progress

Break larger goals into manageable steps and be sure to celebrate every achievement along the way. Even small progress shows that you’re capable and reminds you that growth takes time. By celebrating your achievements, you’re giving yourself credit for your hard work and building the confidence to keep pushing forward.

Practice Being Confident

Acting on your confidence will likely feel uncomfortable at first. However, with a little practice, you can start to act upon your confidence.

Let your voice be heard, take on new challenges, and keep reminding yourself that you have what it takes. The more you practice, the more those feelings of self-doubt and anxiety will be replaced with genuine confidence.

Related Article: Anxiety Disorders

Speak to a Mental Health Professional

Mental health professionals can help you explore the root of your imposter feelings and teach you how to cope with them in a healthier, more productive way. Whether your self-doubt is caused by anxiety, trauma, or an underlying mental health condition, professional therapists can offer the tools and guidance you need to overcome imposter syndrome and regain your confidence.

At Inner Balance, our professionally trained therapists want to help you become the confident version of yourself that you’re meant to be.‍ Reach out today to connect with one of our mental health experts and learn how we can help you live the life you deserve.