Is Imposter Syndrome Keeping You From Online Success?
Imposter syndrome is when you feel like a fake or a fraud in a certain part of your life, even if you’ve actually done well in that area. If you often doubt yourself, even in things you’re usually good at, you might have imposter syndrome.
It can make you feel restless and worried, and you might start thinking negative things about yourself. Imposter syndrome often comes with feelings of anxiety and sadness.
If you’ve been putting off building your online business, it might be because you feel like an imposter. You might think you don’t know nearly enough about online marketing to get started, or that you lack what it takes to succeed online.
And if you are having success online, you might think you’re just lucky and at any minute everyone is going to realize you’re a fraud and your house of cards will come tumbling down.
Do you know who has imposter syndrome?
- 41% of people report having imposter syndrome.
- 27% of other people also report having imposter syndrome.
- And the rest of the people have imposter syndrome, too.
That’s right – sooner or later, everyone has it.
The question is, what are you going to do about it?
Imposter syndrome can be a challenging experience, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone in feeling this way. Making friends with your imposter involves cultivating self-compassion and adopting a supportive mindset towards yourself.
When you have imposter syndrome, you doubt your own accomplishments and worry that others will discover you’re faking it. Even though you have proof that you’re good at something, you feel like you’re not good enough and that luck or other outside factors are responsible for your success.
You might downplay your achievements, ignore compliments and compare yourself to others, feeling like you’re not as good. You’re scared of failing and set really high standards for yourself, which makes you anxious, stressed, and in need of reassurance.
What Can You Do if You Feel Like an Imposter?
It’s totally normal to experience imposter syndrome, and you’re not alone in feeling this way. The first step in overcoming it is to recognize and accept your feelings of self-doubt.
When those negative thoughts start creeping in, try to challenge them with positive and realistic ones. You’ve accomplished so much, and you have unique skills and qualities that make you special. Embrace a growth mindset and see challenges as chances to learn and grow.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Talk to your trusted friends, family, or mentors about your feelings. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can offer you a fresh perspective and some reassurance.
Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements, big or small. Keep a record of them, and when self-doubt hits, revisit those successes to boost your confidence.
It’s okay to be vulnerable and ask for help or admit when you’re unsure about something. Opening up to others can lead to deeper connections and supportive relationships. We all have our strengths and limitations, and that’s okay.
Make sure you take time for self-care, too. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, like hobbies, exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. Taking care of yourself is crucial for building resilience.
Instead of striving for perfection, focus on learning and personal growth. Embrace challenges as opportunities to acquire new skills and knowledge. Remember, making mistakes is a natural part of learning.
And try to always remember that you’ve got this. Be kind to yourself and know that you have the strength to overcome imposter feelings any time you choose.
