22 Mar Me, Myself and The Imposter Syndrome
Self-Doubt is a D*** Pass It On
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The negativity-spreading Imposter, peering over your shoulder to give you unsolicited advice.
“Don’t post that, it’s not good enough!”
“No idea why you have been asked to do that. There must have been a mistake?”
“You don’t really deserve that, you’re not good enough for it.”
Who is that awfully toxic person I hear you ask? Oh, that’s just me. If this was another person, however, I’d be telling them exactly where to go. So why would I allow myself to speak to myself this way? Honestly, I wish I had the answer to that. I’ve spent too much time not doing things because I’ve told myself I’m not good enough. Even to the point that I’ve turned down some great opportunities.
I’m not alone though, this is something that affects so many other people every single day. Whether that be with your blog, social media, in the workplace or just generally holding yourself back from making life changes of any scale. It’s prominent in creative individuals and something we’re not always aware of within ourselves.
It’s so common actually, that it has a name – Imposter Syndrome. The feeling that you’re not as good as people perceive you to be. You feel inadequate and that you don’t deserve the opportunities you get. This anxiety and self-doubt can lead you to shy away from the things you enjoy doing. Just because you think you’re not good enough to do them.
Recognising Your Own Anxieties
Firstly, you’re not a fraud. You’re not bad at your job. That blog post, creative piece, design, or whatever you’re working on does deserve to see the light of day. Why? Because you spent your time working on it, perfecting it too I imagine. You spent years working hard, growing and building your knowledge. You’ve earnt it and you deserve it.
It’s really easy to look at others and compare yourself. Talk yourself down and out of doing things you want to do or learn. Life is simply too short to hold back and not take the opportunities you’ll eventually regret not taking. After all, the people you are comparing yourself too may even be feeling the same waves of Imposter Syndrome or dealing with their own anxieties. I do often wonder if this anxious mindset was almost embedded in us as millennials as it really does seem to be rife in our generation.
Giving Self-Doubt The Finger
I’m so ready to work on my mindset when it comes to self-doubt rearing its ugly head. Why not join me and we can all raise our middle fingers in unison?
Here are a few things worth thinking about the next time you’re feeling a little Imposterish…
Prove yourself wrong and go for it
If you’re worried you can’t do something, what better way to prove to yourself you can by doing exactly that?
Never stop learning
Not everything is instant but we learn best from trial and error. Accepting the trial attempts and learning to grow from them is not a failure.
No more silly excuses
Take a step back and say the excuse you’re making out loud. If you heard someone else use this excuse – is it valid?
Practice self-compassion and celebrate your wins
Focus on being positive and mindful of your own feelings. Stop putting yourself down and celebrate those wins, even if you think they’re small.
Stop comparing yourself to others
Focus your attention on your own work, achievements and goals.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Glasses: Kylie Minogue at Specsavers
Plissé Jumpsuit: Size 14 from ASOS
Mug: Typo brand from ASOS
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