Self-doubt is a term that is often associated with negative self-perception. If you have not heard of ‘impostor syndrome,’ then here’s a little trivia for you. It is a psychological pattern that depicts the internalized fear of being exposed as a ‘fraud’ despite having great accomplishments.
People suffering from this phenomenon have a misbelief that they are inadequate and incompetent, even though they are highly skilled and successful.
The disorder is triggered due to pessimistic thoughts
Patients experience several dark feelings, accompanied by other problems like anxiety, depression, and tension. Success in their respective lives and professional fields is rarely satisfying. Hence, this syndrome is often found among people with low self-esteem, and that is the reason behind doubting one’s potential and achievements.
They are usually dominated by views that question their own capabilities:
- “I must not fail at any cost.”
- I just got lucky; that’s why I got this opportunity.”
- “I am a failure, as I got everything by chance.”
Fraudulent feeling nurtures among high achievers
No matter how hard they try to attain a target, but deep down, they feel guilty of their achievements and consider their feats a result of serendipitous luck. They judge themselves based on ridiculous expectations and then, pull themselves down for no good reason.
Perfectionists are the real phonies who hide their insecurities
Perfectionists have a habit of setting excessively high goals for themselves, and they get worried when they are unable to reach the desired target. Such people have to fake it to keep their insecurities in check.
Here are some ways to combat impostor syndrome
To get over these overpowering thoughts that keeps nagging patients of this mental illness, here’s a guide for you:
- Consult profession help. We must know enough about the importance of seeking professional advice and counselling.
- It’s natural to feel that you don’t fit into a workplace. So, why don’t you acknowledge that your self-doubt is a normal response, instead of taking it as a sign of ineptness?
- Consult a trusted mentor and share how you feel so that you can differentiate between what’s logical and what’s not.
- Do not get obsessed with everything and forgive yourself for making inevitable mistakes.
- Don’t be hard on yourself.
- Perfection is not realistic – embrace this fact because we all make errors.
- Keep working hard and show faith in the power of progress.
Wise men say that there is only one solution to this problem, and that is to “be yourself, love yourself, and stop cribbing if you don’t achieve something really important once in a while.”
Additionally, thanks to awareness, people now know that they can seek medical advice and acquire prescription drugs which help them overcome their illness.
Life is all about making mistakes, falling and rising again. Learn, grow, and prosper – don’t judge yourself and allow unhealthy thoughts to enter your mind!