Imposter syndrome is a feeling you may have experienced at some point in your life — probably when you first started a new job, school, or career. It’s that feeling that something’s not right with you, that maybe you’re not good enough to be doing what you’re doing. You might feel like a fake, like your skills aren’t up to par and maybe you should step away from the situation for a bit and reassess.
Instead of panicking or feeling ashamed about it, embrace this feeling and learn how to cope with imposter syndrome. If left unchecked, it will only get worse — and sooner rather than later, your secret paranoia will become part of who you are. The good news is there are ways to overcome imposter syndrome and continue on with your life. Here are some helpful tips by cognitive psychologist Michael Shvarzblat on how to get through it.
Don’t push through it right away
The first thing to remember is that imposter syndrome is temporary — it’s something that will pass. If you push it aside, it will only get worse.
“When you’re feeling imposter syndrome for the first time, it’s important to try to understand it. It’s a completely normal feeling. Anyone who has experienced it will tell you how completely heartbroken they are that they feel that way,” says Michael Shvarzblat. “That’s why it’s so important to be patient and kind to yourself while you’re going through this. It is okay to take a break from your responsibilities or tasks if you’re feeling imposter syndrome — but you don’t have to push it away. Let yourself be sad about it. It’s okay”.
Find a role model you trust
According to Michael Shvarzblat it’s helpful to have someone you can talk to about imposter syndrome. Maybe you have a friend who has gone through imposter syndrome before, or maybe you can find someone online who has gone through it or is going through it now. Maybe you can find a therapist, such as Michael Shvarzblat, or a meetup group online.
Talking to someone who has been there can be particularly helpful if you don’t know anyone who has experienced imposter syndrome before. You can talk with them about how you’re feeling and why you feel that way. It can also help to find someone who has gone through imposter syndrome before because they can help you understand how it feels and how to cope with it. Someone who has experienced imposter syndrome can help you understand what’s happening and why it’s happening.
Practice saying “no” until you learn how to say yes
Imposter syndrome is completely normal and completely expected. The way you cope with it will be different for everyone, and that’s okay. The way to get through imposter syndrome is by preventing it from happening.
In Michael Shvarzblat’s opinion, the best way to do this is to practice saying “no” until you learn how to say “yes.” This will take some time, but you’ll start to get a better sense of what your limits are. If you can practice saying “no” until you learn how to say “yes,” you’ll find yourself having more freedom to do what you want. You’ll also have a better sense of whom to say “yes” to and whom you don’t want to bother with.
Set goals for yourself and celebrate every small win
Keeping a journal or writing down your goals will help you stay focused on what you want to accomplish. It can also be helpful to think of a few role models you trust and who have gone through imposter syndrome before. You can read what they wrote about their experiences and use that as a model for how to deal with imposter syndrome. You can also try connecting with online communities that are geared toward people who have dealt with imposter syndrome before. You can also find groups on social media that are aimed at people who have dealt with imposter syndrome and are trying to overcome it. You can use these groups to talk with others who are going through imposter syndrome, who can offer you advice as you’re going through it.
Get support from your friends and family
If you’re dealing with imposter syndrome on a regular basis and don’t know how to get rid of it, that’s when it’s most important to get support. You may want to talk to someone you trust who has dealt with imposter syndrome before, or you may want to talk to a therapist or counselor. It’s important to get the support you need and learn from imposter syndrome. This will only help you become a better person as a whole.
Michael Shvarzblat indicates that it’s important to remember that imposter syndrome is something that will pass — it’s just a part of growing as a person and learning how to handle things that come up in life. You have keep a positive state of mind all the time. There are resources and groups online that can help you understand imposter syndrome and how to cope with it. You can find these online or in your town.
Conclusion
Imposter syndrome can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming to experience, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to cope with imposter syndrome, and we hope that you find one that works best for you. Remember that it’s completely normal to experience imposter syndrome and that you are not alone in this.