More recently I’ve struggled with feeling secure in my journey as a writer, editor, entrepreneur. I’ve been at it for years, but I don’t quite feel like I’m a writer, editor or entrepreneur. When asked, what do you do? I hesitate
Imposter Syndrome is the belief that your accomplishments aren’t real–you’ve made it this far by pure coincidence or luck. According to Psychology Today, it is “a pattern of behavior where people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent, often internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud.”
Most of us innately wonder am I enough? Is my art good enough? Is my business good enough? Am I outgoing enough? No matter what goals we’ve met or heights we’ve climbed, we question our true abilities. Here are 5 ways you can re-assure yourself and restore your confidence.
1. Accept the Compliment
We all do it. When someone gives us a compliment, we deflect. Oh, this old thing? Thank you, I’m trying. Oh no, I’m trying to be like you. We mistake it for humility, but its actual meekness. It tells your subconscious, I am not worthy of this praise, so let’s shift the attention or minimize it. The more you do this the more you are embedding self-doubt into your psyche.
2. Try Something New
Confidence is key. When you truly believe in your gifts in talents, you cannot be stopped. Sometimes we get caught up in the daily routine of what we are great at, so we become too comfortable. Trying something you’ve never done will exercise your brain and boost your confidence: Go hiking, tubing, Take a day trip alone, write a poem and share it online, go skydiving, take a dance or acting class, etc. And if you’re not good at it, its okay! Have fun! It will only your re-assure you of how bomb you are at your natural skills.
3. Take a Visit Down Memory Lane
Often we forget how far we’ve come. Look back at your first drawing or painting, first fiction piece you wrote or Podcast you recorded. Skim through your catalog of work and compliment yourself on the progress. Sometimes seeing our tangible progress re-assures how far we’ve come and
4. Pamper Yourself
Whenever you achieve your goals treat yourself. Take a walk in the park without your phone, ride bikes with friends, read a book you’ve been dying to pick up, book a massage or a flight. Go get your nails or hair done. Do something for yourself that you absolutely love, but haven’t done in a while. I love to take long bubble baths or eat an ice cream cone. Doing this re-inforces that you deserve where you are. You are worthy right now.
5. Talk to a Licensed Therapist
Sometimes you need to talk it out. A therapist can get to the specific experiences and dialogue you may be telling yourself on the day to day that manifests as Imposter Syndrome. Therapy is a great way to release, become re-assured and understand why certain thoughts take place.
