Self-confidence is not a virtue that you're born with but a skill that can be cultivated over time to suppress imposter syndrome. The post-pandemic world is a slaughterhouse of human emotions and feelings. We have all been at loss at so many levels. Some have lost their families, and their loved ones while others have lost their livelihoods. While not one of these reasons is lesser than the other but the common among all these is: We have all lost our self-confidence. Our generation is at the dead end with their mental space being clogged with imposter syndrome. It not only messes up with our beliefs and confidence but also challenges us emotionally and threatens our well-being.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
The 21st-century life has witnessed the use of this term more than ever before in history. But if you're wondering what is imposter syndrome, then let me enlighten you. If you're someone who doubts yourself at every step with a mind-space of believing that you're not competent enough. If you have a fear that maybe others will discover that you're not as intelligent, as successful, or as picture-perfect as others deem. When you experience feelings of self-doubt and confusion based on what others perceive of you, it is referred to as Imposter Syndrome.
To put it in simpler terms, you feel like a fraud or an imposter. The constant fear that people will soon discover that you're far from their perception of you. Mostly, successful women have been at the receiving end of imposter syndrome. But honestly, men are equally devastated by this delirious disease. Well, it is like having a crappy best friend inside you that says mean things about you.
Some of the most identifiable symptoms that people with this syndrome recognize are:
Finding your Self-Confidence
If you're someone who identifies with these symptoms of imposter syndrome then let me tell you a secret. The first step to controlling your imposter syndrome is to cultivate and build your self-confidence. This is easier said than done. But it is essential to take small steps in the right direction to build a reliable mind space for yourself. Rather you can use imposter syndrome to boost your self-confidence.
Did you know that 70% of successful people have dealt with feelings of Imposter Syndrome? Like the nagging thought in their head about the fear of failure and perfectionism. So you ask whether Imposter Syndrome is good for you? Most definitely if you want to live a dissatisfying and unhappy life and end up having anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and eventually chronic ailment. People are constantly measuring themselves against someone else's idea of success and think that vulnerability is for losers.
But there's a surprising way to treat imposter syndrome. It is by showing compassion and empathy. If you start by adopting a forgiving attitude towards yourself and accepting yourself for who you are. Start by living in the moment and appreciating today before tomorrow.