Confessions logo

FEELING LIKE A FAILURE ?

'imposter syndrome' worry no more this is for you...

By James MungaiPublished 2 years ago 3 min read

Imposter syndrome, also called imposter phenomenon or imposter experience, is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have an ongoing fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of their competence and achievements. This common feeling can affect people from different backgrounds, professions, and skill levels. Even highly accomplished individuals, such as Maya Angelou and Albert Einstein, have experienced these self-doubts.

The roots of imposter syndrome can be traced to various factors:

1 Comparing oneself to others: Highly skilled individuals often assume that others are equally talented, leading to a sense of unworthiness despite their success.

2 Pluralistic ignorance: People doubt themselves privately but believe they are alone in feeling this way as others don't openly express their doubts.

3 Fear of validation: Those with imposter syndrome may fear seeking feedback as it might confirm their inadequacy.

4 Discounting achievements: Positive feedback and recognition may not alleviate imposter feelings, as individuals may attribute their success to luck or external factors.

To overcome imposter syndrome, it is crucial to acknowledge and discuss these feelings with others. Conversations with mentors, advisors, or peers who have experienced similar feelings can provide reassurance. Recognizing that imposter syndrome is a widespread experience can bring relief and a sense of belonging. Additionally, revisiting positive feedback can help challenge negative thoughts associated with imposter syndrome.

Though imposter syndrome may never fully disappear, open discussions about challenges and feelings of inadequacy can raise awareness and boost confidence. Embracing the truth that everyone possesses unique talents and belongs in their field can gradually help individuals overcome imposter feelings and embrace their accomplishments.

Managing impostor feelings can be a daunting task, but employing these seven strategies can be highly effective in dealing with and diminishing these negative emotions. Let's explore these approaches to help overcome impostor syndrome:

Acquire accurate information: To combat cognitive distortions, it's crucial to step back and objectively evaluate your achievements and progress. Acknowledge the hard work and dedication that brought you to your current position.

Share your emotions: Confide in trusted individuals about your impostor feelings, as it can alleviate feelings of isolation and provide a more realistic perspective on your worth and accomplishments. Seek support from empowering communities if you belong to underrepresented groups.

Celebrate your successes: Instead of downplaying your achievements, take the time to appreciate and commend yourself. Preserve positive feedback and reminders of your accomplishments to reinforce your sense of competence.

Release perfectionism: Rather than pursuing absolute perfection, focus on making progress. Embrace failures as valuable opportunities for growth and learning, viewing them in a positive light.

Cultivate self-compassion: Utilize mindfulness to shift from seeking validation externally to recognizing your self-worth from within. Understand that your value isn't solely determined by your achievements.

Share your setbacks: Discuss your failures within a supportive group setting to gain a more realistic perspective on challenges and setbacks. This practice can help counter the inclination to compare yourself unfavorably with others.

Acceptance: Realize that impostor feelings may resurface when facing new challenges or interacting with different social references. By accepting this reality, you can be better prepared to manage these feelings if they arise again.

Remember, overcoming impostor feelings is an ongoing process, and seeking professional assistance, such as therapy, is acceptable if these emotions significantly impact your well-being and daily life. By implementing these strategies and practicing self-compassion, you can gradually develop resilience and confidence in your abilities.

This are my self daily reassurance. Read them a loud every morning.

1 I am born as a glorious and triumphant champion.

2 I always win and embody excellence.

3 I love and value myself greatly.

4 I am filled with confidence and strength.

5 I am proud of my past, present, and future.

6 I am the author of my own life story.

7 I possess courage, character, and honor.

8 I am constantly improving and reaching higher heights of success.

9 I am a winner in everything I do.

10 Financial wealth and success come easily to me.

11 I attract positive energy and good things into my life.

12 I am grateful and happy for all the great things in my life.

13 I make excellent decisions and trust my instincts.

14 I am always in sync with the universe.

15 There are no limits to my financial wealth and success.

16 I am always on the path of success and victory.

17 I am a hero and champion in my own life.

18 I am infinite, powerful, and divine.

19 I attract abundance and prosperity effortlessly.

20 I am financially prosperous and successful.

21 I am lucky and always in the right place at the right time.

22 I am proud of myself and confident in my abilities.

Bad habitsEmbarrassmentHumanityTabooWorkplaceSecrets

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.