How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome
“I have written 11 books, but each time I think, ‘uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.” - Maya Angelou
Do you ever doubt yourself and feel like a fraud? Sometimes, it can feel like we’re the only ones who think like this, but we’re not alone! You might be surprised at the number of successful people who feel the same and don’t believe they deserve the praise and recognition they receive.
Meryl Streep - "You think, “Why would anyone want to see me again in a movie? And I don’t know how to act anyway, so why am I doing this?”
Michelle Obama - “I still have a little impostor syndrome… It doesn’t go away, that feeling that you shouldn’t take me that seriously. What do I know? I share that with you because we all have doubts in our abilities, about our power and what that power is.”
Albert Einstein - “The exaggerated esteem in which my lifework is held makes me very ill at ease. I feel compelled to think of myself as an involuntary swindler”.
Agatha Christie - “I don’t know whether other authors feel it, but I think quite a lot do- that I’m pretending to be something that I’m not, because even nowadays, I do not quite feel as though I am an author.”
Jodie Foster - “I thought it was a big fluke. The same way when I walked on the campus at Yale, I thought everybody would find out, and then they’d take the Oscar back.”
Many of us struggle with the feeling of imposter syndrome, even those we would never imagine. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and inadequate sometimes, but there are ways to combat those feelings and build up self-confidence.
1. RECOGNISE YOUR FEELINGS AND ACKNOWLEDGE THEM.
The first step is recognising what you feel is normal and okay. It's important to remember that everyone experiences doubts sometimes—even the most experienced teachers and leaders, so don't be too hard on yourself! Once you realise this, it's time to start taking actionable steps towards conquering your imposter syndrome.
2. TAKE TIME TO REFLECT ON YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Getting caught up in our negative self-talk and forgetting about our accomplishments is easy. So instead, make it a point each day or week to reflect and give yourself credit for all the fantastic things you’ve achieved so far. Whether mastering a new teaching strategy, handling a difficult conversation, or helping a pupil learn something they had been struggling with— take time to recognise your successes!
3. SEEK SUPPORT FROM OTHERS
Support from colleagues or a coach/mentor can make all the difference when dealing with imposter syndrome. When we're overwhelmed, it can become easy to focus on our weaknesses instead of our strengths, but having someone else who can remind us of our capabilities is invaluable. So, reach out for help when needed— it will make a world of difference!
4. CHALLENGE THOSE ‘SHOULD’ AND ‘MUST’ STATEMENTS.
This kind of thinking helps to put unreasonable demands and pressure on you. I should know this… I should be able to able to do this easily… I should not make a mistake. Watch out for this cognitive distortion, be more compassionate, accept your shortcomings, and recognise your strengths.
5. EMBRACE YOUR IMPERFECTION
The overwhelming pressure to be perfect can create tremendous stress and lead to burnout. Although perfectionism is often seen as a strength, it can harm our mental health. It can lead to constant comparisons between ourselves and others, difficulty letting go of mistakes, and an inability to ever feel satisfied with our work. Taking breaks, learning that mistakes are a part of life, delegating tasks, and seeking help from colleagues are all effective strategies for managing the pressure of perfectionism.
It can take time to quieten that inner critic. So next time you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, remember you’re in good company and that you can do something about it.
“When you know you're ENOUGH!
When you stop focusing on all things that you're not.
When you stop fussing over perceived flaws.
When you remove all imposed and unbelievable expectations on yourself.
When you start celebrating yourself more.
When you focus on all that you are.
When you start believing that your perceived flaws are just that - perception...”
― Malebo Sephodi
