How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Step Into Your Power
The age-old mantra of “fake it until you make it” has likely powered you through an awkward or daunting situation here and there. How many times have you heard this before an exam, a performance or a job interview?
But what if this seemingly harmless little expression has done us horribly wrong?
Those times when you’ve “faked” your way through something, have you not actually just done the thing? You may have felt uncertain or unstable doing it, but dammit, you showed up and did it. You made it the second you started, and it’s only up from there.
See, when you tell yourself repeatedly that you are a fraud, you stay small. You tell yourself you can never measure up to the big players in your field. Admittedly, it can be comfortable to stay small; it doesn’t require a lot of work. Why even bother to put in the effort when you feel that there’s no way to climb up the ladder? It feels this way because you’re crushed beneath the excessive weight of your own fears.
This discouraging, cyclical narrative is called imposter syndrome, and it’s a nasty symptom of fear.
What is imposter syndrome?
A syndrome is defined as a group of symptoms that together are characteristic of a specific disorder or disease. The disorder of fear comes in many disguises. To tell yourself you are not good enough to pursue your dream of being a yoga teacher, for instance, is a twisted way of your subconscious keeping you safe. Inherently, there are risks involved in anything worth pursuing, and the mind builds barriers around you in a multitude of ways to stop you from confronting those risks.
Unfortunately, this despair will hit you hardest on the things that your souls crave the most. Your wildest dreams are hindered. You don’t believe you can fulfill a role or the shoes of those before you.
The narratives you learned to repeat as a child come with you for your entire life, and it can be passed down through generations. A feeling of worthiness is sadly not something that everyone attained during childhood, and this can fundamentally change how we people see themselves in the world.
At the core, imposter syndrome is the deep-rooted fear that you are not enough.
And it’s a damn lie. The truth is that perpetuating imposter syndrome only holds you back from your own power, success, freedom and creativity.
If you can acknowledge in this moment that you have ever felt like an imposter, felt small, felt stuck, keep reading.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Detach temporarily.
The world we live in is extremely connected. This is powerful in so many ways, and ironically just as harmful. Not until the past decade did we know so much about what others were up to. Staying attuned to it can be a source of inspiration, or it can be a downfall. When we’re always “on” it becomes too easy to compare ourselves to others. “Other people” seem to have a secret sauce and a tenacity we can never attain.
A social media detox, simply deleting those tempting apps from your phone, can work wonders for your self-esteem. Not only is social media a filler and time-suck, it’s filled with people who are on their own journeys, not yours. When you’re in an imposter spiral, this is not what you need.
Deleting the apps for an indefinite period is a quick fix; less time on your phone overall helps even more. When you clear your mind from the clutter of social media, you will begin to see a clearer path forward. It leaves more room for creativity and growth. You’ll be able to form your own ideas rather than filling your mind with what everyone else is doing. Doesn’t that sound nice?
This can be done for as long as you need. Try a 3-day detox and see if you feel more like yourself on the other side.
This is also an opportunity to reevaluate your comparisons to other people. On social media, you have the choice to unfollow people that put you down a toxic, imposter syndrome rabbit hole. Or, realize that your feeling of resentment is because they showcase something you want or admire. Instead of comparing their wildly successful chapter 20 to your own chapter 2 along the journey, collect inspiration from them. Get clear on what you admire, distill it down and learn how it applies to your unique journey.
Unlearn old behaviors.
Once you have taken a few days to detox, it’s time to get honest about the fears and insecurities that lead to imposter syndrome.
Understand that if it takes 21 days to create a habit, you have solidified a freaking full-time lifestyle out of tearing yourself down.
Start with the tools in your toolbox, and then grow from there. Whether it’s journaling, meditation, talk therapy, self care, breathwork, talking to a dear friend or mentor – whatever it is, do it with the intention of breaking through the habits that are no longer serving you.
This will help you debunk the myths you’ve believed for too long. You will finally disrupt that shitty narrative and fill the space with positive affirmations. You’ll know it’s working when you feel out of sorts, like a new person. You’ve been carrying unnecessary burdens for your entire life that have defined and controlled you. There is more to you beneath the fear. It’s time to get to know the truest expression of yourself.
Rebuild your own story
Once you’ve cleared away your old, degrading narrative, you’ve made space for better stories. Start by identifying exactly what fears you’ve been dealing with, and negate them directly with positive affirmations. For example, if you’ve been saying “I’m not talented enough to be successful,” flip the switch and start this new mantra: “I have beautiful gifts to share with the world, that others will love.”
Know that there is space for you. Not just standing-room-only in the back of a crowded auditorium but freaking abundant space available to you! In the fog of imposter syndrome, this is impossible to see.
It’s true that you bring a unique gift to the world. You may be one of hundreds, thousands or millions of people doing the “same thing” you are doing, but there is space for your take on the subject. Once you create the belief that there is space and you’re worthy enough to fill it, you will finally reframe your dreams into reality.
Letting go of imposter syndrome requires that you believe yourself, believe in your ideas and your journey. You must realize that you are only holding yourself back, steeped in fear, as long as you perpetuate imposter feels. When you continue to do this, it becomes a syndrome, then a lifestyle.
This is your call to break the habits that keep you feeling small. There is no such thing as “faking it until you make it” if you show up for yourself and for others as genuinely as possible. You will always be welcome, and you will always have everything you need.
