Life is akin to a thrilling rollercoaster, filled with unexpected twists and turns. This analogy becomes particularly apt when we find ourselves grappling with Impostor Syndrome, navigating relationship hurdles, tending to family matters, or feeling stagnant in our careers.
Impostor Syndrome is the persistent feeling of inadequacy that can undermine self-esteem and hinder personal progress. It's like a nagging voice in your head, whispering, "Sooner or later, they'll realize they made a mistake promoting me. They're probably onto me already." Or perhaps it manifests as, "My house is never quite tidy enough, and dinner plans? Always a mess." These intrusive thoughts can wreak havoc on your self-assurance, preventing you from celebrating your accomplishments as you anxiously anticipate a fall from grace.
So, how our brain contributes to this Impostor Syndrome narrative through its three distinct parts:
The Old Brain - "The Alarm": This part revels in comparisons, often making you feel like you're falling short.
The Feels Brain - "The Feeling": It's all about emotions and worries, frequently leaving you anxious about not being accepted.
The Smart Brain - "The Thinker": This one sets unattainable standards, leaving you feeling like a fraud when things aren't flawless.
But Impostor Syndrome isn't just an internal struggle; external factors can exacerbate these feelings. Family dynamics, social pressures, and a sense of belonging can all impact your self-perception:
Family Vibes: Growing up in an environment where achievement was overly emphasized or criticized heavily for not being perfect can fuel Impostor Syndrome.
Social circles: Being in circles where your worth hinges on your achievements can intensify feelings of impostorism.
Belonging Struggles: Even after moving past times of feeling different or excluded, those emotions can linger, affecting your self-image.
Common Impostor Syndrome traits include self-doubt, downplaying achievements, attributing success to luck, self-sabotage, setting unattainable goals, fearing constant failure, and experiencing burnout.
Then, how we can overcome Impostor Syndrome:
Be Kind to Yourself: Extend the same compassion to yourself that you would offer a cherished friend.
Share the Load: Open up to trusted individuals who may have experienced similar feelings and can provide support.
Progress Over Perfection: Shift from pursuing perfectionism to valuing gradual improvement, soothing your brain's perfectionist tendencies.
Embrace Mistakes: View mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning rather than as failures.
Celebrate Wins: Keep a record of your achievements to remind yourself of your capabilities.
Apart from this, continue building the relationship with ourselves are also an integral part of life's ongoing journey:
Self-Discovery: Take the time to understand your own desires and needs within your relationships.
Share Your Wisdom: Sharing your experiences and knowledge can boost your confidence and enrich the lives of others.
Keep Learning: Embrace personal and professional growth as a lifelong adventure, essential not only for your personal well-being but also for cultivating authentic and resilient relationships.
Life is an adventurous journey with its share of ups and downs. By conquering Impostor Syndrome and honing your relationship with yourself, you can confidently embrace the roller-coaster of life, equipped to handle it’s challenges and savor it’s victories.
Learning and self-discovery are lifelong companions.
So gear up and enjoy the ride !