A REMINDER THAT YOU’RE A WORK IN PROGRESS.
“The wonderful thing about imposter syndrome is that it’s a message telling you that you aren’t the finished article.”
ANGELA ASHWELL
The notion of feeling like an imposter is synonymous with the self-doubt that we create about our own knowledge, capabilities, or skills. It is an experience that a significant amount of people will face at some point throughout their lives, indicating just how intertwined imposter syndrome is to the human experience. Questions such as: “Why listen to me?” often surface as a nagging reminder that we are insufficient, inadequate, or incapable of producing an impact within a specified field despite the training, knowledge, insight, or qualifications that it took to be in that position initially. Such questions can then give birth to a voice within our minds that produce feelings of inferiority and a plummet of confidence within our ability. Thus, it is imperative to reframe this self-doubt so that it can be conducive and much less debilitating.
A TEACHER NOT A CRITIC
The first step to reframing these imposter-like thoughts is to identify what they are trying to communicate to us. Instead of aiming to dismiss these thoughts, it is important that we lean into them, acknowledge them, and search within them to understand their function. An effective means of doing so is placing greater emphasis on imposter syndrome as a teacher than a critic. Through this, our internal dialogue will then replace the feelings of inadequacy with that of a self-awareness in the areas that require additional attention. This identified in the above quote that suggests that we let imposter syndrome serve as a reminder that we are not yet finished products.
COMBAT SELF-DOUBT
Furthermore, it is imperative that we prepare and allocate time to areas in which we may lack confidence to combat self-doubt. Whether it means diving deeper into particular subjects, specifying goals, or clarifying outcomes, preparation can often illuminate the dark corners of uncertainty that exist within our minds.
CELEBRATE THE WINS
Making note of your wins is another instrumental tool to armour yourself against imposter syndrome. Take ample time to celebrate your victories and what you may have learned within the process that it took you to get there. Far too often we jump on this rollercoaster that is life without allowing for time to reflect on the growth, lessons, and triumphs that we experienced along the way. It is pivotal that we reflect upon successes to remind ourselves that we may be more capable than we first realised.
With all this in mind, I encourage you all to continue to show up despite imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or feelings of inadequacy. Accept the fact that nobody is a “finished article” and that we are constantly figuring out different means of navigating the pursuits of life. Draw confidence from your wins, losses, and experiences that have led you to be exactly where your feet are planted right now. I promise you; you are all far more capable than you believe.
A Reminder That You're a Work in Progress
MYLES CHERRY
Director/ Registered Psychologist