The Truth About Imposter Syndrome & How To Navigate
I got acupuncture earlier. I haven't fully decided how I feel about acupuncture yet, but the reason I mention it is because during my session, my therapist asked me if my jewellery was going well. I guessed that he meant as a business, i.e whether or not I'm making enough money to sustain myself, so I paused and reflected for a second, and then said,
"When I'm not holding myself back because of imposter syndrome, yes."
And this is accurate. Confrontingly so.
My business is young, and I haven't quite it to the point yet where it earns a steady income without my consistent energy. I get some organic website sales, but the majority of them are directed from social media posts. And when I'm paralysed by the fear of not being enough, I'm sure as heck not updating my Instagram feed!
When I find myself in this maze of self-doubt, I procrastinate. I wash the sheets, rake the leaves, turn the compost; anything to avoid putting my work out there. In times like these, my work (which I usually love) is clouded by a lingering whisper of inadequacy, and I find it very hard to free myself from its grip.
When it strikes, stepping foot in this room feels impossibly hard.
Imposter syndrome, as I have come to understand it, is a phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments and talents, fearing that they are mere imposters who will be exposed as frauds. It's a labyrinth of self-doubt that many of us find ourselves trapped in at some point in our lives. And, if left unchecked, the feeling of not being good enough can be completely debilitating.
Have you ever experienced it? Are you experiencing it right now? Is it keeping you from living to your full potential?
If yes:
a) Well done for being honest with yourself and having the self-awareness to recognise it.
b) Don't worry, you are not alone.
Studies suggest that up to 70% of people have felt imposter syndrome at some stage in their careers or personal pursuits. The feelings of inadequacy and self-sabotage can affect anyone, regardless of their level of success or expertise.
I'm just going to repeat that to make sure that it lands - for me as much as you:
The amount of self-doubt you feel has no correlation with how skilled you are.
Did that land?
I see imposter syndrome show up in my body; posture is a huge giveaway as to where my confidence is at.
Imposter syndrome can strike even the most accomplished individuals, and it's important to remember that this is a very common psychological hurdle. In fact, the fear of failure or judgment is often a testament to your growth, ambition and how much you DO know.
And in my experience, the first step in breaking free from self-limiting beliefs like these, is to name them. Don't run from them, bring them to the surface and let them be seen. Acknowledge their presence, let them breathe, and love them.
Admittedly, imposter syndrome remains a challenge for me, but as times goes on I am collecting more & more tools to be able to tackle it in the least destructive way.
Here's what I've learnt so far - and, as always, take what you need & leave what you don't:
Self-compassion
What would you say to your close friend if they came to you with the feelings that you're facing? Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would extend them. Acknowledge that everyone faces setbacks and moments of doubt - in business, in life, in love - and it doesn't for one second diminish your worth or potential.
Celebrate your achievements.
It's easy to dismiss your accomplishments as luck or chance. Don't do this! Take pride in your hard work and dedication. Write down your successes and remind yourself of them when self-doubt creeps in.
Challenge negative thoughts.
When you start to feel the weight of self-doubt, challenge it. Present it with positive affirmations & evidence of your capabilities. If you consistently reframe those negative thoughts into constructive self-talk, your default modus operandi will transform into a powerful force of self-belief and resilience.
Embrace growth & learning.
Get comfortable with living in growth mindset. Recognize that it's okay not to have all the answers. Allow yourself to make mistakes and view them as opportunities for growth.
Talk vulnerably about it.
To be honest this is my self-prescription for most of life's challenges. I've found time & time again that the moment I vulnerably share my challenge with someone, not only does it minimise & simplify the "problem", but I realise what I'm feeling isn't as unique to me as it was in my head, and builds authentic connections.
The more we open up about our struggles, the more we realise we’re not as alone as we thought we were.
Set realistic goals.
Give yourself the best chance to prove to yourself that you're worthy. Break your tasks into manageable steps & set achievable goals. Celebrate each milestone along the way, and remember that progress is a journey, not an overnight accomplishment.
Embrace imperfection.
This I find hard when it comes to myself & my work. I give others grace, but when it comes to myself I have unattainably high expectations. Perfection should not be the goal, and striving for it hinders progress. Can't we all just embrace imperfection as a beautiful part of being human?
Shoutout to my beautiful partner Lexi, who is forever reminding me of my worth and helping me work through the self-doubt.
Navigating imposter syndrome is a journey, and maybe one that never ends, and there's still a lot that I need to learn & embody around it. But what I do know is that it feeds on fear & avoidance, and perishes when you treat yourself with love & kindness, and then get out of your own way!
Thanks for reading. Writing this has helped me a lot, and I hope that you too can take something of value with you.
And remember, dear reader: You are capable, worthy, and deserving of all the success you achieve. Embrace your journey with honesty, and may you find the courage to transcend all your self-limiting beliefs & illuminate the world with your unique brilliance.
Until next time,
Bridget ♡
Thank you for being here!
PS. Circling back to the beginning of the this piece of writing, I have a live update on my feelings on acupuncture.
As I get older, I've been noticing more and more that generally, when I sit (to eat, to work, to simply sit), my default position is to slouch. Back bowed, chest caved in. Yet despite this awareness, I often remain in that droopy shape because it's what feels natural, and sitting up straight requires more energy than I wish to give. It keeps me in this conflicting state of cognitive dissonance, knowing that my improper posture is keeping me small, and I'm not living in integrity with my body - a weird place to be.
BUT I've just realised that I've been sitting here for a couple of hours writing this blog, with my chest held high, my shoulder blades relaxed, and my spine aligned.
Now I can't be sure if this the result of the acupuncture, or if it's a sign that I've listened to my own advice and am sitting a little taller because of it. But I'm probably going to give acupuncture another go. And write more encouraging blog posts - just to cover all bases. :)
