Do you ever feel like you don't deserve your success, despite your accomplishments and abilities? This feeling can be a symptom of imposter syndrome. For many people, this sensation can be coupled with social anxiety, creating a difficult combination to manage. Here's what you need to know about these two phenomena and how to deal with them.
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological condition where individuals feel like imposters and believe they don't deserve their success. Despite evidence to the contrary, they think their successes are the result of luck, chance, or tricking others into thinking they are more capable than they really are.
Imposter syndrome, known as "perceived impostor," involves self-doubt and personal abilities, regardless of education, experience, talent, and accomplishments. In other words, these people have a hard time believing in themselves, they don't think they are good enough; they doubt their intelligence, achievements or talent.
Symptoms of imposter syndrome:
Doubt in personal abilities - Despite achievements, people with this syndrome constantly doubt their abilities.
Fear of Exposure - They fear that at some point they will be "discovered" as a fraud.
Overestimating mistakes and underestimating achievements - Every mistake is seen as evidence of incompetence, while achievements are diminished.
What is social anxiety?
It is a condition where individuals experience excessive fear and anxiety in social situations. This can affect their ability to communicate with others, participate in social activities, and pursue personal and professional goals.
The link between imposter syndrome and social anxiety:
For many people, these two conditions are experienced simultaneously. Feeling like an impostor can increase the fear of judgment from others, exacerbating social anxiety. Meanwhile, social anxiety can fuel thoughts of imposter syndrome, creating a cycle that's hard to break.
How to deal with imposter syndrome and social anxiety?
1. Accept your feelings
Realize that imposter syndrome and social anxiety are common and many people experience these feelings.
2. Keep an achievement journal
Write down your achievements and the efforts you made to achieve them. This can help you realize that your successes are well-deserved.
3. Ask for support
Talk to a trusted friend, family member or mental health professional. Their support and perspective can help you see things differently.
4. Face your fears
Try to gradually expose yourself to social situations that cause you anxiety. This can help reduce fear and increase your confidence.
5. Take care of yourself
Spend time on activities that relax you and make you feel good. Exercise, meditation and breathing techniques can help reduce anxiety.
6. Recall your successes
Make a list of your accomplishments and refer back to it when you feel unsure. This will help you remember that you have achieved a lot and that you deserve your success.
7. Set small and achievable goals
This will help you build self-confidence and feel more confident in your abilities.
Imposter syndrome and social anxiety can be challenging, but with the right strategies they can be managed. By acknowledging your feelings and seeking support you can start to feel more confident and improve your mental and emotional health. Remember that you deserve your success and achievements and that you are not alone in this journey.
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