Imposter syndrome is real guys. That feeling where you feel like a fraud - even though you know you've earned your place.
And it’s not limited to the super high fliers - we all get imposter syndrome in every part of our lives.
But worry not - we all experience it, and it’s completely normal.
So what does it look like?
Imposter syndrome can take many forms and is different for everyone. It’s like your brain is playing a trick on you!
A loss of confidence in your abilities, a feeling that you don’t deserve to be where you are, that self-doubt that stops you in your tracks. ❌
These feelings exist despite knowing that you have smashed it to get where you are - but in the moment, it all feels worthless.
And it gets even more confusing when everybody tells you how great you are, but you can’t see it yourself.
The scariest bit is when you feel like you’re about to get ‘found out’ any minute. Time’s up!
So, you put pressure on yourself to reach a higher standard - but of course you can’t see it in yourself. So you try harder, and the cycle repeats itself.
That was pretty intense. If you’re thinking wow - this is me - you aren’t alone. So here’s what we can do about it:
Dealing with imposter syndrome
💪 Nothing can change our education, experience and skills. These are the foundation of what makes us good at what we do.
🗣 You can also share the feelings you’re having. Getting the perspective of somebody you trust is one of the greatest ways to escape the cycle of impostor syndrome.
🤔 Can you actually back up these feelings that make you feel like you aren’t up to the task? If you keep receiving praise from friends and colleagues, there’s a good chance these thoughts don’t have enough evidence.
💭 And finally - remember this. University, your first part time job, the start of your career - you are where you are because somebody believed in you.
Last week, we got to chat to the amazing Remi Akande - founder of MCR Fashion Industry and content creator. Remi revealed how he has experienced plenty of impostor syndrome during his career - despite presenting on the red carpet [last week] at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards!
Here's Remi's take on dealing with his own feelings of imposter syndrome:
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