Reversing My Imposter Syndrome
My latest affirmation post made me think about my relationship with imposter syndrome. It’s common among self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs.
Imposter syndrome is, “a psychological term referring to a pattern of behaviour where people doubt their accomplishments [.]”
Often it’s easier to compare ourselves to our peers and I didn’t take the traditional route of a nine to five PR agency or corporation. Many times I have to stop myself and consider all the factors that are telling me why I’m not good enough or that I’m failing.
1) Comparisons = Unhealthy conclusions
Whenever I see myself comparing myself to anyone else’s progress or accomplishments, I remind myself that it isn’t about the success in comparison to my peers. Rather, any comparison is purely unhealthy and toxic. Leave the comparisons out the door! Everyone’s journey is different and unique.
2) Breaking Down My Accomplishments
Remembering how far I’ve come and the goals I achieved, reverse the thought that I’m inadequate or any comparison (see point 1) to anyone else. It makes me more motivated to set and accomplish other goals. Also, I find some accomplishments in my life that happened and that I didn’t set an intended goal are ironically my favourite ones. For example, a simple attendance of an exclusive event or having the courage to network to get into that event, are my most rewarding accomplishments.
3) My Learning Path & Growth
Understanding that my education will always be constant and never-ending, was something I didn’t realize within the first year and a half of my career. I thought I needed to take the conventional path of higher education or wait until a company or client invested in it. That wasn’t going to be the way. Clients overtime value those who constantly educate themselves through their own will and through courses (doesn’t have to be Harvard certified). It will allow you to get hired for projects involving updated skills and helps you stay relevant in your field. Sometimes, your career field changes faster than you think!
4) Finances Don’t Mean Everything
Let’s talk about money… It’s not a topic anyone wants to talk about but we should break that stigma. Without reasonable conversations about pay, how can we progress in our ventures (that will be for another post, possibly)? It’s been planted in our minds that we have to base our success solely on pay. Don’t get me wrong, if you get a promotion or land a project with the financial compensation you have dreamed out, that’s something to tick off on your list of accomplishments. However, in a capitalist society, we’ve been programmed to think that our success is based on how much we get paid. The reality is, you need to work towards getting paid the figures based on a variety of factors: experience, industry, role, etc. However, taking the steps and crushing those challenges along the way towards those financial goals are the real celebrations.
Whenever I take the next step in my career, it’s never easy. There’s a lot of doubt and rethinking. However, keeping in mind that my imposter syndrome will creep up once in a while, I remind myself of 1–4 and keep going. I hope this part of my career journey will help you along with yours.
