Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

Imposter syndrome can be a very real obstacle blocking you from living the life of your dreams. It’s the voice in your head telling you that you aren’t good enough and that it’s only a matter of time until everyone else finds out you’re a fraud. Keep reading for my top three tips to kick her to the curb.

1. Keep a record of your wins. Throughout my years as a student I talked openly and often about my failures. About the tests I surely must have failed or the class I had withdrawn from. I talked so often about my failures that I forgot to celebrate my successes and it led to the perception by some classmates and even myself that I wasn’t intelligent. Instead of focusing on your failures, make a literal record of all your wins. Write them in a notebook and when the voice in your head starts telling you that you aren’t good enough, go back and remember why you’re crushing life.
2. Know that you aren’t alone. If we’re truly honest with ourselves, I’m willing to bet most of us have experienced imposter syndrome at some point. Recognize that you’re much harder on yourself than anyone else is going to be. Give yourself a pep talk, acknowledge all the work you’ve done to get where you are, talk to your friends about their feelings of self-doubt and realize you’re not alone.
3. Realize that hard work will take you wherever you want to go. As I approached the beginning of grad school, intense waves of imposter syndrome came crashing into me. I remember telling my dad that I couldn’t understand why people thought I was so smart. I wasn’t smart I just worked really hard. My dad looked me dead in the face and said “Being smart and working hard are the same thing.” Since then I’ve never stopped believing that if you’re willing to put in the hard work, no dream will ever be out of reach. It doesn’t matter if you have the highest grades in the class or are the smartest person in the room. I truly believe that when you’re passionate about what you’re doing and willing to put in the hard work to get there, you have the keys to success in hand.

Do you have any tips to add to my list? Drop them in the comments and let me know what has worked for you!

Kate