Imposter Syndrome? Here’s How to Beat It and Own Your Success | International Internships & Experiences Abroad

29th October 2024

1. Recognize Imposter Syndrome for What It Is

The first step in beating imposter syndrome is recognizing when it’s happening. Everyone has moments of doubt, but imposter syndrome goes beyond that—it’s the persistent belief that you don’t deserve your success. According to a study by the International Journal of Behavioral Science, 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. So, you’re not alone!

How to deal with it:
When those feelings creep in, remind yourself that imposter syndrome is just that—a feeling, not a fact. Acknowledge it, but don’t let it control you.

2. Own Your Accomplishments (No, Really)

A big part of imposter syndrome is downplaying your own success. You might think you got lucky or that someone else could have done better, but the truth is, you earned your wins. Whether it’s acing a project, landing an internship, or just crushing your to-do list, it’s important to celebrate what you’ve achieved.

Pro tip:
Keep a “win” journal. Jot down all your accomplishments, big or small, and revisit them whenever you feel doubt creeping in. Seeing your progress on paper can help quiet that imposter voice.

3. Talk About It

One of the best ways to overcome imposter syndrome is to talk about it—seriously! You’ll quickly realize that even the most successful people experience self-doubt. When you open up, you’ll likely find that others share the same feelings, and together, you can help each other overcome it.

How to do it:
Have a chat with a trusted friend, colleague, or mentor about how you’re feeling. You might be surprised to find they’ve felt the same way before and can offer advice on how they dealt with it.

4. Shift Your Focus to Growth

Imposter syndrome often comes from the pressure to be perfect. But here’s the thing: nobody is perfect, and everyone is learning. Instead of focusing on whether you’re good enough, focus on how much you’re growing. According to a Harvard Business Review article, focusing on growth over perfection helps people feel more confident and less anxious.

How to do it:
Set growth-based goals rather than outcome-based ones. For example, instead of aiming to “be the best” at something, aim to “learn something new” or “improve by 10%.” Progress, not perfection!

5. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

In the age of social media, it’s all too easy to compare yourself to others, especially those who seem to have it all figured out. But remember: people often share their highlight reels, not their behind-the-scenes struggles. Comparing yourself to others only fuels imposter syndrome.

Pro move:
Instead of scrolling and comparing, focus on your own journey. Everyone moves at their own pace, and your path is unique to you. Celebrate what makes you different rather than trying to match someone else’s success.

6. Accept That You’ll Make Mistakes

Perfectionists are prime candidates for imposter syndrome because they fear making mistakes. But the reality is, everyone makes them! Mistakes are part of the learning process and can actually help you grow stronger in your career.

Try this:
When you make a mistake (because you will), ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” Shift your mindset to see mistakes as opportunities for growth instead of evidence of failure.

Final Thoughts

Imposter syndrome can be tough, but remember—you’re not alone, and you do deserve your success. By recognizing it when it happens, owning your accomplishments, and shifting your mindset to growth, you’ll start to silence that inner critic. Remember, confidence doesn’t come from never doubting yourself—it comes from knowing you can handle whatever comes your way. So go out there and own your greatness!