An Introverts Guide to Beating Imposter Syndrome - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / An Introvert’s Guide to Beating Imposter Syndrome - Introvert Whisperer An Introvert’s Guide to Beating Imposter Syndrome Have you ever felt like a fraud in the workplace? Like at any moment, your boss or colleagues might walk over to your desk, tap you on the shoulder and tell you they’ve finally realized you’re not qualified for the job? If so, you’re not alone. About 70% of people feel the same, grappling with a feeling named imposter syndrome, according to a 2011 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Science. Psychology Today defines imposter syndrome as “a psychological term referring to a pattern of behavior where people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent, often internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud.” Imposter syndrome may also bring with it symptoms such as: Fear of failure Routinely downplaying your strengths and achievements, and instead seeing them as over-estimated or exaggerated by others Attributing your accomplishments to circumstantial factors, such as “I just got lucky” Overworking in attempt to compensate for perceived deficits At some point in our lives, many of us will experience imposter syndrome. However, it may be more common for introverts than it is for extroverts. Introverts tend to be their own worst critics. They’re often inclined to distrust external effects and will downplay or ignore outside feedback, regardless of how positive or effusive, in favor of their own self-critiques. With that said, it may be the case that introverts are more sensitive to negative feedback, which only serves to perpetuate their already strict self-standards. If left to their own devices, introverts can self-reflect themselves into their inner critic status and develop imposter syndrome while there. Even people who have achieved spectacular feats have encountered feelings of imposter syndrome. Actress Emma Watson, a self-confessed introvert, once told Vogue, “When I was younger, I just did it. I just acted. It was just there. So now when I receive recognition for my acting, I feel incredibly uncomfortable. I tend to turn in on myself. I feel like an impostor. It was just something I did.” If these symptoms of imposter syndrome feel all too familiar, here are a few tips to overcome them: Talk About It Introverts tend to keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves, but discussing your case of imposter syndrome with others can help to normalize your feelings. Start small and confide in a close friend or family member. You may also find it helpful and comforting to join a support group or online organization specific to introverts. They may be able to relate to your feelings and provide you with some tips to set you in the right direction. Practice Self-Care A great way to overcome the symptoms of imposter syndrome is by dedicating time in your day to mental health. Practice positive affirmations: replace any doubts or negativity with a positive statement until this becomes the default pathway in your brain. Keep your brain and body in peak condition with good quality sleep, nutrients, hydration, exercise, and mindfulness. Accept Your Imperfections If you’re constantly seeking perfection, you’ll never reach it, and you’ll always believe you’re a fraud. If you’re going for perfect all the time, it may well be someone else’s version of perfect. Make sure you’re living for your own unique fulfillment. It can be beneficial to create a vision board, which is a collage of images and words representing your personal wishes or goals to serve as inspiration or motivation. Appreciate Your Accomplishments This is the big one â€" you got to where you are now because of your own accomplishments. This may be hard to realize, or even accept, but it’s so important. The opportunities you said yes to, the choices you made, the knowledge you’ve learned, and the time you’ve dedicated all got you to where you are currently in life. Write down all your successes to date on a piece of paper. Then, write down all the things you did to get there and stick it somewhere as a daily reminder of everything you’ve accomplished. Imposter syndrome may be difficult to deal with, but introverts can rest easy knowing that you’re not alone. Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? What are your techniques for dealing with it? By Marie Let me emphasize that Self-Promotion doesn’t have to be obnoxious to be effective.   But, if you don’t Self-Promote you, who will? If you ever want to get ahead, you have to learn how to Self-Promote. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that shows you simple, yet effective ways to Self-Promote. Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer