Is imposter syndrome something we can grow out of?
Past experiences
I worked for a small company several years ago that was on the brink of going bust, not able to pay all it’s staff in full and needed to restructure, i.e. get rid of staff, to save money. Sadly, that was me and I was made redundant at 22. Even though I got over the experience a long time ago, its something that left me feeling I might not be good enough so it’s taken time to work on my confidence, not only in myself but in my talents too.
Being made redundant left me with imposter syndrome for a long time. What’s that you say? Imposter Syndrome is “the pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a “fraud”.”
Full circle?
Feeling like you’re not the best and not entirely confident is still something I’ve dealt with for a long time and I’ve now realised that this came down to the experience of being made redundant. Imposter syndrome is something I’ve always dealt with, even recently.
We always learn from experiences, so each time you feel you’re not ‘the best’ or not as ‘good’ as other people, you’ll probably prove yourself wrong and gain huge praise or recognition for the job at hand. Its taken some time for me to realise that not just because other people tell me (and not just because they are my friends), I am talented in various aspects of life, I have some major strengths, I am so creative and I am unique.
Lessons from me to me and me to you
Here are some top tips to become a more confident you.
- Believe in yourself – you can do this!
- Praise means you’re doing a good job.
- If you were doing a bad job, you’d be pulled up on it.
- You won’t just be fired for making a little mistake.
- You got to where you are today for a reason.
- Everyone has their own strengths and talents, remember yours.
- We’re all human.
A blog by Amy 