Think about it. Santa has to get all around the world in one night, dropping exactly the right present to just the right person every single time. And, let’s not forget that he has to to lead a huge team who’s tasked with finding, wrapping, and labeling everything perfectly. Talk about stress. If I were Santa, I’m sure that I would suffer from impostor syndrome at times. In fact, most of us do.
Impostor Syndrome is that feeling that we are out of element, that we have only gotten lucky, or that we don’t really belong (we’re impostors). It occurs most frequently when we start a new project or when we have been pushed outside of our comfort zone. According to Psychology Today, around 70 percent of adults experience impostor syndrome at least once in their lifetime, if not more. I know that I’ve certainly suffered from it a time or two (maybe even three but who’s counting). So what should you do to combat these feelings of impostorism when they rear their ugly head? Here are some of the things that help me out when I’m feeling this way. They’re sure to help you, too:- Outline your achievements. Create a list of all of your talents and accomplishments. Then, hang it in a place where you can easily see it and remind yourself of how great you really are (particularly if negative feelings start creeping in). You can and will measure up, and do deserve everything that comes your way. I bet that Santa has this sort of list hanging somewhere in his office at the North Pole.
- Reach out to a friend. We all have that one person in our lives that lifts us up whenever we’re feeling down. Give them a ring when you feel like you can’t move forward or that you don’t really belong. As they usually do, they’ll remind you of all of your great qualities and abilities.
- Launch into go-mode. I’m sure that you are up for the challenge. The best way to get rid of those feelings is to practice and prepare when you feel that your talent is lacking. The more that you put into it, the better you’ll ultimately do. This applies to activities, performances, tasks, or presentations. If you need more training or information, gather it and then watch your confidence and skills improve, culminating in the best possible end result.
- Give yourself a positive mantra to repeat. If you start to feel impostor syndrome coming up for you, create a mantra that you can repeat to yourself on demand like, “Susan, you are more than capable,” or “Tom, you’ve got this!” Remember that overcoming impostor syndrome has everything to do with tweaking your mindset — give yourself that positive reassurance to help turn your thoughts around.
- Call yourself out. Sometimes you have to get real with yourself. You know what I mean? Give yourself a reminder that you are only suffering from impostor syndrome and that it’s not the truth about you. You are able to do whatever you put your mind to (and do it well). You deserve all the good things that have come your way, and can and will rise to every occasion. You have all the talent, skills, and confidence that you need. Santa would agree.