“Imposter Syndrome”, where you do your best but don’t have confidence and humble yourself. How can I get rid of negative thoughts like “I’m no big deal” or “My success is a hoax” and live a fulfilling life? I will explain two points to avoid falling into imposter syndrome.
What is Imposter Syndrome? “Feelings” that fail to recognize the value of one’s success
There are people who are not confident in themselves even though their careers and family roles are fulfilling.
Even though I have an academic background, a good track record as a member of society, and an annual income, I think, “Anyone can do this much. Even though I have taken care of my family and fulfilled my duties as a parent, I feel like I was a bad parent.
In this way, even though they have actually achieved a lot of achievements and successes, the person in question does not recognize the achievements and value, saying, “I’m a phony,” “I’m half-hearted and like a fraudster.” And demeaning is called Imposter Syndrome.
Impostor Syndrome is a “fantasy” that arises regardless of a person’s track record of success. Even if you graduated from a top-class university at the top of your class, even if you are a professional and have won numerous awards, even if you have raised your children well and have achieved social success, you are an impostor. syndrome occurs.
“It’s high level in Japan, but it’s not a big deal in the world.” “There are many more successful people than me.” No matter what level people are in, they cannot escape the reality that “there is more to be done”. Therefore, people who suffer from imposter syndrome exist regardless of social success or background. Rather, it may be said that the higher you aim, the more likely you are to fall into impostor syndrome.
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The decisive difference between people who are prone to imposter syndrome and those who are not.
But of course there are people who achieve similar successes without imposter syndrome. People who are prone to impostor syndrome and those who are not likely to have imposter syndrome have very different ways of seeing and feeling things.
The idea of people with imposter syndrome is to compare their actions and achievements to those of others who are better than them. If this tendency to compare becomes too strong, no matter how hard you try, you will not see the value in what you’ve done, and you’ll feel like, “I’m a small person. I’m a phony and a charlatan.”
Of course, even those who are less prone to imposter syndrome may feel envious of others and admonish themselves for their lack of effort. But don’t underestimate yourself more than necessary. They know that they are two different people and that there is no point in being depressed by comparison. And I really appreciate the value of what I’ve done. Even if it didn’t reach many people, what I’ve been doing wholeheartedly has been useful to someone. Because I accept it positively and am happy.
How to avoid imposter syndrome? Enjoy the moment and work hard
If you fall into a strong impostor syndrome, you can’t get out of your self-deprecating thoughts. He dreams of being satisfied with himself someday and works hard, but because he can’t stop comparing himself to the stronger, he gets stuck in a “vicious circle of effort and exhaustion” and suffers. Therefore, if you think that you may be prone to imposter syndrome, you need to look back on your daily thoughts and correct them based on the following two points.
First, don’t let the evaluation distract you. Achievements are the “footprints” of the past, and evaluations are nothing more than a “bonus” of experience. Instead, cherish yourself living in the present moment, do your best at work, housework, study, and whatever else you are doing right now, and let your heart go crazy. Savor yourself living in the present to the fullest and enjoy it lively. Please feel that there is meaning in living, and there is value and happiness in doing your best.
Second, give yourself a warm look. Your best ally should be yourself. That’s why, stop looking at yourself coldly, and say words of gratitude to yourself for your hard work. What you do with all your heart always reaches someone’s heart and makes people happy. Stop beating yourself up, thinking, “Is this all you can do?” Instead, look at yourself with a warm gaze, even if it’s just a small amount of effort, and find the value of what you’ve done.
Whenever you find yourself thinking, “I’m a charlatan,” remember these two points. I’m sure you will feel better and have hope.