Why You May Feel Like a Fraud at Work

Are there times when you feel like you are a fake even though you have the qualifications for your position? There are many reasons why this is the case, from fear of being blamed for the team’s failure to one’s self-doubt. While this feeling goes away, if it is constantly happening, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome.

But what exactly is imposter syndrome, and how can you overcome it? Here’s a short guide on what you need to know.

Definition of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a condition where a person feels anxious and fails to feel their success even if they have performed brilliantly in their tasks. They also feel like their failures and weaknesses will come to light sooner or later, making them feel inadequate and out of place.

There are many reasons why imposter syndrome exists, and it could be due to one’s family environment, social pressures, or one’s personality. Once a person has it, they will mostly show signs of self-doubt, undervalue their capabilities, sabotage their success and even be prone to constant burnout.

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

When experiencing imposter syndrome, it can be difficult for one to get past it since the condition causes a person to sabotage themselves. However, one can fight against it and overcome that mindset by doing the following:

• Do not ignore it
  If you are aware that you are experiencing imposter syndrome, you should take action. Ignoring it can prevent you from realizing it is affecting your physical health.
• Pause and evaluate
  When you start to feel imposter syndrome kicking in, pause and let your mind unwind to get rid of the negative feelings you may have. Taking a short pause will allow you to identify other signs that indicate the onset of the situation and know who is around to help you fight that feeling.
• Refocus your goals and values
  While success and achievements are good goals, zoning in to only this goal can cause stress. Look into your career and personal life and try identifying other goals to help you grow without pushing yourself too much.
• Be kind to yourself
  No one is perfect, and there will come a time when you will make mistakes along the way. Understanding this fact and taking it easy on yourself can stop your self-criticism from giving you adverse problems.
• Ask for help
  You shouldn’t be afraid to seek help or feedback from people you trust when you start feeling like a fraud at work. With them by your side, you can let go of your worries about how others see you.

Experiencing imposter syndrome is common as an employee, especially if you find yourself in a competitive and driven environment. However, if you do not take action or acknowledge it, it will cripple you from achieving your goals and staying healthy. So, when it strikes, face it and take the right action so it does not entirely dominate your life.

So how do you discover what are your goals? Here are some help:
How to Set Weekly Goals to Change Your Life
What Are Lifetime Goals for Your Career
What are Your Goals in Life?

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