By Jenna MacFarlane | Marketing Specialist, Bank of Central FL
For Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re going to take a look at imposter syndrome.
Feelings of self-doubt can sometimes trigger impostor syndrome — a sense that you’re not really as smart or capable as people think you are, despite clear evidence to the contrary. For example, if you land your dream role, imposter syndrome will tell you that you just got lucky… when in reality, you are smart, talented and competent for the role.
If you’re familiar with the feeling, you’re not alone. A systematic review of 62 studies published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine in 2019 suggested that up to 82% of individuals may experience feelings of impostor syndrome.
If you want to find a way out and grow your confidence, here’s a few tips on how to deal:
Reframe your thinking. Focus on the skills and knowledge you know you have, and commit to learning new things. You are not underqualified — you’re just learning.
Track your successes. Keep a weekly record of your accomplishments and encouraging words that were said to you. (This comes in handy when writing those self-reviews, too!)
Practice self care. Take note of the activities that replenish you, and build more of them into your daily routine.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it takes effort to build your confidence. Remember, you’re learning, developing and growing every day — and you’re good at what you do. 👏