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Comparison. It's a nasty little thing.
If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok, comparing your behind-the-scenes reality to someone else’s highlight reel, you might be grappling with a nasty little creature known as imposter syndrome.
The good news is that you can overcome these feelings of self-doubt! In this week's quick read, we’ll help you explore some effective strategies to beat imposter syndrome.
Let’s reclaim your confidence!
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is characterized by feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, and the fear of being exposed as a “fraud,” even in the presence of evidence of your accomplishments.
A survey conducted in 2020 found that as many as 82% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers, revealing how widespread this phenomenon is (Griffiths et al., 2020).
You're not alone. Even the most successful people you can think of battles imposter syndrome.
Emma Watson has felt uncomfortable whenever people praised her for her acting in the Harry Potter movies in the early days.
Lady Gaga says that she sometimes feel like a loser kid in highschool.
Barbara Corcoran, successful real-estate businesswoman and investor, sometimes thinks if her success is a fluke or a lucky break.
Recognizing that many successful individuals journey through these feelings is the first step toward overcoming them.
It's not your fault. It's social media.
We're following so many people, and a large chunk of them are people that we might not even personally know, i.e. celebrities, influencers, mutual friends, etc.
Seeing what these people share about their lives can intensify feelings of inadequacy when we immediately compare them to ours. A study published in 2021 indicated that individuals who spend more time on social media are more likely to experience feelings of low self-esteem and imposter syndrome (Tandoc et al., 2021).
Realising that most of what everyone shares online goes through a filter. That filter is the owner of the account. He or she gets to choose what goes live, so of course everyone wants to mostly show the good parts about their lives.
About 54% of social media users feel the pressure to present an idealized version of themselves.
If you want to know more about ways to reduce stress, we recently published this article that you might find helpful. Go give it a read after this one.
Recognizing Imposter Syndrome
To effectively combat imposter syndrome, the first step is to recognize when it occurs. Here are some common signs to watch for:
Self-Doubt: Frequently questioning your abilities even when you have successfully completed projects.
Comparison: Constantly comparing yourself to others, leading to feelings of inferiority.
Attributing Success to Luck: Believing that your accomplishments are due to chance rather than your hard work. (Though success is not 100% tied to just hard work, we'll talk about this another day.)
Fear of Failure: Experiencing an overwhelming anxiety about making mistakes or being "found out."
By identifying these feelings, you can begin to separate your emotions from the reality of your capabilities.
The Power of Reflection
Once you recognize the signs, take the time for self-reflection. Consider keeping a journal where you explore your thoughts and feelings. Try answering these questions:
What achievements am I proud of?
What positive feedback have I received that I tend to overlook?
When have I felt successful in the past, and what actions contributed to that success?
In fact, having a journal to document these feelings have more benefits than you think! These are the benefits of journaling:
Better self-esteem
Better sleep
Reduced stress levels
Improved self-awareness
Better mental health
Better emotions
Improved writing skills
Maybe we'll go deeper into the art of journaling one day!
Reflecting on these questions above in a journal can help reinforce your self-worth and the hard work behind your accomplishments.
Building a Supportive Community
Creating a supportive network can greatly help in combatting imposter syndrome. Engaging with positive and encouraging individuals can provide inspiration and motivation. Here are a few ways to build that community:
Join Online Groups: Connect with like-minded individuals in Facebook groups, forums, or dedicated social media communities that align with your interests and challenges.
Collaborate with Peers: Work with fellow creatives on projects to celebrate each other’s strengths and skills.
Seek Mentorship: Finding a mentor can provide guidance and reassurance as you navigate your path.
Setting Realistic Goals
To effectively combat imposter syndrome, setting realistic and achievable goals is essential. Instead of overwhelming yourself with lofty expectations, use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to define your objectives.
For example, instead of declaring, “I want to gain 10,000 followers in a month,” consider shifting it to, “I will post engaging content three times a week and interact with my audience daily.” This transition makes your goals more manageable and allows you to celebrate small victories along the way.
Embracing Vulnerability
Embracing vulnerability is a powerful way to combat imposter syndrome. Sharing your struggles and challenges with your audience not only humanizes your brand but also fosters deeper connections. When you open up about your experiences, you may find that others relate to your journey, which can be incredibly therapeutic.
Practicing Self-Compassion
Treating yourself with kindness is crucial for overcoming imposter syndrome. Accept that everyone makes mistakes, and failure is a part of growth. Practice self-compassion by reframing negative self-talk and recognizing that seeking improvement is more valuable than striving for perfection.
Celebrate Your Achievements
Take time to celebrate your accomplishments, regardless of how small they may seem. Consider creating a success journal where you write down your achievements, compliments, and positive feedback. This practice can serve as a reminder of your capabilities and reinforce your confidence when self-doubt creeps in.
We tend to be our harshest critics.
Don't get me wrong. It's good to have high standards than low standards, and we should be proud of ourselves for setting the bar high. However, we shouldn't let that be the reason we ignore our micro accomplishments every day. Even something that seems insignificant like waking up on time, is something to be extremely proud of.
In a nutshell
Imposter syndrome is a common experience, especially in the age of social media.
By acknowledging your feelings and accomplishments, reflecting on your emotions, and surrounding yourself with supportive individuals, etc. we will be much better off in 2025 and beyond.
Thanks for reading and have a great week, creative community.
Only read this if you run a business
Hi, Shaun here! I'm the founder and creative director of The Creative Pistachio. We specialise in helping brands connect better with their audiences through the power of organic social media content. A pain point many business owners are facing is they might not have the time, energy, skills or interest to create meaningful content for their audience, but they know the importance of it and benefits that it'll create for their business.
If this sounds like you, join one of our organic content packages. We help you handle everything from ideation, content creation, copywriting, posting and we also include monthly reports.
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