Success is the reward you get after going the extra mile. Yes! Nobody has ever become successful by doing average things. It is the light at the end of the tunnel and the sparkle that proves your hard work is finally paying off.

This accomplishment is always subjective, unlike what society keeps spreading. You are successful when you get what you want and have worked for: friends, money, work, travel, diploma, recognition… See? It is subjective and depends on your perspective and what you are looking for. Success is not JUST money!

It is like a shield that protects you from self doubt, lack of self confidence, and hopelessness since you are always looking ahead.

However, this shield could be weakened by fears, anxiety, and doubts. Let me introduce you to Imposter Syndrome.

According to time.com’s website, Imposter Syndrome is the idea that you have only succeeded due to luck, and not because of your talent or qualifications. It was first identified in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes.

Truth be told, every living person experiences some confusing feelings where doubts and fears are all over the place, and it is human nature. Nonetheless, when you regularly do not own your success, have trouble believing that you deserve that promotion, think you have swindled the money you earned, doubt your own achievements, and feel like you are cheating, then we have a problem!

Symptoms:

Among the Imposter Syndrome’s symptoms:

• Self doubt
• Anxiety
• Lack of self confidence
• Doubting your capabilities
• Comparing yourself to others the entire time
• Irrational fears of the future

Every disorder has a variety of symptoms, one may have them all, some or one of them.

Why me?

I bet you kept asking yourself this question! It is not a shocker that mental troubles do not get triggered by one single stimulus. 

Some experts suppose that it can be due to childhood memories, especially if you, as a child, were feeling less than your pairs or that your parents or other people have always undermined you for your grades in particular, your behavior, or your inefficiency in a specific domain.

Moreover, anxiety can also be a trigger as the person is always ruminating and overthinking.

If you suffer from Imposter Syndrome, I know you might be thinking what rotten luck you have! Let me assure you that there is no reason to hold anyone or anything accountable. Instead, let us think positively on how to work things out!

Is healing possible?

Where there is a will, there is a way.

If you have the right mindset to get through the tunnel, you will see the light eventually. What are you going to choose?

Having an impressive track record is not a piece of cake. Even the fact of being a golden spoon and born with privilege is not an excpetion.

Being successful is all about what you have in mind and how you can concretize it. It is never about the money only.

You have to take credit for the missions you have accomplished and own your success. The nights you stayed up, the money you have been saving, the ideas you came up with, the efforts you made… Are you willing to lose it all for anxiety? For doubts? For fears?

I hope it is a NO.

Believe in yourself and trust that when people acknowledge you, you absolutely deserve it! And when they criticize you, take it positively and think of the criticism as a step forward.

“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt”

William Shakespeare

Do not doubt yourself, because it is all you have! You have to be your own cheerleader and believe in yourself to the fullest.

It is okay to struggle, to hesitate, to question your ability to achieve certain things. What is not okay is to stay put and feed your monsters. 

Starve them, and let the magic happen.

You should definitely try meditation! It will help you relax, have more control over your mind and reduce your anxiety. It is one of the ways to be emotionally healthy.

Have you ever tried positive affirmations? If not, it is about time!

You will enjoy having some positive self talk and your subconscious mind will get used to them and will cave eventually! It is the source of all the ideas you get, whether they are positive or negative.

One more thing, seeking help from friends and family is helpful too. There is no shame! Seeing a therapist is even more beneficent. 

This is a battle where you are your own opponent. You are the two knights facing each other on a chess board. It’s you vs you.

You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink, right? Well this article is providing you with the information needed to commence your healing process. Are you going to take the wheel, or take a back seat?

“Believe in yourself and the rest will fall into place. Have faith in your own abilities, work hard, and there is nothing you cannot accomplish”

Brad Henry