Self-doubt, Imposter syndrome.

It’s funny how many endeavors these phenomena have stalled. Actually, it’s not. Although they are slightly different in concept, they have similar effects on their victim.

Before we go on, think about the number of times you sidetracked an endeavor because you didn’t feel up to the task; how many times have you made excuses for not doing something, hinging on inability or incompetence. I’m thinking and it’s a lot of times. It could be an application, competition, less official tasks like making important decisions and what have you.

Typically, everyone has gone through that phase of self-doubt. A certain level is good because it indicates areas you need to improve in order to do a better job. It however becomes a problem when it becomes consistent or habitual.

Simply, self-doubt is lack of confidence or a feeling of incompetence to do things we need to do. It could be a result of;

• Past mistakes and experiences: a lot of times, your future disposition to carry out a task may be affected by your past experience in a similar endeavor. Many of us are cowered by our past, such that they obstruct future possibilities. However, it is important to note that failure is rooted when you remain or dwell in it.

I really believe that a champion is identified not by how many times they win, but the number of times they rise after falling.

serena williams.

• Low Self-esteem: they say you never go beyond or do better than what you think you can. Low self-esteem nor lack of confidence is a huge player in self-doubt or rejection.

• Negative comparism: this is another contributing factor to self-doubt or rejection. It is not unnatural because we live in a very competitive world and are players in the game consciously or unconsciously. In an overwhelming world of social media, it is easy to compare yourself or your achievement with others, but the bottom line is, you lose sight of who you are and what you want when you focus on others.

Imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is also a major cause of self doubt or rejection. It is a psychological pattern of doubt in one’s skills, competencies or accomplishments because of the fear of being exposed as an impostor or fraud. People who suffer from this syndrome continually feel that they don’t deserve all they have achieved or attribute their success to luck. Thus, when faced with a new task they doubt their abilities and wonder whether luck would avail them again.

It is arguably more prevalent amongst women than men especially because of the now-changing social stance of women. This severe doubt in qualifications or skills goes on to affect one’s future disposition to carrying out similar tasks effectively.

People with this syndrome are characterized by traits like;

• Perfectionism
• Workaholism; obviously to meet up with self-imposed expectations
• Fear of asking for help/ independency. This is because they feel it would reduce their worth in the eyes of others
• Berating their performance.

Being a psychological problem, in extreme cases, one might need the help of a psychologist. However, there are tips to tackle self-doubt and imposter syndrome;

• Silence the negative voice and reassure yourself: shut out the negative or demeaning voice of doubt and affirm your abilities. Stay in the present and focus on the positive side of things .

• Don’t be afraid to seek help: as they say, no man is an island. When you need help, ask for it.
• Stop the negative comparism; you are the only you in the universe and that’s a huge responsibility. Never compare yourself negatively. Let the leap of others motivate not intimidate you.
• Remember the try concept: it’s always ok to try. You don’t have to be 100% sure. Try with whatever percentage of certainty you have.

• Celebrate small wins, take baby steps. You are not a fraud or Imposter

The truth is , we don’t deserve every blessing we get. That’s why they are blessings. So when you get them, embrace them, be grateful for those blessings. It does not make you an imposter. As a Christian, I would say, when you face self-doubt, remember; you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.

That’s it’s for today’s blogdate guys, as always the conversation continues in the comment section. Have you experienced or are you experiencing any of these phenomena? Did it cost you something? How did you deal with it?. Remember to like, share and subscribe (by clicking allow Reggiesspot to send you notifications) ciao!