Do you wonder if you’ll ever be good enough and don’t deserve your achievements? Do you fear people realizing you’re only faking your skills and achievements? If you said yes to these questions, you’re exhibiting the common symptoms of the imposter syndrome phenomenon.
Over 70% of the population suffers from imposter syndrome. These individuals feel lost and not good enough to succeed in work and life.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to recognize imposter syndrome and overcome this phenomenon. We’ll also share how using a coworking space in Manila can help you overcome and conquer these destructive feelings.
Recognizing Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is not a disease. However, it is a concerning behavioral health phenomenon first recognized in 1978 by two psychologists among successful women. It is now established that everyone can have these intrusive feelings.
The first study on this phenomenon defines six characteristics of people with imposter syndrome. It has been updated since the 70s, but the initial symptoms are still the following:
• Imposter cycle. Individuals either procrastinate or over prepare when given a task. Then, they don’t revel in the success of a completed task. Instead, they question their participation in this success and subsequent projects.
• Perfectionism. It is defined as the need to be the best. However, people with imposter syndrome never feel their best because they set unattainable standards. Thus, they continuously think that they are not good enough.
• Super-heroism. It’s the tendency to over prepare for tasks even though they are easy. This leads to stress and burnout. It also means being overly available for everyone to feel worthy.
• Fear of failure. People with imposter syndrome are anxious when doing any task for fear of being exposed as frauds. Thus, they stress themselves by over preparing, leading to burnout.
• Self-doubt. Another characteristic of imposter syndrome is crippling self-doubt. People suffering from this phenomenon discount their skills and intelligence and internalize failure while doing a task. They also don’t recognize success and blame luck for it.
• Fear of success. Last, people with imposter syndrome sabotage themselves with constant thoughts of failure. These individuals believe they will not be successful, no matter what they do or how much they prepare.
Everyone feels these symptoms now and then. However, people with imposter syndrome feel them all the time, and they are stuck with these destructive thoughts. Having a problematic upbringing, getting new work or school roles, and having low self-efficacy and social anxiety are risk factors for imposter syndrome.
Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Living with imposter syndrome significantly impacts your mental wellness because you’re plagued by anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem often. Your physical health is also at risk because you’re likely to forget to care for yourself when you feel this way.
If you’re spiraling on the imposter cycle again, try these strategies to overcome your imposter syndrome.
Talk About Your Feelings
People isolate themselves when they are anxious and depressed. However, doing so will only make these destructive thoughts linger and grow.
Acknowledge that these are irrational thoughts that don’t really define who you are. Then, talk to people you trust about how you’re doing and feeling. Talking with people outside your professional or school circle is also more helpful. These friends will have a better understanding of your accomplishments and values.
Reframe Your Thoughts
The destructive thought of being worthless and fraud is one of the main challenges with having imposter syndrome. It is important to understand that these are irrational thoughts. You can change and control them.
Learn how to use positive affirmations to boost your self-esteem and confidence. Last, accept that failure is part of growing and learning from them.
Celebrate Your Achievements
People with imposter syndrome minimize their successes and shrug it off as merely being lucky. But we succeed because we work hard to achieve our goals. Especially people who suffer from this phenomenon because they tend to over prepare for everything.
So, if you feel you don’t deserve your accomplishment, celebrate it anyway. Use positive affirmations and applaud yourself. If you have time, bask in this success, and think about what you did to achieve it. It is important to understand that you played a significant role in getting where you are.
It will also be helpful to save screenshots or even print concrete reminders of your success. For example, if a colleague recognizes your effort, save the email, and check it whenever you doubt yourself again.
Set Realistic Expectations
Nothing is perfect in life. So, learn to set more realistic and achievable goals for yourself. Accept that not everything should be perfect, and mistakes are part of your progress.
Also, reward yourself if you finish a goal. You also must give yourself a break when you experience delays.
Develop Supportive Community
The imposter syndrome phenomenon has become more apparent during the pandemic because people are isolated from their friends. However, it is still common during the new normal because many still work from home. Thus, some experience remote work isolation.
A supportive community can help boost your spirits when deep in self-doubt. So, if you feel lost, work in a different space. Consider coworking spaces so you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals. These spaces also offer a sense of community that can make you feel less isolated.
Coworking spaces in Manila are great venues to connect with people who can validate your experiences of imposter syndrome and help you realize that you’re not alone.
Seek for Help
Seek professional help. Therapists will help you develop healthier thoughts and behaviors to overcome symptoms of imposter syndrome. They can also teach you tips on reframing unhealthy and intrusive thoughts.
Mental health professionals can help you address the root causes of your imposter syndrome. They can help you face these issues that increase your risk of spiraling into the imposter cycle.
Leveraging Coworking Spaces to Combat Imposter Syndrome
Coworking spaces foster a collaborative environment that can help you deal with imposter syndrome. This new work environment offers a sense of community and belongingness that positively impacts your mental health and productivity.
Here are other ways coworking spaces help you combat imposter syndrome.
Collaboration and Innovation
Working in a collaborative environment inspires innovation. Also, being surrounded by professionals who can help you with your work lessens the feeling of being stuck in a problem or situation that leads to unhealthy thoughts of failure and inadequacy.
A Sense of Belonging
Coworking spaces provide a more structured routine than working at home. Yet, they don’t have the added stress of constantly comparing themselves to your workmates or being intimidated by your boss. Instead, this new work environment connects you with remote workers like you.
It combats isolation as you work with people who favor a collaborative atmosphere and are interested in making connections. Also, in coworking spaces, you’re never alone, which is great for avoiding the effects of imposter syndrome.
Mental Health and Productivity
Sometimes, you may feel stuck because you’re only at home, even during working hours. Hence, working in coworking spaces in Manila provides a change of scenery to boost your mental health and productivity.
A change in scenery can also inspire your work. Coworking spaces have a positive atmosphere. Thus, they put you in a more positive mindset when working, reducing risks for imposter syndrome.
If you’re looking for the best coworking space in Manila, check out our rooms at M Spaces. We foster a collaborative environment to help combat your imposter syndrome. We also have several private office spaces and meeting venues for rent that you can share with other professionals.
We have Micro Office (4 to 5 seats), Medium Office (6 to 7 seats), and Mega Office (8 to 12 seats) and offer flexible lease options that fit your budget and needs.
Connect with like-minded professionals and check out our fully serviced workspaces on Facebook and Instagram. Contact us for more information on our services by sending a message to mspacesph@gmail.com.
