12 Tips For Getting Over Impostor Syndrome

If you feel like something is missing, or that you haven't made any progress professionally, make a daily record of what you've accomplished, and note when you meet goals. It could be that you're doing quite well, but you can't perceive it because you let your insecurities dominate you. If you write everything down, it'll be easier to see what's working.

Take the opportunity to talk about work with friends in the same field. Who knows, maybe a frank chat about your insecurities, challenges, and achievements will prove that what you're going through is the same for everyone.

It may seem silly, but figuring out where you want to be in two, five, or even ten years can help relieve your anxiety. You'll be able to more clearly see the steps required to get where you want to go, and not get yourself down because you haven't done something that takes ten years to accomplish.

Plans are good, but don't let them become your enemies. If you're halfway down the road and you realize you aren't where you want to be, don't hesitate to change your plans. It's not confusion or indecisiveness, it's maturity. Planning can help you make these decisions.

Feeling insecure about a new challenge or a new job is completely normal. Instead of suffering alone, ask for feedback about your work from people you trust. This way you can find out if you really need to change something, or if you're on the right path. These moments can bring wonderful surprises.

Knowing what they did to get to where they are, and how they coped with the difficulties along the way, can help you determine how to proceed. If you're embarrassed to send a message or email, follow their career, watch talks they've given, and read their updates on social networks.

What's good for someone else isn't necessarily right for you. Listen a lot, but follow your intuition. You can seek inspiration from someone you admire, but you don't have to follow the same path as them. Only you know your own dreams, desires, qualities, and challenges.

It may be tempting, but don't compare your beginning with another person's middle or end. Everyone started somewhere and had to blaze their own trail. Keep this in mind and move forward.

Being new in your field can be a very good thing. Since you're just getting started, you don't have the same habits as other people who've been working at the same thing for a long time. Seize opportunities to ask questions that haven't been asked yet, and suggest new ideas.

You know your boss? They make mistakes. Or that person that everyone respects? They make mistakes too. No matter how competent you may be, you can still make mistakes. It's a cliché, but we're all human and mistakes happen. If this happens to you, face it head-on, fix your mistake, and don't make it bigger than it actually is.

Give due attention to the compliments you receive and share them with friends and family. Sometimes it may sound silly, but only you know the challenges you've faced. Enjoy every accomplishment, and remember the compliments so you understand what you're really good at.

Sometimes, to compensate for your insecurities, you end up working more than you should, or demanding too much of yourself. Staying focused and working hard is important, but be careful not to let it suffocate you. Give yourself the affection and respect you deserve.