Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome

Do you ever find yourself in a thought process of "I am not good enough to be here " , " I am incompetent " , " I just got lucky to be here" , and/or" Everyone else is more qualified than me" ?

This thought pattern indicates what is known as imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome can be defined as a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their abilities, achievements / qualifications, often feeling like a "fraud" despite evidence of their competence. People with imposter syndrome struggle to accept their success, attributing it to external factors like luck or timing rather than their own skills and hard work. This can lead to a fear of being "found out" and a sense that they don’t truly deserve their accomplishments or recognition.

Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, no matter their level of success or experience, and often goes hand in hand with feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, or perfectionism. Especially for the high achievers,(like myself) the pressure to constantly perform can amplify these feelings. Factors that influence imposter syndrome can be early childhood experiences , stereotypes and social pressure , and a fear of failure ( To name a few).

Imposter Syndrome has got nothing on you !

You are capable.

You are competent.

Say it with me : "I am capable , I am competent" .

This post has actually been sitting in my drafts , I was not sure that this would be relatable but after a conversation with a colleague , I realized that imposter syndrome is more common than I thought.

So to whom this may concern , RGN to be or otherwise ;

Lets debunk the myth that you are in your current position by chance. e.g. getting accepted into nursing school ! It's by hard work and dedication ! (and as a Christian I attribute all that I am to Jesus , it's only by His Grace)

Even if you did not choose nursing, (or insert what is relevant for you) but nursing chose you , the fact that you have made it this far is a testament to your competence and hard work.

And if you chose nursing and you feel like you are falling short? Again , the fact that you have made it this far is a testament to your hard work and competence.

Now where the issue lies as far as imposter syndrome is that your confidence is yet to catch up with your competence.

Reasons for this may be a lack of SELF confidence and / or comparison. These are two big roots from which imposter syndrome can stem from. So take time now to reflect and ask yourself , "Do I lack self confidence"? / "Who am I comparing myself to"? Maybe the root of your imposter syndrome is rooted in something else , take time to think , reflect and identify what it is , so it can be solved.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

1. To overcome anything you must first acknowledge it . Talk about how you feel with someone you trust.

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2. Focus on being your best self and rechannel those thoughts ! " I am not good enough to be here" , try : "Wow I am so blessed to be here with these incredible people " and choose to be inspired by them instead of intimidated by them.

"I am incompetent" changes to , " I have achieved all the competencies thus far , and I have the qualifications to prove it" . " I just got lucky to be here" changes to "I worked hard to be here I am blessed to have received this opportunity".

Rechanneling thoughts changes perspective and a change in perspective changes you.

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3.Keep track of your achievements, they will serve as a reminder when self doubt tries to creep in. Own your wins !

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4. Quit comparing yourself to others ,focus on YOUR personal growth and development. The only person you should be comparing yourself to is who you were yesterday.

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5. Sometimes perfectionism can be a paralytic. While you want to be excellent , focus on progress over perfection. Perfection comes with progress.

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6. Be kind to yourself . Encourage yourself as you would encourage a friend who was experiencing the same issue.

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I am rooting for you ! I pray your February is fruitful and full of happy moments

With Love - Jennyfa ♡

#RGN2BE

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