10 Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Latinas and women of color being disproportionately affected by imposter syndrome creates missed opportunities and disadvantages in the workplace for diversification. Although the reason for these imposter feelings lay within the system itself, until the system has been corrected, we must learn how to overcome these feelings. We want to see more minorities in places of power and in leadership roles which is why we’ve come up with these 10 tips on how to fight imposter syndrome.

Acknowledge your feelings

Feelings are very important which is why it is not good to ignore them, although that might seem like the best thing to do… it is not. In order to combat these imposter feelings, you must first recognize these emotions and understand why they are happening. Even though feelings are very important, sometimes it is more important to acknowledge that they are just feelings and not more than that. They do not reflect reality.

Let go of perfectionism

Feeling like a fraud or like you do not belong often leads to overcompensating and trying to create perfect outcomes so no one figures out that you are an imposter who actually has no idea what you are doing. This does not help and only makes imposter syndrome worse. Learn how to set realistic goals and remember no one is perfect.

Remember: You are not alone!

This might be the most important tip of them all. Remembering there are many other successful people who suffer from imposter syndrome will help you fight these imposter feelings. Just like you view others as successful and deserving, people view you like this also, so it is time you start to see yourself as worthy as well.

Break the silence

Talking to the people around you might help you realize these feelings are silly. No one would ever really think you are a fraud. Breaking the silence would also help to see you are not the only one and it might help a lot of others around you who may be suffering from this as well.

Before you continue reading, check out what Julissa Arce shared with LATV’s Get it Girl about Imposter Syndrome.

Establish a support system

Now that you’ve broken the silence, it is time to build a support system. This can help to empower spaces and communities, which can provide support, validation, and empathy for people dealing with impostor syndrome.

Remind yourself of your past accomplishments

You might have a tendency of brushing off your past accomplishments as “luck” but keeping track of past successes and how you did it will help with dealing with imposter feelings. You have gotten to where you are for a reason and the reason is not that you are a fraud. Remind yourself of how you felt when you were faced with a new opportunity that you decided to tackle. Remember how you accomplished things you had first thought to be impossible and scary.

Celebrate your success

Your successes are important! Take time to take in and enjoy your accomplishments as they are proof that you are not a fraud. Keep a record of these accomplishments and the positive feedback you receive so you can pull these receipts up when you’re being tough on yourself and feeling like an imposter. This will help provide a much-needed boost of confidence.

Be kind to yourself

Do not be too rough on yourself. As stated earlier, no one is perfect. Using positive statements and affirmations could help lessen feeling like an imposter.

Fake it ’til you make it

Confidence will help kick these imposter feelings to the curb. Now confidence is not so easy to acquire but starting out slowly by faking it, eventually, it will not be fake. Reminding yourself of past positive feedback and even affirmations could help boost your confidence.

Talk to someone who can help

Latinos usually do not reach out for professional help as there is a mental health stigma throughout various Latino cultures but it is time to break this cycle. A psychologist or other therapist can give you tools to help you overcome your impostor syndrome.

Read more about imposter syndrome among women of color on LATV here.