Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome?
That unsettling feeling of presenting a part of yourself to the world that doesn't always feel genuine? I know I do sometimes.
And when it creeps in, I have to remind myself of a few things.
A while ago, I wrote about the seasons of our lives and how even though it's summer outside, I'm experiencing a winter - a period marked by challenge, suffering, and introspection.
Winter brings negative emotions such as sadness, fear, despair and doubt,
along with a slower, lower-energy pace.
And this personal winter of mine seems to be stretching on longer than expected.
As a Positive Psychology coach dedicated to helping others find happiness and fulfillment and constantly studying the science of happiness and well-being,
facing a prolonged difficult season triggered imposter syndrome in me.
It made me question my role as a self-care guide.
To counter this doubt, I reminded myself that a guide doesn't have to have all the answers but needs to be a few steps ahead.
Also, that winter, however harsh, eventually brings rebirth and growth,
and this is part of a greater personal growth leap I'm experiencing.
Like children experiencing growing pains, growth can sometimes hurt.
Looking back, I see how much my life has changed and how many adjustments I've made. Moving to a new country, I had to adapt my entire lifestyle -
from changing my wardrobe to fit the climate, finding restaurants and cafes that I like, and figuring out which products match our home recipes, to learning to live without family around, communicating with the world in another language, and creating new friendships.
When Covid hit, the Positive Psychology I studied launched me into an ongoing self-development journey. Meditating, reading, journaling, coaching, and connecting with others in new ways opened new paths of self-exploration, expanded my bandwidth, and made me ask myself questions I had never asked before.
These questions can shake us to the core, and it's tempting to keep things stable, even if they're not entirely fulfilling. However, I've learned that questioning facilitates my growth since I'm a curious person. So, I choose to tap into a growth mindset and see this period as a transition toward becoming a fuller version of myself.
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck's growth mindset theory reminds us that seeing ourselves as works in progress reduces the likelihood of feeling like an imposter. We're not finished products, we're evolving.
Dr. Barbara Fredrickson's research also shows that cultivating positive emotions like gratitude, love, and inspiration broadens our thinking and builds resilience.
Over time, it changes how we view ourselves and boosts self-confidence.
Reframing this challenging period as a part of a growth journey helps me connect with my purpose - not as someone with all the answers, but as someone continuously evolving and learning.
So, if you're feeling like an imposter, remember:
Your discomfort is often a sign of growth.
Embrace it, trust the journey, and know you're more capable than you realize.
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