Understand that you are not the source of the mean, nasty voice in your head.
Our brains are built for self-preservation, so it doesn't make sense that something so harmful starts from within.
Think of impostor syndrome as a living creature, built of energy that was given to you over time.
Over the years, people spoke badly to you. Whoever it was, they solidified negative stories in your mind.
These traumatic stories could have come from the news saying that you are an insignificant minority and you don't deserve a life.
Maybe you were confronted with heartbreaking monsters who posed as kind people, including bad actors in leadership positions.
Other stories could have come from your childhood: Abusive parents, harmful adults, or other kids making fun of something that was important to you.
Every day, those stories and similar ones drive us to compare ourselves to people that we don't even know.
Isn't it too much? Isn't it time to end the life of impostor syndrome?
Wouldn't you rather enjoy your charisma and confidence?
Don't you want to know that you belong in the place you've worked hard to arrive at?
Wherever it was born, impostor syndrome is alive.
It feels like another person planted in your mind and body: Someone whose sole mission is to whisper horrible, hurtful things to you every day.
This living syndrome grows when someone reinforces a painful story about who they think you are. It's a creation of false imaginations – an illusion of lies.
The good part?
If impostor syndrome is alive, that also means it can die.
You read that right.
Impostor syndrome has a vulnerability that will end its life as many times as you want.
Speak life into yourself and destroy impostor syndrome with vengeance.
The same way impostor syndrome came into your life is the same way you can remove it from your life.
I'm not promising you a magical fix. This is something easy that you can do daily – or whenever you need to.
This is how the bad stories you were told took root in your mind.
This is also how you get them out.
Here are 3 effective ways you can fight impostor syndrome:
The goal with each of these exercises is to reprogram your mind. You'll be strengthening pathways in your brain that will be louder than any impostor syndrome.
Be patient with yourself, because this will take time.
These are all things you can do in the background of your day to reinforce your positive mental environment.
#1: Listen to positive affirmations.
The act of someone repeatedly telling you how great you are?
Powerful.
Here are 3 places you can get started right away:
#2: Write down your best qualities.
It's important to celebrate your accomplishments. We all do great things that other people may take for granted, or won't see.
But someone has always been there for these great things: You.
You deserve to feel good about yourself.
Get a piece of paper, your calendar, or a note app and pick a place you look at every day.
Write down everything nice about yourself. During this exercise, you might find the biggest smile on your face.
Place that paper somewhere you will look at it every day with no effort.
Add your nice things to your calendar so they pop up every day as a reminder in your phone.
Set a reminder date on your note app so you see your lovely note every day.
#3: Get some face time with yourself.
I understand this may be difficult for people with body dysmorphia and other perceptive issues. Skip this if it's too hard or dangerous for you.
It's all cool, and I won't know.
That reflective surface in your house is called a mirror. It is a mighty weapon against impostor syndrome.
Few things in life are more impactful that a healthy self-image. Here are few ways to cultivate that:
Give yourself a hug in the mirror. Any mirror.
Speak kindly to yourself in the mirror without makeup (or clothes) on (probably best done at home).
Read encouraging things to yourself in the mirror.
Sing love songs about yourself in the mirror.
You're equipped for battle now!
I've tried to give you as many tools as I can to eliminate and release impostor syndrome. Use your weapons with extreme self-care.
As you move forward in life, remember that you are worthy of whatever opportunity you desire.
It is your human birthright to pursue your dreams, and to elevate yourself.