I was in 9th standard when I was studying for my pre-boards, when I first felt it- that absolutely gut wrenching feeling that I wasn’t good enough and that I didn’t deserve the marks that I had gotten before. And after that for the longest time that I can remember I’ve always felt like a fraud. No matter how much efforts I put in, how many hours I studied before anyone could get up, I always had the fear that someone would find out I wasn’t as capable as they thought.
Years later, the same feeling showed up in classrooms, internships and during big presentations. At first I really started to believe that something was wrong with me because I had no control over my thoughts. But as I grew older, I found out there was nothing wrong with me and in fact I was not alone. This creeping self doubt is called Imposter Syndrome, and most of the people at some point of their lives have had it. And here’s a fact overcoming Imposter Syndrome is not impossible.
But here’s the truth- imposter syndrome is not a sign that you are failing. It’s often a sign that you are growing and stepping into something much bigger than before. And with the right mindset one can overcome it.
Disclaimer: I’m not a psychologist or a professional. I’m just someone who has faced something similar and wants to share what helped me, like a friend would.
4 Mind Hacks That Will Help You In Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
1. Name It, Tame It
Imposter syndrome thrives in silence. The day you decide to acknowledge it and name it, it shrinks the power it has over you. Neuroscience shows that when you label a fear, you stop letting it control you. All you have to say to yourself is, “It’s not me talking, it’s not a fact. It’s just imposter syndrome talking”. This one small step, will help you bring awareness to your brain, and will calm the emotional side of your brain and will bring you back your logical side.
Why it works: Studies from UCLA show that when one starts labeling their emotions, this action activates the prefrontal cortex and calms the brain’s fear center.
2. Flip the Script: From Fraud to Learner
All you have to do is change the script from “I don’t know enough” to “I’m always learning” and you’ll let the magic unfold. Even the most successful people don’t know everything, they’re just willing to learn new things everyday. The day you shift your mindset and start seeing yourself as a lifelong learner, mistakes and questions become a part of your transformative journey, they are no longer proof of inadequacy.
Why it works: Carol Dweck’s research on Growth Mindset proves the fact that people who start seeing challenges as learning opportunities, start performing better over time.
3. Run the Receipt Check
Our beautiful brains love playing games. It LOVES to delete your wins and highlight your failures. You gotta fight back with a Receipt Check. Keep a running list either write it down manually in your journal or keep it digitally on your phone or laptop. A list of your wins, compliments you’ve received and achievements you’ve accomplished. Sounds boring I know, but it works.
Why it works: This practice actively helps your brain to notice success, not just perceived failure, and will help you rewire your confidence over time.
4. Stop Comparing, Start Sharing
When our parents told us our phones were the problem they were right. Scrolling through others’ highlight reels, posts, tricks your mind into believing you’re not good enough. And comparison is Imposter Syndrome’s best friend. If you have watched Euphoria you would remember Maddie’s dialogue “The good thing about confidence is that no one knows if you’re faking it”. And confidence is going to kill comparison. Instead of comparing- SHARE, speak up and share your perspective. Confidence thrives on action.
Why it works: Psychology research shows that expressing ideas boosts self-esteem and reduces feelings of inadequacy.
Final Thought:
Imposter Syndrome doesn’t mean that there’s something wrong with you or you are weak. Know that you’re not alone and you can get through this. And with every small action you take against it, you are building the confidence you thought you lacked. If you found this guide on overcoming imposter syndrome helpful, you might also enjoy reading How to Handle Criticism Like Elite Performers, because confidence isn’t just about believing in yourself, it’s also about learning how to take feedback without breaking your spirit.
