HOW TO LIMIT THE IMPACT OF THE IMPOSTER SYNDROME

Nagaya advises serious introspection and different approaches to how success is viewed in order to effectively manage the condition. Manga says the first step is to:

1.Identify the feelings Recognise what and when you’re feeling it and try and understand where those feelings come from. Ask yourself: When did I start thinking I’m not good enough? Why do I think I’m not good enough? Understand your current reality and how your self-belief got you here. Be honest, this step is the most critical.

2. Understand your inner critic We all have an inner critic - it’s important to understand when this critic appears and what they say. Strip the conversation to pieces, look at the facts versus what you’ve taught yourself to believe. “It’s important to be vigilant of your internal dialogue and the kind of language you use. Self affirmation’s very important. Be your own best friend.”

3. Celebrate yourself Recognise your achievements. Write down a list of all your accomplishments and what you did to achieve them. Then tell yourself “Well done!” On a daily basis write down one thing you’ve accomplished, no matter how small.

4. Redefine Success Set yourself a simple task and write down the definition of what will make it successful and stick to that. Recognise it when you achieve it.

5. Stop comparing yourself to others You don’t know their reality or struggles. Write down your strengths and how they’ve brought you this far.