Hey friends! I wanted to talk about something that was brought to my attention by a fellow blogger that I have admired since the beginning of my blogging journey. I’m not going to share her name, but I remember I posted something in a group and she had mentioned that she currently battles “Impostor Syndrome”. Now, I was surprised, she’s an established college blogger and loves what she does, yet she is afraid of being found out as a fraud. She’s not the only one, many, many bloggers face this fear.

So, what is Impostor Syndrome? Impostor Syndrome is a term that is referred to high-achieving individuals that have a constant fear of being outed as a “fraud” (Source). This is something that many bloggers, students, business people, face. Honestly, there are so many people from around the disciplines that feel this kind of anguish inside themselves, and it is something very common in bloggers/entrepreneurs. I know it may seem irrational for someone to think this way. “Lauren, you’re not a fraud, so why are you afraid of being outed as one?” Because I’m afraid I am not good enough.

One thing that people who feel this way deal with is avoiding showing confidence, because they fear that if they do then they will be rejected. They also just have a general feeling of being phony, even though they aren’t. It really is just a way that someone is diminishing their achievements in fear of being called a fake if they do.

Impostor Syndrome really sucks to deal with, especially when you know that you’re worth the recognition you would receive for your accomplishments. It also sucks when you are trying to accomplish big things with your blog. You feel like you can’t do it, you self-sabotage yourself into thinking everyone will think you’re a fake, or copying someone else. You do all of this negative talk until you realize that the people who follow you, read your blog, and want what you’re offering, do/feel that way because of you and your personality!

Those who truly support you, will not see you as a fake or a fraud if you’re being your true, authentic self.

I stand by this 100%. If you are being your true self, standing by your values and morals, then there is no reason for your tribe to think that you are being a fraud. Combating Impostor Syndrome is all about changing your mindset, since all it really is, is worrying in your head, about people thinking you are a fraud {which you know you are not}. Mindset is a really big thing, especially when you’re trying further your dreams and goals.

Whether you’re trying to turn your blog into a business, graduate from college, move up in your career, or whatever, you need to have the right mindset. You need to have a mindset that allows you to block the Impostor Syndrome thoughts. Some ways to keep your mindset positive are

1. Write reminders that you are worthy of the goals you are trying to accomplish.

I would write little reminders on my mirror when I was younger. I then moved to writing them in my planner and in areas that I know I see often. Sometimes, you just need that little extra boost of confidence and support.

2. Block those that are toxic to your goals and mindset. 

The world can be a negative place. If you’re running into someone who is being negative towards you, eliminate them from your life as quickly as you can. That negativity can drag you down, and that is not where you want to go. Only keep those who are happy and supportive in your inner circle.

3. Keep inspiration in your work/study area, to remind you of your goals.

I am a big believer of keeping inspiration around you. Whatever inspires you, keep it around you, in your workspace. During my senior year, I gave my room a total makeover. I put up New York Magazine pictures across two of my walls, and I loved it. Here, it’s a little more difficult because of our apartment. I don’t really have my own space. However, I do try to keep little bits of inspiration here and there throughout the apartment.

4. Show your confidence

Remember how I said one of the symptoms of Impostor Syndrome was avoiding showing confidence? Sometimes you need to grab the bull by the horns and just go. When you have confidence in yourself, others will have confidence in you, thus boosting your confidence in yourself, etc. It will become a cycle of confidence, helping you stand firm in your decisions and achievements.

Changing your mindset will inevitably help you kick Impostor Syndrome to the curb. No one who is being true to themselves and their audience should ever feel like they’re being a fraud. I hope these tips will help you get in the right mindset to be authentic and true. Let me know what you do to keep Impostor Syndrome at bay!