A Golden Message
The Gold market is sending us a message that something is wrong with the financial system.
You find yourself in a modern-day Agora, surrounded by the chatter of colleagues and the clatter of keyboards, yet you're adrift in a sea of self-doubt as if donning a toga amidst suits and ties.
You've clawed your way up the career ladder and achieved more than most dare to dream, yet a whisper in your head suggests you're play-acting, that your successes are just serendipitous flukes.
This cloak of fear that perhaps you aren't as competent as others perceive is the essence of imposter syndrome, a common yet rarely discussed struggle that affects countless professionals.
As you stand at this crossroads, know that you're not alone, and the journey ahead promises to be one of self-discovery.
Let's venture on our journey.
It's like having an internal voice constantly whispering, "You're not good enough" or "You're going to be found out".
Despite clear evidence of their talent and success, individuals with imposter syndrome dismiss their accomplishments.
They often believe they've just been lucky rather than truly deserving their success.
Imposter syndrome is characterised by the following traits:
Remember that not everyone with imposter syndrome will experience all these characteristics, and the intensity of these feelings can vary greatly from person to person.
Imposter syndrome comes in different shapes and sizes. It's not just one problem but several, each with its own quirks.
We'll explore five types that people often face.
Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where people feel like they're not as competent as others perceive them to be.
This feeling of being a 'fraud' can make success feel undeserved. Psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes were the first to describe this syndrome.
It often starts in childhood. Imagine growing up in a home where no one really celebrated your wins, or where the bar was set impossibly high. This kind of environment can plant the seeds of self-doubt.
But it's not just about how you were raised.
It also involves how you see yourself.
Do you push for perfection in everything you do? Or maybe you often think you're not good enough, even when you are.
These personal traits, perfectionism and low self-efficacy, can trap you in a cycle of worry and questioning your worth.
All these elements mix together, creating a perfect storm of uncertainty.
You might find yourself dismissing your successes as just luck or a happy accident.
Breaking it down, imposter syndrome is rooted in what you've experienced and how you view your abilities.
Imposter syndrome can create real obstacles in your career. It's like an inner voice that whispers doubts, making you feel like a fraud.
This can stop you from reaching your full potential at work.
What happens when imposter syndrome kicks in? Well, it can make you turn down a job promotion, even if you deserve it. Or, you might stay quiet in meetings, keeping your great ideas to yourself.
That's how imposter syndrome can keep you from feeling satisfied with your job.
Feeling like a fraud despite your achievements may indicate that you're grappling with imposter syndrome.
Read each question carefully and choose the option that best reflects your usual response or feeling. There are no right or wrong answers, only honest reflections.
If you found yourself selecting options a or b at least three times, you might be experiencing aspects of imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome involves a multifaceted approach that combines self-awareness and behavioural techniques and, often, reaching out for support from others.
Here are some strategies to help you overcome imposter syndrome and embrace your true potential:
Accept that imposter syndrome is a common experience, and understand that it's okay to have these feelings. Acknowledging them is the first step toward change.
Reflect on the underlying reasons for your imposter feelings. Consider your upbringing, past experiences, and the messages you've received about success and failure.
Share your feelings with trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues. You'll often find you're not alone, and they may have strategies of their own to share.
Keep a record of positive feedback, compliments, and achievements. Reviewing this can remind you of your successes when self-doubt creeps in.
Notice when imposter thoughts emerge and challenge them with evidence of your skills and accomplishments. Try to reframe these thoughts in a more positive and realistic light.
Be mindful of setting achievable goals. Perfection is an unrealistic standard that amplifies imposter feelings. Aim for excellence, but accept that imperfection is part of being human.
Everyone's path is unique. Comparing your journey or success to someone else's can fuel feelings of inadequacy.
Shift your mindset to value growth and learning over the need to prove yourself. View challenges as opportunities to develop rather than tests of your abilities.
Allow yourself to cherish and savour your accomplishments. Recognise the hard work and effort you put in to achieve them.Acknowledge Your Feelings
Accept that imposter syndrome is a common experience, and understand that it's okay to have these feelings. Acknowledging them is the first step toward change.