Yoga for imposter syndrome

Have you ever felt like a fraud? Like the accolades you've received aren't really warranted? Like everyone else is the real deal but you are phony? What you're experiencing is a classic case of imposter syndrome and here’s what to do about it.

- RACHAEL COOPES

Imposter syndrome is an internalised feeling that your achievements or successes are undeserved, that you are not as smart and skilled as everyone may think you are and that any moment now you will be caught out as a cheat, no matter how much evidence there is of your capabilities and successes. If you are Someone who has ever attributed your wins to external powers like luck”, rather than acknowledging your own intelligence, effort or hard work, you may be experiencing what is known as imposter syndrome. The problem with this state is that when you constantly feel like a pretender, your potential for growth will be limited, as it stifles, or even paralyses, your ability to complete projects and seek out new opportunities.

Conquer the imposter

To develop and thrive in all areas of your life, it’s best to tackle imposter syndrome head-on. The antidote is to understand who and what you really are, and what you are not. As you work towards this goal through yogic practice, you will discover at a cellular level that we are all really play actors dressing up on some level, and that we are all intrinsically connected. The recognition that we are all in it together softens our feelings of being separate and allows us to feel whole instead of worrying we are not enough or worthy of life’s gifts. When you find those moments of stillness, connectedness and peace in meditation or yoga, you will know you're connected to your true self. Through daily practice, you provide yourself with the opportunity of meeting yourself every day. If for no other reason than discovering your true nature, and conquering the imposter, even if it’s just a three-minute meditation in bed when you wake up, prioritise taking this time.

Everyone has a superpower