When You Feel Like You Don’t Deserve Success

So many of us feel like imposters. No matter how many successes we see or how many strides towards our goals we make, we feel like frauds, failures, and screw-ups, and it can hold us back from not only enjoying our successes but also from going for more of the things we really want. Not good, right? Well, don’t worry because there are lots of things you can do to stop feeling like you don’t deserve the good things, and to strt embracing them instead…

Talk it Out

Let’s start with the heavy artillery: therapy. Yes, my friend, talking to a professional is like having a personal trainer for your brain. Therapists, like the ones at  Cedar Hill Behavioral Health, are great at helping you unpack those “I’m not worthy” feelings, sorting them into neat little piles, and then helping you kick them to the curb to get rid of depression, anxiety and stress once and for all.

Chronicle Your Victories

Your brain is biased. It remembers every time you tripped in public but conveniently forgets the standing ovation you got after nailing a presentation. Let’s balance the scales. Keep a success journal. Every compliment, achievement, and milestone gets a spot. This isn’t just doodling; it’s scientifically proven to boost your morale and combat those gnarly feelings of fraudulence.

The Comparison Trap: Stop It!

Here’s a fun activity: every time you catch yourself comparing your Chapter 1 to someone else’s Chapter 20, imagine a giant red stop sign. Social media is a highlight reel, not a documentary. Focus on your own journey. Remember, everyone is too worried about their own faux pas to focus on yours.

Reframe Your Mindset: You Earned This!

Ever thought, “I just got lucky”? Scratch that. Reframe those thoughts to reflect the hard work you’ve put in. You didn’t get lucky—you got busy working your tail off. Next time you achieve something, instead of shrugging it off, try acknowledging the effort you put in. Self-recognition is key.

Phone a Friend

When self-doubt clouds your judgment, external validation from friends or mentors can be a lifeline. These are the folks who know your professional saga, the late nights, the early mornings, and the “I-think-I-can” moments. A quick chat can remind you that you’re not an imposter but an integral part of your success story.

Learn Something New

Sometimes, feeling like a fraud is just the universe’s twisted way of saying, “Hey, it’s time to learn something new.” Dive into a workshop, read up on the latest trends in your field, or take a class. Growing your skill set can boost your confidence and squash those nagging doubts about your worth.

Practice Gratitude

Start or end your day by listing three things you’re grateful for in your professional life. Maybe it’s your supportive team, your creative freedom, or even the free office coffee. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you think you lack to what you undoubtedly possess.

Say Yes to Help

Remember you’re human, and it’s okay to ask for help. Delegating doesn’t make you a fraud; it makes you a wise manager of your resources. Whether it’s outsourcing smaller tasks or asking for advice on big decisions, it’s all about playing smarter, not harder.

Feeling undeserving of your success is a common script in the stories we tell ourselves. But with the right strategies, you can edit that script and step into your achievements with confidence. Enjoy it all!