Imposter syndrome

When it appears, you have constant feelings of doubt about your abilities, successes, and other achievements, 75% of you might be experiencing imposter syndrome.

At its essence imposter syndrome is a psychological condition that normally happens when an individual constantly doubts their achievements, be it educational achievements, career achievements, and other related achievements, despite all the strengths one possesses.

For instance: For a writer, it could be doubts about the achievement of the first book they just published.

At a workplace level imposter syndrome occurs when one continuously and constantly doubts their achievements in the workplace, despite being competent, abled, and capable to the point where they think they are a fraud, and in due time that shall be revealed. Among the possible causes of imposter syndrome in the workplace is personality traits, for instance, introverted highly driven perfectionists may at a high amount experience imposter syndrome due to how they process their internal feelings and emotions, including the feelings of fear, doubt, making them not to be confident enough.

LEGAL CAREER AND IMPOSTER SYNDROME.

Legal Career is amongst the top noble career paths in the career platform, it highly purports exceptional requirements and features to its professionals, especially to those who are practicing, furthermore, the complexities and vastness of legal career make it perceived as one of those careers that only extravagant highly competent individuals can master, this makes it possible for many times several good legal practitioners to doubt their achievement in such a field. Despite working hard to reach where they are, attain a number of goals, experience, and most of all competence they own.

OVERCOMING IMPOSTER SYNDROME IN THE LEGAL CAREER.

Below is a guide to any legal professional who might be experiencing imposter syndrome

1.      Understand the anatomy and autonomy of the Legal Profession

Any legal official be it an attorney, paralegal, lawyer who might be experiencing imposter syndrome in the workplace should first remind themselves of the anatomy of the legal profession.

The legal profession requires intellectual work which is efficient and effective with an amount of analysis, it governs itself by needing proficient personnel to produce a generous outcome, meaning to say for any achievement obtained in the legal path on a scale of 1 to 10, 9.8 you made it possible to truly deserve that.

2.      Engage in teamwork/ Assist Others

When you engage in teamwork or when you assist others you are certain to build connections. Assisting others in their normal duties, especially at the times when they are overloaded will make you observe your efforts and capabilities in accomplishing certain tasks. It could be assisting in writing official statements, attending hearing dates, or performing other duties your colleagues may have.

Engaging in teamwork and assisting others will make you have an outlook on what you can add to the table, your contributions in thought or practical contribution.

3.      Review your accomplishments

It is important to review all your accomplishments whenever you find yourself having imposter syndrome. Reviewing your accomplishments will help you reflect and put much focus on what you had an effect on and technically can affect and be proud of yourself.

4.      Nourish yourself in a healthy positive environment

The legal field can be super hectic sometimes and experiencing imposter syndrome can double the pain. Thus, it is better to loosen up and associate yourself in any activity that can be extracurriculars, enough sleep-in case you are not getting that much. Also, engage with colleagues who are healthy emotionally and mentally. Which is to say create a healthy space for yourself that also includes healthy people.

5.      Show up and practice

It is good to keep on practicing and showing up at your own pace, this will enhance better awareness of the process to the results you achieve. Be present and recognize your strengths.

6.      Visit an Expert/ Speak up.

Suppose it gets worse or all the above aren’t quite helpful, or comfortable to you. It is better to see an expert who is specialized in such. Psychological conditions are among the most delicate issues an individual may be facing in their life hence in speaking up it has to either be an expert or any other person one may be comfortable with to explain away whatever they are feeling. Because not everyone can reach the mental state or level where you are at the moment.

THE TAKE.

As humans it is important to have an understanding that we are functional beings and situations change and it can never be all well at all times, therefore developing a healthy response to failure and making mistakes is important to an individual’s mental and physical state.

“Enjoying the process” should be the ultimate goal, focus should be put on the experience on what you acquire, what you learn, during the process in accomplishing a certain goal.