In this age of technology, we are constantly competing with ourselves more than with others. The pressure to know everything and multitask is crawling in our heads, resulting in exhaustion or a feeling of insecurity. People in almost every profession, starting from doctors to actors, work more than they should in a typical day and are affected by the vices of overwork. Not just a professional issue, the juggle between work-life integration, the pressure of parenting, or managing a relationship also leads to burnout and impostor syndrome.
The Covid pandemic has added feathers to the hat of an already stressful situation. The pressure to perform well while acknowledging the economic backstep, remote working issues, and communication hassles is more crucial than ever. But what can we do when people cannot find meaning in their work anymore, and the virtual connection only pushes away motivations. It is time we see the remedy for impostor syndrome and burnout instead of sulking. The article below will give you a peek into the impact of burnout and impostor syndrome on careers and how to deal with them.
Cause of Burnout and Impostor Syndrome
Expectations from yourself, your boss, or clients can pressure you to deliver work by ignoring your mental preparedness. It has the most probability to strike you slowly and take you to a point where you feel you can’t keep up anymore.
When you take more work on your plate than what’s assigned to you, it could lead you to a feeling of burnout and impostor syndrome. Some people take their work very seriously and feel they aren’t supposed to make any mistakes. The thoughts to satisfy everyone overwhelms them, and they quickly feel burdened.
Often ignored yet common among workers is the need to please everyone in the organizational hierarchy. That itself is a more significant responsibility, and one fault can severely lower your confidence and can handicap your thoughts psychologically.
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Inability To Listen To Inner Voice
Our conscience always warns us before our emotional balance gets disrupted. When you have no control over your emotions and get overly sensitive when things go wrong, that could quickly lead you to burnout and impostor syndrome.
When you cannot share your emotions or get no support from people, that could lead to incompetency and self-doubt.
You can get tired from putting in your efforts and not getting recognized. It also causes irritation before transforming to the feeling of inadequacy.
How To Combat The Symptoms?
Burnout and Impostor syndrome can only be handled with consciousness and support. Some organizations may choose to let their employees go through exhaustion and ultimately give up their positions, whereas others can tap on the overall health of their employees. The difference is only in the intention and ethical standards that organizations follow. Since most of us strive to create value in our lives by doing things the right way, we must not lose our emotional health over any disturbance. So here is how we can deal with burnout and impostor syndrome.
As an individual, communicate your problems with people you trust. Share with them the impact of excessive workload on your health. Ask them to help you with suggestions, feedback, or better solutions to better cope with your responsibilities.
As an organization, you must reward your employees for the value they create within your company. The idea is to appreciate them for giving their best for the company and enabling them to take tiny steps to the way ahead.
Organizations can allow mentors to individuals and conduct mentorship programs to help people focus better. Through a one-to-one assessment, mentors can understand the reasons behind burnout and impostor syndrome in some employees. After inspection, the causes must be discussed in detail, and effective measures must be implemented.
Make a journal of your achievements, however big or small they may be. Even if you have accomplished your daily list of tasks, pat yourself on the back and encourage yourself to do it better next time. Join learning communities that instantly boosts your confidence at work and motivate you to increase your performance.
Self-care includes doing everything that can make you more aware of your emotional well-being and physical health. Try to delve deep into your thoughts of inferiority or exhaustion and take steps to address them early on. Give yourself enough rest, sleep and exercise to come refreshed to work. Understand the value of unplugging and spending time with your family and friends.
Therapy Is the Key
Not necessarily burnout and impostor syndrome imply you need to go on therapeutic sessions with a professional. Therapy can start if you do not ignore the initial signs of overwork. Lack of interest, feeling guilty, self-pity, anxiety, and bitterness are symptoms that need attention early on. If you do not underestimate these warnings and address them as quickly as you feel them, there is a better chance of sooner recovery.
Burnout and impostor syndrome are common issues experienced by working masses, especially overachievers. It gradually intensifies to something severe, and combating it takes time and resources. But when you learn the hidden upside of impostor syndrome, you can help yourself and others experiencing similar issues. So, start asking yourself, How satisfied are you in your career? Or can you wait for the next day, or do you feel prepared to accept a new workday with newer challenges? With that, you will get a hint.
Shellye is committed to helping people from diverse backgrounds to achieve their aspirations in careers and life. The content published above was made in collaboration with our members.
Shellye Archambeau is determined to help you with all possible strategies to climb the ladder of success. She values your feedback. Do mention them in the comment section below.