You are not a fraud you are a work in progress

You are not a fraud you are a work in progress!

I've always been a bit of a perfectionist. If I couldn't do something perfectly, I'd rather not do it at all.

This mindset, combined with the constant pressure to succeed in today's competitive world, led me down a familiar path: imposter syndrome.

It started in college. I was surrounded by brilliant students, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was just faking it. Every time I got a good grade, I'd convince myself it was a fluke. Every time I was praised for my work, I'd dismiss it as luck or simply being in the right place at the right time.

As I entered the workforce, the feeling only intensified.

I was constantly second-guessing myself, afraid that my colleagues would realize I wasn't as capable as they thought I was. I'd avoid taking on new challenges, fearing that I'd fail and expose my true incompetence.

It was a vicious cycle. The more I doubted myself, the more I'd sabotage my own success. I'd procrastinate, make excuses, and ultimately underperform. It was exhausting and demoralizing.

I knew I needed to make a change, but I didn't know where to start.

I tried to follow all the advice I could find:

Challenge negative thoughts, celebrate small victories, seek support from others. But it wasn't enough. I still felt like a fraud.

It wasn't until I started working with an OLCAC career coach that I began to understand the root of my imposter syndrome.

It wasn't about my abilities or my qualifications. It was about my fear of failure and my need for perfection.

Through coaching, I learned to challenge my negative thoughts and replace them with more positive and realistic ones. I also learned to practice self-compassion, to treat myself with kindness and understanding, even when I made mistakes.

Over time, I began to feel more confident and secure in my abilities. I started taking on new challenges and embracing opportunities. I realized that it was okay to make mistakes, that everyone does.

And most importantly, I learned to accept myself for who I am, flaws and all.

Overcoming imposter syndrome hasn't been easy, but it's been incredibly rewarding.

It's allowed me to live a more fulfilling and authentic life.

It's taught me that success isn't about being perfect, but about being resilient, persistent, and true to myself.