Gratitude Makes us Feel Like We Belong and Banishes Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever thought that you don't belong? That your position at work is undeserved and that you shouldn't really be there? This is often referred to as 'Imposter Syndrome.'

Gratitude can be the antidote for this condition. We often compare ourselves to others which really isn't helpful. If we live gratefully, being in a space where we are searching for reasons to be grateful, we will celebrate the success of others and create an environment of gratitude, we will support and encourage each other to be the best that we can be!

It will make us realise that everyone's path is unique and different! We will create a psychologically safe space where everyone feels comfortable to voice their opinions and ideas. When we are in such a space we are able to expose our vulnerabilities knowing that we will support others and they will support us.

Being grateful is an essential part of self-care, focussing on what we personally are grateful for. We realise that no one becomes successful without the help of others. We can reflect with gratitude on all the people who have helped us along our journey. This knowledge will reduce self-criticism realising that everyone is vulnerable, not just us!

Imposter Syndrome prevents us from living in the present moment, stops us from being grounded. Gratitude does the opposite. It stops us from dwelling on the difficult events of the past or the future challenges, as we are focussing on a positive present moment!

Gratitude allows and helps us to venture out of our comfort zone, feeling psychologically safe knowing that our colleagues have our back. It helps us to take control of an unfamiliar situation and banishes the imposter syndrome that these situations can exacerbate. The obstacle becomes an opportunity and when we overcome them with the help of others we will be filled with the power of gratitude!

Living gratefully gives us more self-confidence, it makes us feel our actions are validated, that we really deserve all the success we have achieved. Practices of gratitude such as keeping a gratitude diary will reinforce this self-confidence while also giving us a chance to reflect; this is instrumental in keeping us grounded in the present moment which is an integral part of mindfulness, which will greatly benefit our mental health.

Working in a psychologically safe environment will also make us more sensitive to the struggles of others. It will help us to be more empathetic, more supportive when we see them struggling, we will be able to lift them up, letting them know that you will be there for them.

Suffering from imposter syndrome puts our brain into 'primitive mode'; the fight, flight or freeze defence mechanism, and makes us feel negativity. The power of gratitude makes us more prosocial and this will benefit our social health too!

So, whenever we feel inadequate, that we really don't deserve our success, trust in the power of gratitude to reassure us that we truly belong and use that power to lift others up too!