Imposter syndrome is a term many of us have become all too familiar with. Itβs that nagging feeling that youβre not good enough, that you donβt belong, or that your achievements are the result of luck rather than skill. Whether itβs at work, in social settings, or even in hobbies, imposter syndrome can be debilitating. Even as a coach, who is educated and experienced with mindsets, there are times when imposter syndrome sneaks up on me too (I am human), and during my recent acro-yoga training in Vienna, with the fabulous Laura Ilona and Caspian Burrell from AcroSpirit was one of these times. But with a little hindsight, I was able to pull it all together and thought I’d share some of my insights here, where you may be able to relate and we can learn and improve together.
The Basics of Acro Yoga: A Metaphor for Life
Acro Yoga, a practice that combines acrobatics and yoga, requires trust, communication, and balance. One person, the βbase,β supports another, the βflyer,β in various poses. Thereβs a third role, too: the βspotter,β who ensures safety and offers guidance. The dynamics of Acro Yoga mirror lifeβs challenges: navigating trust, overcoming fear, and finding balance.
When youβre new to Acro Yoga, itβs easy to feel like you donβt belong. You might watch others effortlessly perform poses and think, βThereβs no way I can do that.β This is imposter syndrome at its finestβa voice in your head telling you that youβre not capable, even when thereβs no evidence to support it.
Step 1: Start Where You Are
In Acro Yoga, everyone starts as a beginner. The same is true in life. Whether youβre entering a new job, learning a new skill, or stepping into a leadership role, itβs okay to be a beginner. The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is to acknowledge where you are in your journey.
When you approach Acro Yoga with a beginnerβs mindset, you allow yourself to learn and grow. Instead of focusing on what you canβt do, focus on what you can. Celebrate the small victoriesβlike mastering a basic pose or feeling more comfortable trusting your partner. In life, this might mean acknowledging your small successes, whether itβs completing a project, receiving positive feedback, or simply showing up.
Step 2: Embrace the Support System
Acro Yoga is a partnership practice. Itβs impossible to do it alone. The same goes for overcoming imposter syndrome. In Acro Yoga, you need to trust your base to support you, your spotter to catch you, and yourself to balance. Similarly, in life, you need to trust your colleagues, friends, and mentors.
When imposter syndrome strikes, itβs tempting to isolate yourself and believe that you have to do everything on your own. But just like in Acro Yoga, leaning on others can make all the difference. Reach out to your support system. Share your feelings of inadequacy with a trusted friend or mentor. Often, just voicing your concerns can help alleviate them.
Step 3: Reframe Your Fears
Fear is a natural part of Acro Yoga. Whether itβs the fear of falling, the fear of dropping someone, or the fear of looking silly, itβs something every practitioner faces. But fear can be reframed. Instead of seeing it as a barrier, view it as a sign that youβre pushing your boundaries and growing.
Imposter syndrome is rooted in fearβthe fear of being exposed as a fraud. But what if you could reframe that fear? What if, instead of seeing it as proof that you donβt belong, you saw it as evidence that youβre stepping out of your comfort zone? Just as in Acro Yoga, where you learn to trust your partner and push past the fear of falling, you can learn to trust yourself and push past the fear of inadequacy.
Step 4: Practice and Persevere
No one becomes an expert in Acro Yoga overnight. It takes practice, patience, and perseverance. The same is true for overcoming imposter syndrome. You might not banish it entirely, but with consistent effort, you can manage it.
In Acro Yoga, each session builds on the last. You become more confident in your abilities, more attuned to your partner, and more skilled at the poses. Similarly, in life, each experience builds your competence and confidence. The more you practice self-compassion, seek support, and reframe your fears, the less power imposter syndrome will have over you.
Step 5: Celebrate Your Progress
Finally, donβt forget to celebrate your progress. In Acro Yoga, every pose you master is a victory. Every time you trust your partner and yourself a little more, youβre succeeding. In life, every step you take towards overcoming imposter syndrome is worth celebrating.
Take a moment to reflect on how far youβve come. Acknowledge the challenges youβve faced and the growth youβve experienced. Just as in Acro Yoga, where even a small improvement in a pose can be a big win, in life, every bit of progress counts.
Finally: Balance and Trust, On and Off the Mat
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey, not a destination. It requires balance, trust, and a willingness to embrace discomfortβmuch like Acro Yoga. By starting where you are, embracing your support system, reframing your fears, practicing consistently, and celebrating your progress, you can gradually overcome the feelings of inadequacy and step into your true potential.
So, the next time you find yourself doubting your abilities, remember the lessons from Acro Yoga. Trust yourself, trust the process, and know that you are capable, worthy, and right where you need to be.