Imposter Syndrome is when you feel like you don’t deserve your success. You may feel like a fraud or that you don’t belong in the role or project you’re in. Or you feel less competent than others believe you to be and that you’ll be found out any minute now.
It is a common experience, one that most leaders encounter whenever they are promoted to new projects or higher levels of responsibility. Recognise that imposter syndrome is just a story in your own mind. One that you can rewrite to restore your sense of self-confidence.
How to deal with imposter syndrome:
Acknowledge it: Recognising that you’re experiencing imposter syndrome is the first step. Realise that these feelings are normal and that many people go through them, even if it feels like you’re the only one.
You notice you’re feeling anxious before a big presentation and thinking, “I’m not really qualified to be here.” Instead of brushing it off, you pause and say to yourself, “Hang on, this is imposter syndrome. Lots of people feel this way, even if they don’t show it.”
Talk about it: Share your feelings with someone you trust. Sometimes just vocalising your doubts can make them seem less overwhelming. You might find that others feel the same way or have gone through something similar.
You’re feeling out of your depth in a new job, so you mention it to a trusted colleague or friend: “Honestly, I sometimes worry I’m not up to scratch here.” They respond, “I felt exactly the same when I started. It gets easier, and you’re doing better than you think.”
Reframe your thoughts: When you start thinking, “I’m not good enough,” challenge that thought. Remind yourself of your skills, achievements, and the hard work you’ve put in. Recognise that no one is perfect, and everyone has areas to grow.
When you catch yourself thinking, “I only got this role because I was lucky,” you challenge that thought by listing the projects you’ve completed and the positive feedback you’ve received. You remind yourself, “I worked hard for this, and I’ve earned my spot.”
Stop comparing yourself: Comparing yourself to others can make imposter syndrome worse. Everyone’s journey is different, and people’s success is simply the result of hard work and effort, not luck. Focus on your own growth and accomplishments.
You see a colleague getting praised in a meeting and start thinking, “I’ll never be as good as them.” Instead, you shift your focus to your own progress: “I’ve improved a lot since I started, and I’m on my own path. Their success doesn’t take away from mine.”
Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge your progress and take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This helps build your confidence and reminds you that you’re moving forward.
You finish a tricky report or get a nice email from a client. Instead going on the the next task, you take a moment to acknowledge it: “That was a tough job, and I nailed it. I’m going to treat myself to a coffee to celebrate.”
Understand that failure is part of learning: Everyone messes up sometimes. Instead of viewing mistakes as proof that you’re a fraud, see them as opportunities to learn and improve.
You make a mistake in a project and feel like you’ve let everyone down. Instead of spiralling, you remind yourself, “Everyone slips up sometimes. What can I learn from this so I do better next time?”
Seek support or mentorship: Having a mentor or someone who can guide you through your growth can help you feel more confident. They can offer a more balanced perspective and remind you of your strengths when you’re doubting yourself.
You reach out to a more experienced colleague or mentor and say, “I’m struggling with self-doubt. Have you ever felt like this?” They share their own experiences and offer advice, helping you see your strengths more clearly and giving you practical tips for moving forward.
Using these simple strategies can make tackling imposter syndrome feel much more doable. Remember, you’re not alone in feeling this way!
In a nutshell…
Imposter syndrome is that nagging feeling that you don’t belong or aren’t good enough, even when you are. The key to dealing with it is recognising that it’s normal, talking about it, reframing your thoughts, and celebrating your wins. Over time, you can replace self-doubt with self-confidence.
- Reframe the story you’re telling yourself
- Remind yourself of past examples of your ability to learn and adapt
- Remember and honour your past successes
- Refocus on this new challenge with a growth mindset
Here’s a simple process to use when self-doubt creeps in…
Get a notebook and pen and use the following prompts to reframe your thinking.
Start by naming the issue or challenge:
Who am I to think I can…[insert your challenge]
Now list past examples of your success in related fields or that required similar skills:
Well, I’m the one who…[list a past success]
And I’m the one who…[list another past success]
And I’m also the one who…[and another past success]
Keep listing examples until you feel a shift.
Recognise effort as your path to mastery. Trust your ability to learn grow and embrace this new challenge with fresh confidence.
[Adapted from The Alter Ego Effect: The Power of Secret Identities to Transform Your Life by Todd Herman]
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