What is imposter syndrome and how do you overcome it?

Imposter syndrome can be debilitating, negatively affecting your career through chronic self-doubt and undermined confidence. 

Do you ever worry that you’re a fraud? Are you convinced that people are going to see through you and realise you don’t know what you’re talking about? Are you terrified of failure? You’re not alone if you struggle with this; studies show that between 60-70% of people suffer from imposter syndrome.

In this article, we explore how to overcome imposter syndrome with effective strategies that help you embrace your full potential.

Recognise imposter syndrome

The first step in overcoming anything is to recognise it. So what is imposter syndrome? It’s a psychological problem which leaves people unable to internalise or acknowledge their accomplishments. It can stop you from asserting yourself or taking necessary risks, as you can become fixated solely on avoiding making mistakes that will worsen your self-doubt. It’s no indication of your actual abilities; in fact, the highest achievers can often be the ones who worry the most. This tendency to downplay and discount success is also linked with perfectionism.

Recognise and write down ‘imposter’ feelings when they arise. This will help you to assess the scale of the problem and break the cycle of negative thoughts. Writing them down will help you to see the thoughts from a different perspective and separate yourself from them. It’s important to understand that many people experience these feelings, regardless of their status. Assert to yourself that your achievements and skills are real, and that self-doubt is a common but conquerable challenge.

Celebrate your accomplishments

Instead of dwelling on self-doubt, channel your energy into self-reflection. Take stock of your achievements and give yourself credit for the progress you've made. Document your successes and write a list of your strengths, whether they're big or small. Refer to them regularly. Remind yourself of the value you bring to the table and the positive impact you've had in your previous roles. Consider how your experience and unique qualities can contribute to the success of future employers.

Keeping track of your wins is a good way to build confidence and remind yourself that you’re not a fraud or a fake. When you're feeling anxious and bad about yourself, have a look at your list. Accomplishments you overlooked at the time often become more impressive with a bit of distance and a different perspective.

Seek input from your network

Remember that you don’t have to tackle this alone. Reach out to a support network of friends, family, or mentors who can provide encouragement and perspective. Engage in open conversations about imposter syndrome to normalise these feelings. Sharing experiences can do wonders for reducing feelings of inadequacy or shame. Take tips from others who have overcome similar challenges. It may surprise you to find out that people you admire have actually felt similarly insecure.

Instead of fearing feedback, view it as an opportunity to make a change. Seek the opinions of trusted colleagues, mentors or previous managers, to gain useful insights on your work that will help to refine your skills. Accepting constructive criticism will help you to learn and grow, reinforcing your confidence in your abilities. At the same time, any positive reviews will remind you of what you can do and help you to use your strengths to your advantage.

Focus on growth and learning

Cultivate a growth mindset that believes in the potential for change and improvement. See this exploration of self-improvement as an opportunity to get curious about yourself and learn lifelong lessons. Shift your mindset from impossibly high standards to one of growth and continuous evolution, embracing opportunities for development. Actively seeking out new challenges will prove your ability to adapt and problem-solve.

Recognise that everyone, regardless of their level of expertise, has room to grow and improve. In fact, nobody ever sees success without learning from failure first, so emphasise progress over perfection and view setbacks as valuable experiences.

Replace comparison with affirmation

Avoid the trap of comparing yourself to others. Remember that everyone's journey is their own, so it's unfair to judge yourself based on someone else's career. Focus on your own talents, growth and unique professional path.

Challenge negative self-talk by consciously substituting it for positive affirmations. Vocalise your capabilities to yourself, replacing statements like ‘I'm not good enough’ with others such as ‘I am qualified and capable of achieving my goals.’ Write them on post-it notes and put them around your home. Practice self-compassion and treat yourself with kindness and encouragement.

Remember, you’re not an imposter. You have unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to offer. When you embrace your authenticity and let your potential shine through, you’ll quickly find how to overcome imposter syndrome. With perseverance and self-belief, you'll navigate the job market with confidence, securing the opportunities you deserve.

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