How to Recognize and Overcome Imposter Syndrome Before it Hinders Your Success

Have you ever started a job or got a promotion and felt like a complete fraud.  Thinking to yourself, “I have no idea what I’m doing, and everyone’s going to realize it,” even though you’re completely qualified.

Or maybe you don’t like taking credit for your work because you feel your skills aren’t good enough.  Or you started a business but struggle to promote yourself because you don’t feel like you have the same level of expertise as others in your field. 

The truth is you have what it takes, otherwise, you wouldn’t be there.  But, overcoming imposter syndrome takes time.  And even the most successful people feel imposter feelings. Studies even show that roughly 70% of people will experience impostor feelings at some point in their lives. 

So, let’s dive in so you understand imposter syndrome and tips for how you can overcome those feelings. 

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is doubting your abilities, feeling like a fraud, or downplaying your skills or accomplishments. It may feel like restlessness and nervousness and manifest itself into feelings of uncertainty or negative self-talk which impacts a person personally and/or professionally. There can be potential underlying factors that combine to trigger it. 

You might be experiencing impostor syndrome if you:

·        Experience feelings of self-doubt or limiting beliefs you’re not good  enough.

·        Fear failure holds you back from taking new opportunities.

·        Set high standards for yourself, (then experience work burnout, or struggle with perfectionism).

·        Downplay your expertise, even in areas where you’re more skilled than others.

·        Compare yourself to others, and convinced everyone has it all together, but you don’t.

·        Afraid you won’t live up to expectations. (Maybe you were criticized too harshly or compared to others in childhood).

·        You have a hard time starting projects and procrastinate because you’re worried about making any mistakes.

 Tips for Overcoming Impostor Syndrome

#1 Acknowledge your thoughts

 Become aware of your negative thoughts or limiting beliefs as they come up and then re-frame the thought you’re playing in your mind.  For example, if public speaking is something you don’t feel good at, and you have a negative thought such as, “I’m not a good public speaker. Everyone here’s smart, and they’re going to realize I don’t know anything, and I’ll mess up.”

 When this thought surfaces, recognize it as a thought or feeling rather than what’s true.

 Then re-write the script you’re playing in your head.  You can change the thought to something more positive like, “I have skills and expertise in this area, everyone came here to learn, so maybe one thing I say will inspire or teach someone.  If I mess up, it’s ok; I’ll keep going and learn from this experience.” 

#2 Say yes to new opportunities

It’s common for people with imposter syndrome to turn down opportunities because you don’t feel ready or think they’ll do a good job.

Research shows that women are less likely to apply for a job if they don’t meet 100 percent of the qualifications. However, men apply even if they only qualify for 60 percent of the criteria.

It's important to distinguish your inner voice saying (you're not worthy), vs. taking a chance.  You can learn along the way, even if it’s something new.  Keep going after your dreams!

#3 Create a support network

Imposter syndrome can feel overwhelming, but it helps to share your feelings with someone you trust.  This could be a mentor, friend, therapist, etc.  You can also build relationships with your co-workers.

Having an outsider’s viewpoint gives a different perspective, and helps you identify any beliefs that might not be true, and they can also build you up.

#4 Let go of Perfectionism 

Many people with impostor syndrome are high achievers who set high standards.  However, perfectionism can be counterproductive and hold you back in your life and career.

At some point you have to ask yourself when good enough is acceptable so you can keep moving forward.  And realize no one’s perfect!

Tip:  To combat perfectionism or my tendency to overanalyze a project, it helps me to give myself a cut-off time. 

#5 Reframe your thoughts with Positive Affirmations

Your thoughts are powerful.  Feel your feelings in the moment, but then try to replace any negative thoughts with a positive affirmation that is true about yourself.

By reframing how you speak with positive affirmations, you’re rewiring your brain to be more supportive and override your imposter syndrome.

For example, maybe you said something you said in a meeting came off wrong.  Rather than thinking negative thoughts of, “Everyone’s going to think I don’t know what I’m doing, tell yourself something to encourage yourself such as, “That wasn’t my best meeting, but I’ll do better next time.” 

#6 Recognize your strengths and accomplishments

With imposter syndrome, it’s hard to recognize your success. So, start by taking note of what you contribute to, embrace your expertise, and stop downplaying your role.  

You can do this by accepting praise from others by saying “thank you” instead of “It’s no big deal.”  Don’t downplay your role by saying, “I helped or supported.” Instead, embrace your expertise by saying, “I collaborated, or I partnered.” 

Tip: Keep track of your achievements on a spreadsheet or make a folder if you get positive feedback through emails.  You can use these in performance evaluations or have them to remind you of your progress/success.

#7 Avoid Comparison  

Sometimes with imposter syndrome, you can be hard on yourself and get in your head because you’re comparing yourself to others.  Or you could be chasing what “success” looks like from what society, friends, or family say’s it is. 

 If you’re comparing yourself to anyone else, you’re missing what’s meant for you. So, define what success and happiness look like for you and focus on what you have accomplished.

 #8 Keep Learning

 The more you learn about your job, your industry, and focus on your personal and professional development, the more power you have. 

 Continue to build your confidence and keep learning.  Listen to podcasts, read, learn about your and try new things. 

Final Thoughts

Assure yourself that you can handle any obstacles that come your way.  Visualize what you want for your life and continue to work toward it.

You got this!

- Melody Joy