Ever felt like you’re faking it at work? Like you’re just one step away from being exposed as a fraud? Or having found success, worried that someone will find out you don’t deserve it? If so, you’re not alone. You may be experiencing what is commonly referred to as Imposter Syndrome. In my work with clients, I typically refer to this as simply “the imposter”. The imposter is that internal voice that many successful professionals have, regardless of their career stage or achievements. The imposter whispers doubts about your abilities, leaving you feeling like you don’t truly deserve success.
It may be helpful to know that many successful professionals experience imposter syndrome. I recently facilitated a roundtable discussion about this very topic. Many of the participants in the discussion described feeling like an imposter, despite their objective success. I hear this echoed by the professionals I see in my coaching work. A study completed in 2019 found the prevalence of these types of doubts could be anywhere from 9% and up to as high as 82%. The key is not to eliminate these doubts completely, but rather to learn how to take action towards the things which are meaningful for us despite these doubts.
What Exactly is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome is that persistent feeling that you’re not as competent or capable as others perceive you to be. You might attribute your accomplishments to luck, external factors, or even the simple fact that you haven’t been “found out” yet. It can lead to a range of unhelpful behaviours, such as procrastination, avoiding new challenges, or even downplaying your achievements.
Common signs you might be experiencing imposter syndrome:
- Downplaying your accomplishments: You might dismiss your successes as “no big deal” or attribute them to luck, timing, or the help of others, rather than acknowledging your own hard work and talent.
- Feeling like a fraud despite objective success: Even when you receive positive feedback, you might feel like you’re fooling everyone and that it’s only a matter of time before they discover the “truth” about you.
- Feeling on edge that you will be found out as a fraud: You might feel like you’re constantly on the verge of being exposed as incompetent, even if objectively you’re performing well in your role.
The Rowdy Passenger
The clients I work with often find a metaphor helpful to better understand the relationship we should aim to cultivate with our inner imposter. Imagine yourself in the driver’s seat of a car, focused on your destination. You are imagining success and how to get there. But in the backseat, there is a rowdy passenger: the Imposter! The imposter is loud, disruptive, and constantly questioning your abilities.
This rowdy passenger can make the journey towards your goals incredibly difficult. They create a constant sense of unease and anxiety, making it hard to concentrate or enjoy the ride. If we let the rowdy passenger decide the direction of the car we often end up playing it safe and taking the car to some place we already know. More often than not, this takes us away from our goals and the success we are hoping to achieve.
But here’s the thing: you’re the one in control of the car. You can choose to either let the imposter decide the direction of the car. Or, you can choose to simply notice the noise they make and decide to take the car in the direction you want to head.
Make Friends with the Imposter
The good news is that you don’t have to let the imposter control your life. Here are some strategies for managing self-doubt and reclaiming your confidence:
- Acknowledge and Accept: The first step is recognising that the imposter is a common experience, not a personal flaw. Accepting this as a common experience may help to minimise the impact.
- Notice Your Thoughts: When those self-doubting thoughts creep in, notice the thoughts. You might try labelling them as thoughts, or giving a name to your imposter.
- Celebrate Your Wins: Keep a journal of your accomplishments, big and small. Reflect on your past successes, and the effort you put in to achieve them. Give yourself credit for your achievements!
- Focus on Your Strengths: Instead of dwelling on your weaknesses, focus on what you do well. What are your unique talents and skills? What value do you bring to the table? Recognising your strengths can boost your confidence and remind you of your capabilities.
- Visualise Success: Imagine yourself achieving your goals and feeling confident in your abilities. Visualisation may help reprogram your subconscious mind and create a positive self-image.
- Take Action Despite the Imposter: Don’t let the imposter hold you back. Take small steps towards your goals, even if you feel uncertain or unqualified. Action often breeds confidence.
- Talk About It: Share your feelings with trusted friends, colleagues, or a mentor. You might be surprised how many people can relate. Sometimes, just talking about it can help lessen the burden and provide a different perspective.
Break Free from the Imposter
Remember, imposter syndrome is a common experience. Acknowledging self-doubt, noticing negative thoughts, and celebrating achievements, may all help to make friends with the imposter and achieve your full potential. If the imposter is significantly impacting your life or career, consider talking to a therapist or performance coach. They can provide tools and strategies to help you overcome self-doubt and boost your confidence.
References
Prevalence, Predictors, and Treatment of Impostor Syndrome: a Systematic Review
If you need support to break free from the imposter, schedule a free 15 minute consultation to find out how I can help.
Disclaimer – this blog is for education and information purposes only. It does not constitute individual advice. The information contained in this post may not be applicable or appropriate for everyone. If you need support, consider seeking individualised support.
