How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when workers feel they don’t belong in their roles. It’s characterized by uncertainty in a role, low confidence, and feelings of incompetence. When starting a new job, a worker may feel incompetent due to their unfamiliar environment and responsibilities. If these feelings aren’t addressed early on in your career, they may become more severe as you advance in your career. Bloomberg reports that 71% of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) surveyed said they experience signs of imposter syndrome.
It’s important to understand what imposter syndrome is and how to overcome it to be confident in your abilities and have a successful career. In this article, you’ll learn what imposter syndrome is, how to know if you are experiencing imposter syndrome, and tactics you can use to overcome imposter syndrome.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
The term imposter syndrome was developed in the late 1970s by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Ines. They describe the term as “not experiencing an internal sense of success.” They called it the imposter phenomenon, and it developed into the term imposter syndrome.
In the workplace, imposter syndrome presents itself as a lack of confidence or uncertainty in a role. People who experience this may also feel anxiety about being found as not who they say they are. They may feel that their coworkers believe they are more intelligent than they actually are.
However, even though those who experience this extreme form of self-doubt perceive themselves to be incapable at times, those who experience imposter syndrome tend to be high-achieving individuals. Despite feeling like an imposter, these individuals logically know that they are qualified and capable of their job.
The one silver lining with diagnosis is that it may help address weaknesses. By recognizing that you have imposter syndrome, you’ll be able to work towards increasing your confidence through experience and skill building. Thus, strengthening your skills and qualifications.
Although some good can come out of feeling like an imposter, it is overall not a good thing. Imposter syndrome needs to be addressed and overcome to prevent self-sabotage. In general, those who feel they are impostors self-sabotage themselves. They tend to make excuses for not doing their work or not giving their full effort so they aren’t promoted to a higher role that could make them feel like even more of an imposter.
How Do I Know If I Have Imposter Syndrome?
Anyone can have imposter syndrome, but it’s most common among certain demographics. Imposter syndrome is most prevalent among high-achieving women. Since the success of women is contrary to societal expectations, they feel they have to find alternate explanations for their accomplishments aside from their own intelligence and abilities, according to Clance and Imes.
You have imposter syndrome if you experience these feelings.
- Feelings of inadequacy. Despite having professional achievements, those with imposter syndrome feel that they are not intelligent and are inadequate for their role. For example, a CFO who has been praised for their financial prowess would be experiencing imposter syndrome if they don’t feel the praise is warranted.
- Generalized anxiety. Those who experience the imposter phenomenon have the symptoms of generalized anxiety. They fear someone will eventually discover that they don’t belong and are imposters. For example, a doctoral candidate may fear that their mentor will call them out for being incompetent while completing their thesis, even when this fear has no factual basis.
- Lack of self-confidence. Along with self-doubt, those who are diagnosed with imposter syndrome lack self-confidence. They believe that they aren’t as intelligent or competent as others believe they are. Even though they are capable, they don’t have confidence in their capabilities. For example, an employee may put off an assignment because they don’t feel capable enough to complete it to the standard they are held to. On the other hand, when they do well at something, they may feel shocked at their success.
- Frustration with achievements. Those who are experiencing imposter syndrome often experience frustration. They can get easily frustrated since they place high standards on themselves. Frustration occurs because the standards they set for themselves are so high that they are impossible to meet. For example, a high-achieving worker who always goes above and beyond may still feel like they are underachieving if they are experiencing imposter syndrome.
How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome affects your professional and personal success. To protect your future and your mental health, you should work to move past your imposter feelings. Several strategies have been proven to be effective at overcoming imposter syndrome, including the following.
- Group therapy. Group therapy has proven to be effective for getting through imposter syndrome. At work, this method can be employed by including therapy in the company’s health package.
- Change of perspective. Work towards changing your perspective on your abilities. Instead of telling yourself “I will fail,” change the narrative to “I will do well.” The more you tell yourself that, the more you will believe it.
- Keep a record of positive feedback. Keep a record of the positive feedback you receive. When you start to feel self-doubt, look back at that feedback to remind yourself that you are capable of doing your job well.
- Trust your employees. As a leader, you can overcome the imposter syndrome that your employees may be experiencing by showing them that you trust them to do their jobs well.
- Set clear goals. Set clear goals for your employees and yourself. By having clear goals and metrics of success, you’ll know when you do well. By having metrics in writing, you’ll be able to combat imposter syndrome by meeting your goals.
- Accept it and commit to change. Accept your feelings of imposter syndrome and commit to changing your perspective.
Contact Mythos Group
Seeking professional coaching to overcome imposter syndrome? Contact Mythos Group today. Our experienced consultants specialize in providing tailored strategies to help you conquer imposter syndrome and thrive in your professional endeavors.
