Imposter Syndrome (IS) is a psychological phenomenon where high-achieving individuals doubt their intellect, skills, or accomplishments. Despite clear evidence of their success, they experience pervasive self-doubt, anxiety, and fear of being exposed as a fraud.
“Imposter syndrome is a cruel mistress. Quietly demanding, envious, and sneaky. It steals your confidence and your sense of worthiness, even in the face of praise or promotion.”
A Personal Encounter with Imposter Syndrome
When I was 24, I worked for a government contracting firm in the Metro DC area. I was a Senior Analyst, facilitating C-Suite executives and senior management toward organizational performance improvements. I led strategy sessions, created executive courses, and left organizations with actionable plans.
I was certified in strategic planning and facilitation. I had been with the company for two years. And yes—I was 24 years old leading C-Suite executives.
Talk about imposter syndrome! I constantly thought: “What the hell do I know? They’re going to find out I’m a fraud.”
Even compliments and promotions didn’t alleviate the constant anxiety. I felt unworthy, incapable, and anxious that someone would “see through” me.
Why Imposter Syndrome Happens
Imposter syndrome stems from internalized societal expectations and personal belief systems about success. Many of us, particularly women, experience it as a constant pressure to be extraordinary while feeling like we’re always doing it wrong.
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie sums it up perfectly:
“…it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough. Like we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we’re always doing it wrong.”
This relentless inner critic not only impacts your mental well-being but also affects friends, family, and colleagues who witness your self-doubt and anxiety.
Overcoming the Monster
So, how do we manage this internal monster? Here’s what I do when working with clients:
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Reflect on Achievements
Take a trip down memory lane. Go all the way back—even to kindergarten. Recognizing your accomplishments helps you see your value objectively. -
Separate Fact from Fiction
Identify your fears and write them down. Draw a line down the middle: on one side, the fear; on the other, evidence that supports or refutes it. This exercise releases your brain from ruminating and clarifies the truth behind your anxiety. -
Revisit Why You Were Hired
Ask: “What made me the right hire for this position?” Compare your skills, experience, and talents to the requirements. Remember: organizations hire you to succeed, not fail—they wouldn’t invest if they thought you would cost them money. -
Shrink the Monster
Imposter Syndrome may rear its ugly head occasionally. By practicing these exercises consistently, you build mental strength and reduce its impact over time.
Key Takeaway
Imposter Syndrome doesn’t disappear overnight, but with reflection, evidence-based exercises, and self-compassion, you can learn to manage it. You don’t have to let that inner monster dictate your confidence, worth, or future success.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is about recognizing the monster for what it is—and working diligently to shrink it to a manageable size.