How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome

November 23, 2023

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Have you ever thought that your position is unworthy of you? As if you would be revealed as a fraud and incompetent in your field? Impostor syndrome is the term for it. People who feel they are unworthy of their accomplishments and the high regard they are really typically accorded are described as such by Psychology Today. They believe that eventually, others would learn the real story about them and that they are not as smart or capable as some may believe. This can happen to anyone, and how one can overcome it in their roles as leaders is what we’re going to explore in this article.

What Causes Impostor Syndrome?

Impostor Syndrome arises from various complex factors. It frequently begins when people overwork or over function to make up for their perceived shortcomings out of fear of being exposed as frauds. Even while these endeavours frequently result in excellent performance or grades, the imposter syndrome sufferer, will only feel better momentarily and will probably soon feel like a fraud once more. They’ll be driven to put in excessive hours and repeat the cycle. Here are some common contributors to this problem:

Perfectionism: People with high standards for themselves may feel like they’re never doing well enough, leading to a persistent fear of being exposed as inadequate.

Early Experiences: Childhood experiences, such as receiving excessive praise or criticism, can contribute to the development of impostor feelings. If someone was often told they were “the best” at everything, they might feel pressure to live up to unrealistically high expectations.
Attribution Error: This occurs when one attributes their success to external factors like luck or help from others but attributes their failures to their own inherent lack of ability. This skewed thinking can contribute to impostor feelings.
Cultural and Societal Factors: Societal expectations and cultural norms can influence how one perceives success and achievement. In environments where achievements are highly valued, such as work, one may feel inadequate despite their accomplishments.
Personality Traits: Certain personality traits, such as being highly self-critical or having low self-esteem, can make one more prone to experiencing this syndrome.

Comparisons: Constantly comparing oneself to others, especially those perceived as more successful, can fuel feelings of inadequacy.
High-Stakes Environments: Working in high-pressure or competitive environments can exacerbate feelings of this syndrome, as one may feel like they need to continually prove their worth.

Understanding these contributors is crucial for overcoming and managing Impostor Syndrome, which can promote a healthier approach to achievements and self-worth.

How To Overcome Impostor Syndrome?

Overcoming impostor syndrome is a gradual process that involves self-reflection, changing thought patterns, and building confidence. You might be in a new role that might make you feel like this, but there’s hope. Begin by reflecting on your concrete achievements and sharing your feelings with a trusted loved one, ideally outside the setting where you experience impostorism. Expect to make mistakes at the start of a new experience, understanding that they are opportunities for growth. Seek out a mentor who has navigated a similar path to gain valuable insights.

Even renowned figures, from acclaimed scientists to well-known celebrities, admit to feeling like frauds, attributing their success to luck or a well-kept façade. Here’s what some of them had to say about this impostor feeling:

Dr Ayanda Deliwe

The Head of Nelson Mandela University Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences department said: “Imposter syndrome kicked in, with every negative thought making me doubt my ability to lead a department of 21 colleagues. I had to remind myself of what I had formulated during my leadership coaching sessions at our university: ‘I deserve to be here, and I am enough’. The first week was the toughest but amazing support from colleagues kept me going.”

Maya Angelou

Nobel Laureate Maya Angelou once said: “I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.”

Lupita Nyong’o

“I go through acute imposter syndrome with every role. I think winning an Oscar may in fact have made it worse. Now I’ve achieved this, what am I going to do next? What do I strive for? Then I remember that I didn’t get into acting for the accolades, I got into it for the joy of telling stories.”

Howard Schultz

The famous CEO of Starbucks said, “Very few people, whether you’ve been in that job before or not, get into the seat and believe today that they are now qualified to be the CEO. They’re not going to tell you that, but it’s true.”

These people, successful as they are, have had feelings of self-doubt but they are still respected people in their fields. Fixing these self-doubt issues is important, but having a bit of impostor syndrome can be good. It helps keep you humble and pushes you to get better at what you do. Without a little self-doubt, people might become too full of themselves and think they’re perfect.

However, if self-doubt is impeding your professional growth, it would be wise to seek outside assistance. Working with a qualified career coach or a reliable confidant can be a life-changing experience that helps you navigate the complexities of job growth and regain confidence. Remember that facing and conquering imposter syndrome is a brave gesture that will help you on a more resilient and confident career path. Accept the trip, grow from your uncertainties, and use them to drive you to become a more self-assured and capable person.