Imposter Syndrome Does Not Define You
“Wow, I got so lucky in that meeting.”
“I hope they don’t find me out.”
“If they really knew me, they wouldn’t have put me on this assignment.”
“I feel like such a fraud!”
Have you ever had these thoughts at work? If so, you’re not alone. Research from the International Journal of Behavioral Science says that up to 70% of adults may experience feelings of “impostorism” at least once in their lifetime.
According to the Harvard Business Review, Impostor Syndrome is a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. Also called “Impostor Phenomenon” or impostorism, folks who experience Impostor Syndrome describe consistent feelings of self-doubt in certain areas of their life even though they have achieved success in that area (and might even be excelling). Impostor Syndrome is not a mental illness, but it is a known phenomenon in the psychology world, first used in the 1970s by Suzanna Imes and Pauline Rose Clance.
Impostor Syndrome can leave a person feeling like they don’t deserve the success they’ve earned or that they don’t measure up to their peers. And while some people are motivated by impostorism, most often it brings constant anxiety, perfectionism, and the nagging of needing to work longer hours to make sure no one “finds out” you’re a fraud.
This experience of impostorism - at any level - can have a real impact on individuals and organizations, including a lack of motivation, challenges advancing, difficulty networking, and burnout. It’s also worth noting that Impostor Syndrome may disproportionately affect underrepresented and historically disadvantaged groups, further deepening existing negative cultural and workplace norms.
The good news is that Impostor Syndrome does not have to define you. If you are struggling with feelings of impostorism, try these strategies:
Notice your thoughts: Take note of when you start to doubt yourself or feel fraudulent. Name what you are feeling and then write down a truth about yourself or your achievements that neutralizes that thought. Keep this list of accomplishments nearby and reference it as your source of truth.
Find a mentor: Seek out someone a bit ahead of you in their career and ask for their honest feedback and encouragement in the area you are struggling with. In many cases you’ll discover that you are not alone in how you feel; in fact, your mentor can probably relate!
Adopt a growth mindset: Remember that, by definition, Impostor Syndrome usually hits when you are out of your comfort zone. Acknowledge that you are not static; you’re constantly growing and learning new things, and it is ok to not have the skills you need at the start of something new. If you’re feeling Impostor Syndrome, it means you’re growing and learning.
Looking for more? Tune in to Alex Lieberman’s podcast Imposters for stories from real-life executives and the personal challenges they’ve overcome to get where they are today.
