Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

According to the Oxford Dictionary imposter syndrome is “the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.” 

When you are suffering from imposter syndrome the following signs may occur:

• Fear of failure
• Fear of success
• Burnout
• Perfectionism
• Lack of confidence
• Comparison to others.

All of these signs can be experienced in the workplace. For example, you may procrastinate on a project because you’re suffering from fear of failure. Or, you may spend your days comparing yourself to others in your office, hindering you from making connections with your co-workers. Finally, you may be in a state of perfectionism to show your value, which can result in burnout. Imposter syndrome can cause these scenarios and more, leading to less-than-ideal outcomes.

So how do you overcome it? Try one of these methods:

• Keep track of reminders. Keep a folder in your inbox where you can drop in positive notes (“kudos”) from colleagues and supervisors. Every once in a while, look back at those emails.
• Reframe your thinking. Tell yourself that you’re not the only one who has felt this way. Turn around negative sentiments into more positive ones.
• Practice self-empathy.  Know that you’re not alone, and that you are worthy of the job position you’re in. Give yourself grace and credit for how much you’ve already accomplished.
• Commiserate with others. Find colleagues or mentors who know what it’s like to suffer from imposter syndrome. Perhaps there is even an affinity group you can join. Remember that we all go through it at one point or another!
• Take a broader view. Try to look at your situation from a wider lens. You may get a more realistic picture of how you’re performing vs. zooming in under the microscope.

Need help taking the broader view when it comes to your career? Take the FOCUS 2 Assessment to see how you can best apply your strengths, which can help you avoid imposter syndrome.