Imposter syndrome—if you’ve experienced it, you know how it feels. That persistent, nagging voice that whispers, “You don’t really belong here,” or, “It’s only a matter of time before people realise you’re not as capable as they think.” It can show up regardless of how much success you've achieved, how much praise you've received, or how confident others perceive you to be.
I know this first-hand.
In my mid-twenties, I was working in a fast-paced recruitment and sales environment with demanding monthly targets. I was consistently ranked among the top three consultants in the company, regularly winning holidays, bonuses, and extra incentives. On paper, I was thriving. But deep down, I felt like a fraud. The gnawing feeling that I didn’t belong ate away at my confidence. I feared that at any moment, someone would discover I wasn’t good enough to be there.
Despite all the evidence of my success, imposter syndrome kept telling me that I was lucky, that I didn’t deserve the accolades. Eventually, the pressure caught up with me. I burned out and left the role. Although things turned out well for me in the end, I can’t help but wonder—What if I had confronted imposter syndrome instead of letting it take over? What might have been different?
One thing I’ve learned is that imposter syndrome can hit anyone, regardless of their achievements or seniority. But it doesn't have to hold you back. In this blog, we'll explore what imposter syndrome is, where it comes from, and how you can overcome it to achieve lasting success.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the belief that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be, and that it's only a matter of time before you're "found out" as a fraud. It causes you to downplay your accomplishments and chalk up your success to luck, rather than acknowledging your skills and hard work.
The term was coined in 1978 by psychologists Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes, who found that many high-achieving individuals, particularly women, experienced persistent feelings of self-doubt despite their successes.
Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate—it can affect anyone, from entry-level employees to CEOs, from students to entrepreneurs. The common thread is that no matter how much you've achieved, the feeling that you don’t deserve your success persists.
Where Does Imposter Syndrome Come From?
The roots of imposter syndrome can vary, but it often stems from certain personality traits, upbringing, and external pressures -
Perfectionism plays a big role. If you tend to set very high standards for yourself, you might feel like anything short of perfection is a failure, feeding into feelings of inadequacy.
Upbringing is another factor. If you were raised in an environment where achievement was highly valued or you were frequently compared to others, you might have internalised the idea that you're never quite good enough.
Comparisons can fuel imposter syndrome in today's hyper-connected world. Social media, in particular, allows us to see others' highlight reels while comparing them to our own behind-the-scenes struggles. This can intensify feelings of inadequacy, even when we know intellectually that we're only seeing part of the story.
Taming Your Inner Critic
If imposter syndrome is the voice that tells you you’re not good enough, then taming that inner critic is the first step to silencing it. Here’s how you can start:
Recognise the voice of your inner critic. Often, imposter syndrome goes unchecked because we don’t even realise when we’re being overly self-critical. Pay attention to the moments when self-doubt creeps in. What are you telling yourself? Is there any real evidence to support these thoughts?
Challenge the negative thoughts. Once you recognize that voice, start to question it. If you're thinking, “I don’t deserve this promotion” or “I’m not qualified for this project,” ask yourself, “What evidence do I have to support that?” You’ll likely find that there’s no solid basis for those thoughts.
Reframe your thinking. Rather than focusing on what you think you lack, try shifting your mindset. Instead of, “I’m not qualified for this,” say to yourself, “I have the skills and experiences necessary to succeed, and I’m capable of learning what I need to know.” Remind yourself that nobody has all the answers, and growth comes from experience.
How to Manage Imposter Syndrome
Taming your inner critic is just the start. Here are some additional strategies to help you manage imposter syndrome when it strikes:
Acknowledge your achievements. Create a ‘success journal’ where you regularly jot down your accomplishments, no matter how small they might seem. When self-doubt arises, revisit this journal to remind yourself of how far you’ve come.
Talk about it. Imposter syndrome thrives in silence. Share your feelings with trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues. You’ll likely find that others have experienced similar struggles, and sometimes just vocalizing your thoughts can help you put things into perspective.
Let go of perfectionism. Progress is more important than perfection. Aim for continuous improvement, not flawless execution. Learning and growth come from embracing challenges, mistakes, and even failures.
Building Success in the Face of Self-Doubt
Success doesn't mean never feeling self-doubt or imposter syndrome. In fact, some of the most accomplished people experience it regularly. The key is to move forward despite those feelings.
Trust your unique value. Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur, or creative, remember that your experiences, perspective, and skills are what make you valuable. No one else can bring exactly what you do to the table.
Commit to lifelong learning. One way to overcome feelings of inadequacy is to embrace a growth mindset. You don’t have to have all the answers now; what matters is your willingness to learn and evolve. When you approach each challenge with curiosity, the pressure to be perfect diminishes.
Set meaningful goals. Define success on your own terms, not based on what others expect or what you see in your social media feed. What brings you joy, fulfilment, or a sense of accomplishment? Focus on pursuing goals that align with your values and vision.
Resources to Help You Overcome Imposter Syndrome
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the topic of imposter syndrome, I highly recommend these resources:
Book Recommendation: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown - Although this book focuses on vulnerability, it’s incredibly powerful for anyone dealing with imposter syndrome. Brené Brown talks about how embracing vulnerability can lead to courage, creativity, and success.
Podcast Recommendation: The Imposter Syndrome Files by Kim Meninger - This podcast features interviews with professionals who share their personal experiences with imposter syndrome. Kim Meninger also offers actionable strategies to help listeners combat imposter syndrome in their own lives. It's a great listen for anyone looking for real-world insights and advice.
Conclusion
Imposter syndrome is a powerful force, but it doesn’t have to dictate your path. By recognising and challenging the thoughts that fuel self-doubt, acknowledging your accomplishments, and focusing on progress rather than perfection, you can manage imposter syndrome and continue to build lasting success.
I’ve been there myself, and I know it can feel overwhelming. But remember this - You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, and you’ve earned your place. Don’t let imposter syndrome tell you otherwise.
Kate x
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