Five Strategies to Help Break Free From Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a common experience many people face at some point in their careers. Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by worries such as:
- Feeling the constant pressure to do and be better.
- Fearing that your colleagues think you shouldn’t have received your promotion or be in your current role and dreading the thought of being exposed.
- Doubting your qualifications and believing you lack the necessary experience for your job.
- Feeling like you’re faking it, convinced you don’t possess the skills, knowledge, or confidence required for your position.
If these fears sound familiar, let me assure you that you are not alone. Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon where doubts and self-questioning arise, making you question your achievements and worthiness. It’s the nagging feeling that maybe luck, chance, or accident played a more significant role in your success than your actual abilities.
Even at this stage in my career, I pause and recalibrate when I find myself caught in the vortex of feeling like an imposter. It’s something many of us go through. In fact, one of my clients recently shared that even after owning and leading an exceptionally successful company for over 30 years, he still experiences these feelings.
According to an article published in the Harvard Business Review, an estimated 70% of adults experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives, no matter their background, education or experience. I’ve worked with numerous individuals who have an impressive list of accomplishments and are undeniably successful, and yet, they still struggle with feeling like frauds or undeserving of their success.
Continually second-guessing yourself and your actions can completely derail your path to success. If you find yourself on a cycle of setting impossible goals, sacrificing work/life balance, constantly questioning your judgment, or sabotaging your success, it’s time for a reboot.
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin
Five Strategies to Help You Navigate Imposter Syndrome
- Review your goals: Ensure that your goals are “S.M.A.R.T.E.R” – specific, measurable, actionable, risky, time-bound, exciting, and relevant. Identify each goal’s “what, why, how, and when” and start tracking associated tasks. Tools like Asana can help you stay organized and on top of your goals and projects.
- Watch for red flags: Be aware of unsustainable work habits, withdrawal from collaboration, hesitancy to speak up or ask questions, and the use of endless excuses when timelines are not met. These behaviours can be indicators of imposter syndrome affecting your performance.
- Address imposter syndrome head-on: When these feelings arise, try to detach yourself from the emotions and focus on the facts of the situation. Challenge negative self-talk and remind yourself of your accomplishments and capabilities.
- Evaluate your growth objectively: Instead of constantly comparing yourself to others, review your performance growth in objective terms. Embrace the evidence of your capabilities and the value you bring to your role. Look at how far you’ve come and the progress you’ve made, independent of competitive comparisons.
- Share your insecurities: Opening up and sharing your imposter syndrome feelings with trusted colleagues or mentors can help normalize what you’re experiencing. It often reveals that others have faced similar challenges and can provide support and guidance.
If you have any questions about Imposter Syndrome or want to learn more about the powerful benefits of executive coaching to elevate your leadership success, please reach out to askme@jennyreilly.com and book a complimentary 30-minute strategy session. If you want monthly leadership tips, sign up for my JRC newsletter.
