Imposter Syndrome in Your Career: What It Is and Strategies to Overcome It

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in your job? Like you’re one mistake away from being "found out" as a fraud? If so, you’re not alone. This all-too-common feeling is known as imposter syndrome, and it can happen to anyone, regardless of their experience or qualifications.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is the persistent belief that your success is due to luck, timing or deception, rather than your own competence or hard work. It often comes with thoughts like:

• “What if they find out I’m not good enough?”

• “I only got this job because they couldn’t find anyone else.”

• “I’m not as capable as everyone thinks I am.”

While imposter syndrome is not a formal mental health diagnosis, it can have a significant impact on your confidence, career progression and overall wellbeing.

Why Do We Feel This Way?

Imposter syndrome stems from a mix of personal expectations and external pressures:

• Perfectionism: Striving for flawlessness can make any minor mistake feel like a failure.

• Comparisons: Measuring your skills against colleagues or industry leaders can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

• New Challenges: Starting a new job or taking on a leadership role often triggers self-doubt, even for seasoned professionals.

It’s especially common in high-achievers and underrepresented groups in the workplace.

How It Affects Your Career

Imposter syndrome can hold you back from taking risks, speaking up in meetings or applying for promotions. It can also lead to overworking in an attempt to “prove” yourself, increasing the risk of burnout.

Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

1. Recognise It: Acknowledge when you’re experiencing imposter thoughts. Understanding that these feelings are common can help you put them into perspective.

2. Reframe Your Thinking: Challenge self-doubt with evidence of your accomplishments. For example, keep a list of positive feedback or milestones you’ve achieved.

3. Talk About It: Share your feelings with a trusted colleague, mentor or friend. You’ll likely discover that many others feel the same way.

4. Accept Imperfection: No one is perfect, and mistakes are a natural part of growth. Focus on learning and improving, rather than avoiding failure.

5. Seek Support: If imposter syndrome is affecting your mental health or career, consider seeking advice from a coach or counsellor.

Remember, You Belong

Imposter syndrome may make you feel like you don’t deserve your success, but the reality is that you’ve earned your place. Every professional, from entry-level workers to CEOs, faces challenges and moments of doubt. What matters is how you navigate through them.

The next time imposter syndrome whispers that you’re not good enough, remind yourself of this: you are capable, you are deserving and you belong.