How to overcome imposter syndrome at work

Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear with experience or seniority. Even high-performing leaders feel it. The difference is learning how to recognize it, challenge it, and move forward anyway.

Several years ago, I launched a blog. Much to my frustration, I immediately began having trouble writing articles.

Not because of writer’s block or a lack of topics and information to share, but due to an attack of imposter syndrome. Despite having worked with 100+ clients at that point, I kept thinking, “Who am I to talk about hiring trends and job search strategies? Am I really an expert?” I asked myself what it would take for me to feel qualified — a certain number of clients or years. I wasn’t sure.

I thought about the clients I worked with. I often heard them talk about their own imposter syndrome, even when they clearly had domain expertise or extensive leadership experience.

I was especially surprised when seemingly confident executives shared their experience around imposter syndrome. There were times when they didn’t feel capable or worthy to speak at an event or lead a new initiative. They were not immune to it either, just more skilled at disguising their own feelings and beliefs around self-doubt.

Like most challenges I face, I dug into research on the topic. It helped me understand that many people, including high achievers, experience imposter syndrome and that there are ways to overcome it. I gained enough confidence to write this article with the intention of helping others quiet their limiting inner voice.

Signs of imposter syndrome

Here’s my hypothesis on imposter syndrome. I believe every person has experienced it, especially when they start something new like a job, a class or even a hobby. We worry if we can actually do it and do it well.

For some people, they don’t have this feeling very often. For many of us, it’s pretty familiar.

Here are some common signs of imposter syndrome:

• You believe you’re the only one who has insecure feelings.
• You fixate on even the smallest mistakes you make.
• You discount your work by attributing great results to luck or the team.
• You compare yourself to others who have achieved more.
• Your pride in your work is short-lived because you feel like you could have done better.
• You downplay your achievements and feel uncomfortable when someone compliments you.

We have a tendency to make ourselves feel like we’re the only ones in the world who are struggling, which can be incredibly isolating. In reality, these are experiences most people have felt. We just suffer silently, which can lead to an unhealthy state of mind.

Imposter syndrome can hold us back from personal and professional growth. It can also contribute to anxiety and depression.

So how do we start shifting these feelings of unworthiness?

Ways to overcome imposter syndrome

Stop comparing yourself to others. I love this quote from Teddy Roosevelt: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

We can always find someone who has done something better than us, and someone who hasn’t. Neither feels good. When we compare ourselves, we let our ego drive our thoughts and emotions. Letting go of comparison creates space to appreciate and take care of ourselves.

Build awareness of your inner dialogue. Notice when you’re judging yourself or placing yourself in the “not good enough” category.

When you find yourself in a negative thought pattern, ask if it’s actually true. For example, after a tough day, you might think, “I’m terrible at managing events. I can’t keep track of everything and nothing gets done.”

But that’s not true. When I managed events, everything that mattered got done. More importantly, the events were effective and exceeded pipeline and revenue goals. Recognizing the pattern and challenging the thought helps you separate facts from assumptions.

Focus on what’s positive and true. Shift your attention to what’s working. It could be positive feedback you’ve received or something you handled well.

You can also focus on what you’re grateful for, big or small. Your job, your team, your support system or even something simple that made your day easier.

Talk to someone you trust. Sharing your thoughts with a confidant can help you see the gap between perception and reality. It also helps release negative emotions and gives you access to support and perspective.

Practical exercises to build confidence

Write out your accomplishments and failures. This helps you see how you’ve overcome obstacles, learned and adapted. It builds confidence that you can do it again.

Journal your thoughts. The next time you feel stuck, write about what’s on your mind. Then step back and read it as if a close friend wrote it. How would you respond to them? This helps you practice self-compassion.

Define your worst-case scenario. Fear can be paralyzing. Writing out the worst-case scenario often makes it feel more manageable.

I did this exercise when I first started my business. I was afraid of the unknown and my inexperience as an entrepreneur. My worst case included my business failing and returning to a corporate job. It wasn’t ideal, but it was something I could recover from. That realization eased my fear and gave me room to grow.