Photo by Tom Hussey.
Imposter Syndrome is a term commonly used to refer to an inability to believe in one’s qualifications to hold a certain position despite evidence to the contrary. Ironically, it does not apply to those genuinely unqualified for their roles – the actual imposters. Instead, it targets high achievers who, despite having the skills, experience, and credentials, sometimes have a hard time embodying their success and end up feeling like frauds. Imposter Syndrome can manifest in various ways. You might find it difficult to believe you deserve your success, or you may struggle to internalize your victories. This phenomenon is frequently accompanied by concerns about not being “good enough” or fear about being discovered as a “fraud”.
The High Achiever’s Paradox
Another irony about Imposter Syndrome is that it disproportionately afflicts high achievers. Consider the individual who holds multiple degrees, certifications, qualifications, and awards, yet still doubts their abilities or knowledge. This can result in an endless pursuit of more qualifications in an attempt to attain external validation, only to discover that it’s never enough. The gap is not in their knowledge base or skills but rather in their internal self-perception.
Distinguishing Imposter Syndrome from Poor Job Fit
It’s important to differentiate between Imposter Syndrome and being in the wrong job. There are situations where a person is truly not the right fit for the job despite being qualified for it. It might seem perfect on paper but it feels off in reality. In those cases, it’s best to leave the position in favor of something that aligns better with your strengths and passions. Staying in a role that doesn’t suit you does a disservice to both you and the organization.
How to Determine What’s Really Happening
If you are experiencing discomfort in a role and are wondering whether you are dealing with Imposter Syndrome or a poor match, how can you discern what’s happening? A good first step, or Layer 1, is to apply logic to the situation. Look at the role and your accomplishments objectively to determine if you are qualified for the position. You might need to consult an outside perspective for assistance, but it could be as simple as reviewing your resume and comparing it to your job description.
If this analysis confirms that you are indeed qualified, the next step is to explore whether you truly want the job. Now, it’s time to dig a little deeper. The Layer 2 question to ask yourself is whether you want the job. Does this role excite you? If you flipped a coin and it told you to stay, would you be relieved or disappointed? Be honest with yourself and listen to your body’s visceral, or gut reaction. You might have to revisit this question several times to reach a true and honest answer as initial responses are often swayed by what you think you “should” feel.
Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
If you’ve determined that you both want the job and are objectively qualified for it but still feel uneasy, it’s time to delve into Layer 3, which is determining what actions you can take to help overcome your self-doubts.
A practical or behaviorist approach is to act “as if” you believe yourself qualified or deserving of your success. This might be just the thing that helps you get over the hump and begin to incorporate the confidence you seek. At first, it will feel inauthentic and forced, but sometimes simply doing the things a confident person does can help the confidence become real.
One specific way to act the part is to embody success. As Amy Cuddy explained in her viral TED Talk, using “power poses” can be a shortcut to feeling more confident and boosting positive self-image. She suggests standing in a strong position for two minutes to change your state of mind and boost your performance. One of our favorites is The Victory - standing tall raising arms overhead as in celebration.
Start engaging in more positive self-talk to shift your internal dialogue. This could include writing down or speaking affirmations to reinforce your self-worth, or developing a positive mantra that you can say to yourself during moments of doubt.
Leaning on others will encourage you to develop a more positive mindset. You could approach trusted colleagues and ask specifically for positive feedback. The caveat is that you must be willing to listen and take in their praise rather than dismissing or diminishing their perspective.
Generating some endorphins with physical exercise is always a great way to shift your viewpoint. Exercise not only helps your physical health but has undeniable benefits for mental health as well. As your body becomes more resilient, so does your mind. Choose something that feels good for your body and get moving!
One of the most foolproof ways to get out of your own head is to be of service to others. If you are stuck in a cycle of rumination or self-doubt, take the focus off of yourself by doing something for another person. It’s amazing how effective this can be with regard to boosting your well-being and sense of self-worth.
If you are having difficulty shifting away from negative self-perceptions it might be time to enlist the services of a licensed counselor or therapist. They can help you unravel the cause of your mental disconnect and can assist with tools such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reshape your narrative.
How a Coach Can Help
A coach is an invaluable resource at any step along this process. If you’ve never worked with a coach before it can be unclear how to work together or how a coach can help. Whether you’re analyzing your qualifications, questioning your desires, or working to shift your mindset, a coach can provide the perspective and encouragement needed to navigate Layers 1-3. They can challenge your thinking, ask powerful questions, and guide you toward new ways of seeing yourself.
Imposter Syndrome is a challenging hurdle, but with the right strategies and support, you can move beyond your inner critic and self-doubt to fully embrace the success you’ve deservingly earned.
Need a little boost to get started? Contact us to start working with a leadership coach who can help you step out of your own way and unlock your full potential.
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