Navigating Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever felt like you are in over your head at work? Have you ever felt unqualified for your work? Have you ever felt like you are not worthy of the roles you have in life? 

Psychologists have termed this type of feeling imposter syndrome. Imposter Syndrome is when you feel like you are not as qualified, skilled or capable as others think you are.

Research indicates that about 25- 30% of people who consider themselves high achievers will experience imposter syndrome and 70% of all adults will feel this at some point in their life (note 1).

Albert Einstein famously said after all of his accomplishments that he felt like an 'involuntary swindler.' Many highly 'accomplished' and 'successful' people have reported similar feelings. While imposter syndrome is not a classification in the DSM-5, the feelings surrounding it are often significant and its presence can hamper a person's well-being. 

The Impact of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome can hamper growth and give a person an ongoing sense of anxious energy around their sense of belonging in the workplace. 

The Benefits of Navigating Imposter Syndrome

While the feelings around imposter syndrome are common, not working through the feelings can often limit a person's growth. Most specifically, navigating imposter syndrome can help open a person to possibilities and growth towards desired goals. 

Why do people in general have Imposter Syndrome?

While each person's unique story influence's how imposter syndrome manifests, there are often common themes that spark feelings of imposter. First, we may have perfectionist ideals for ourselves that lead to high expectations. Missing those expectations then causes feelings of being an imposter. Second, we may not feel good about ourselves inside - we may feel low self esteem and this then manifests in feelings of being an imposter. Third, we may fear rejection and failure and so not always succeeding can then lead to feelings of being an imposter. 

How do you navigate Imposter Syndrome?

While there is not three easy steps to removing imposter syndrome fully -  there are guiding concepts that can help.

First, acknowledging the feelings of imposter syndrome and being curious about the feelings - what prompts them specifically helps you to navigate them.

Second, coaching your inner dialogue from a critical inner talk to a more compassionate coach helps to navigate the emotions of imposter syndrome. 

Third, set goals. Setting goals that are attainable and valuable (neither perfect or meaningless) helps a person to navigate imposter syndrome. 

As you navigate the emotions that relate to imposter syndrome - feel free to reach out for support.

Notes

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/imposter-syndrome

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