How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome
At one time or another, you’re likely to experience a bout of impostor syndrome during your career. Even the most accomplished people sometimes secretly fear that they’re not worthy of their role or the honors they’ve received. And they worry that they’ll be “found out” by others.
According to researchers, about 70 percent of people have been affected by impostor syndrome. So it’s important to recognize the signs and to understand how to recover your confidence.
What Does Impostor Syndrome Feel Like?
Even if you know that impostor syndrome exists, it still can be hard to recognize that you have it. “Sure, some people think they’re a fraud and out of their depth,” you might think to yourself. “But I really am!”
That’s why it’s helpful to know some of the ways impostor syndrome can show up. For example:
- You don’t speak up in meetings.
- You fear initiating your own participation in a project or meeting. If you’re not included on an invitation, you think “There’s a reason they don’t want me there” instead of “I should be there, but they just forgot to include me.”
- You overanalyze feedback.
- You don’t recognize the value you create. (“Oh, anybody could do that!”)
- You fear failure and “play small.”
- You hold yourself to impossibly high standards and overwork to achieve them.
When you engage in behaviors like these, you can undermine your executive presence. No matter how good you are at your job, you hold yourself back when you don’t communicate your competence and confidence to others.
Recognize Your Value
If you recognized yourself in the description of impostor syndrome, the next step is finding a way to bring your self-perception back in line with reality.
In working with my executive coaching clients, I’ve noticed a common theme among people who struggle with impostor syndrome: They approach their work as if they’re still trying to earn their job. If this resonates for you, remember that your boss chose you because of your unique skills and experiences and your ability to get results. Take five minutes to write down what makes you capable and qualified to do your job and review this list regularly, especially when you feel self-doubt creeping in.
Keep noticing the positive evidence of your qualifications and contributions by recording positive feedback from others. This will help you notice what people consistently say about how you add value. Instead of quickly moving on to the next thing on your to-do list, take a moment to write down and reflect on each of your accomplishments. If you manage a team, make it habit during meetings to share and celebrate your successes together.
Let Your Passion Shine
What are you passionate about in your job? For example, do you get fired up about cultivating emerging leaders? Are you most excited about projects that give you a chance to innovate and develop new solutions?
Allow your passion and purpose to propel you forward. When you’re focused on something that means a lot to you, it can help you take important steps to overcome the doubt and fear of impostor syndrome. It’s amazing what you can overcome when you’re working on something you care deeply about.
When you think about your passion, how do you feel physically and emotionally? Let yourself really go there for a moment and feel it. Close your eyes if that helps you notice it more. It’s a very different energy, isn’t it? When we focus on that positive energy and passion instead of our fears, it can move us to take action in powerful ways.
Physical Change Leads to Mental Change
Conquering impostor syndrome isn’t just about changing your thoughts. You can also use your body to help you overcome it.
For example, researcher Amy Cuddy has proven that power poses can create notable shifts in how you present yourself. The next time you’re feeling like an impostor, try two minutes in the “Wonder Woman” pose or another power pose that appeals to you, and notice what happens to your confidence and energy.
And there really is something to the idea of “looking the part.” Dress in a way that makes you feel good about yourself. Those feelings will translate into more outward confidence to others. Is it time to update your look?
Impostor syndrome may be something that goes with the territory for some high achievers but it’s also something you can manage and overcome with the right tools. This week, notice how much you engage in the behaviors associated with impostor syndrome, and pick one idea to implement from this article to start building your confidence. You can read more about some of the ideas I’ve shared here in “Building Executive Presence,” part of my Leadership EDGE SeriesSM of booklets.
