What impostor syndrome is and how to overcome it effectively.

Sometimes, certain terms become trendy in the corporate world because they capture common experiences among professionals. One such term is the impostor syndrome, which affects many workers for a variety of reasons that we’ll explore below. Have you heard of this concept? In this post, we’ll explain how this psychological phenomenon manifests and affects even successful, recognized professionals.

What is impostor syndrome and why is it so discussed today?

Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where people feel deep insecurity, self-doubt, and fear of being exposed as "frauds" at work, despite having evident achievements and skills. Those experiencing it often feel inadequate and undeserving of their success.

This term has gained attention recently because we live in an era dominated by social media, appearances, and stereotypes, which make people constantly compare themselves and strive to "be better." The problem arises when this drive is based on external images, rather than intrinsic motivation, creating a perfectionism loop where one is never satisfied with their work and feels increasingly inadequate compared to colleagues. This can hinder career growth and job opportunities.

How does impostor syndrome manifest?

Managing negative thoughts that undermine confidence is essential to maintain productivity and avoid job dissatisfaction. Key symptoms include:

• Constant self-doubt: undervaluing achievements and skills, attributing success to luck or external circumstances, and fearing exposure as incompetent.
• Fear of being discovered: a persistent worry that others will find out they are not as competent as they appear.
• Difficulty accepting success: minimizing accomplishments despite external recognition.
• Constant comparison: believing others are more capable or successful, reinforcing feelings of inadequacy.
• Excessive perfectionism: striving for perfection in all tasks, struggling to accept mistakes, which can lead to procrastination and self-imposed pressure.
• Difficulty accepting praise: feeling uncomfortable with compliments or thinking recognition is undeserved.
• Overworking: putting in excessive effort to prove worth, which can lead to burnout and imbalance between work and personal life.

Main causes of impostor syndrome

Each person’s experience of impostor syndrome can stem from different causes, sometimes not visible to others. Common triggers include:

• Being overly perfectionist.
• Fear of failure and social rejection.
• Past experiences of significant failure.
• Self-destructive comparisons with others.
• Low self-esteem.
• External expectations.
• Cultural and gender factors, e.g., women needing to work harder for recognition.

How to overcome impostor syndrome and feel confident at work

If you experience impostor syndrome, don’t worry. It’s not a serious psychological disorder, and with the right strategies, it can be managed effectively. Here are some practical tips:

Acknowledge and value your achievements: recognize that your successes are the result of your efforts and skills, not just luck.

Challenge negative thoughts: identify and question self-limiting beliefs and examine evidence supporting your abilities and accomplishments.

Seek support: share your feelings with trusted mentors, friends, or colleagues. You’ll likely discover you’re not alone.

Learn to accept failure: view mistakes as opportunities for growth. Errors don’t define you as a fraud.

Adopt a growth mindset: focus on learning and development rather than perfection. Celebrate progress and achievements along the way.

Set realistic goals: create achievable, measurable objectives that build confidence step by step.

Work on self-perception: develop a balanced and realistic view of yourself, recognizing strengths and areas for improvement.

We hope this post on impostor syndrome helps you navigate moments of insecurity. Take a step back and appreciate how far you’ve come through effort and perseverance. Follow our blog and social media for more insights on professional and personal development!