Feel Like a Phony?
Ever started a new job and felt like you weren't supposed to be there? You're not alone. Imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon where you might feel like a phony despite your skills, experience, and accomplishments; you might fear being "found out" every time you clock in to work. If this sounds like you, don't worry—you can overcome it. Here are 10 signs you might have imposter syndrome and 10 simple tips to regain your confidence.
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1. Constant Self-Doubt
When you have imposter syndrome, you're constantly doubting your abilities—to the point that you forget the fact that you must have been qualified enough in the first place to have secured the role. No matter how many times others praise you for your work, the negative voice in your head tells you that you're not supposed to be here.
2. Overworking to Compensate
Because you feel inadequate and like you're not supposed to be in the position you're in, you often overwork to compensate. You might work overtime, take on more tasks you can handle, and constantly tire yourself out to "prove" your worth.
3. Feeling Unworthy of Success
But even when your hard work reaps benefits and success, you still feel unworthy. You might think that these accomplishments weren't really due to the work you put in, but the work of others. This feeling can worsen self-doubt and amplify the negative voice in your head, telling you that you're not good enough.
4. Avoiding Promotions & Opportunities
Because you already don't feel worthy enough to be in the position you're in, you often decline promotions and opportunities to build on your success and achievements. You fear that, were you to accept these offers, you might be "exposed" quicker and that people will realize you weren't meant to be here.
5. Attribute Success to Luck
Whenever you do achieve your goals, you don't just assume that it was due to the help of others and not your own hard work, but you also attribute your success to luck. You downplay your skills and experience and instead believe that your accomplishments are due to pure chance.
6. Fear of Being "Found Out"
Every day you head into work, you're afraid that you'll be pulled aside by your manager or your boss, telling you that they realized after all that you aren't qualified to be here. When you have imposter syndrome, it can often feel like you're walking on eggshells.
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7. Scrutinizing Every Mistake
Everyone makes mistakes, but when you already feel like an imposter, the hiccups you make—small or big—can take a huge toll on your confidence. You might scrutinize every minor slip-up, letting them weigh heavily on you and further damaging your self-worth.
8. Avoiding New Challenges
Feeling like a fraud can also make you avoid taking on different challenges. You might turn down an opportunity to lead a project, meeting, or presentation, all because you're not confident enough in your abilities. In your mind, you again think that challenging yourself would only "expose" you quicker.
9. Perfectionism
When you have imposter syndrome, you don't just scrutinize every mistake—making any errors at all is considered unacceptable. You set ridiculously unattainable high standards in every task or project you take on, and even then, nothing you ever do feels good enough.
10. Comparing Yourself to Others
Imposter syndrome often makes you compare yourself to others as well. Even if you're in a more important role in the company, you might feel like the people who work in the team below your level of seniority are more qualified than you. And while you're always able to find the good in everyone else, you never see it in yourself.
Do these signs sound familiar? If you think you might have imposter syndrome, it's not the end of the world. Read on for 10 ways you can try to overcome it:
1. Acknowledge It
The first thing you'll need to do when you realize you might have imposter syndrome is to acknowledge these thoughts and feelings whenever they appear. Try to understand where your self-doubt may be coming from. For example, if you're the only woman, person of color, or person with a disability at your workplace, ask yourself if that's putting added pressure on you to do well.
2. Reframe Your Mindset
Whenever these feelings hit, try reframing the way you think and respond to them. Instead of letting imposter syndrome make you feel inadequate, come up with a different script to rehearse in your head. Tell yourself that it's normal to feel this way when you first step into a role at a new workplace, that almost everyone will have felt the same once, and that you're smart and competent enough to learn, grow, and reach success.
3. Journal Your Steps & Success
If you often doubt your abilities and attribute your success to luck, keep a detailed record of your journey. For example, whenever you take on a new project, journal your ideas, solutions, and how you're approaching your tasks. By the end of it, you'll have a thorough map of what you did, and you can look back on it can tell yourself that you achieved success because you put all this work into it.
4. Develop a Healthy Response to Mistakes
Instead of scrutinizing every mistake you make, try to develop a healthier response when slip-ups happen. Tell yourself that even the smartest, competent people make errors sometimes, and that these hiccups don't define you or your self-worth. Don't focus on the negative; focus on the fact that you get to learn from your mistakes and grow from them.
5. Set Realistic Expectations & Goals
You'll only be setting yourself up for failure if you continue holding yourself to unattainable standards. Instead of letting perfectionism run your life, try setting more realistic expectations and goals, and focus more on your progress than the end result.
6. Visualize Success
Before you take on a new challenge, leadership role, or project, don't tarnish your confidence by telling yourself that you're not going to do well. Instead, do what professional athletes do and visualize your success. Imagine yourself nailing the presentation or role. The more you picture yourself in a positive outcome, the higher the chance you'll actually do well.
7. Celebrate Your Wins
Whenever you do reach success, go ahead and celebrate your wins! Reward yourself for the hard work you put in, and reflect on your growth and progress. No matter how big or small the accomplishment, remember: you are good enough and you're worth celebrating.
8. Stop Comparing Yourself
You've likely heard the saying, "The grass is always greener on the other side." But the truth is, we're all unique in our own ways. There are plenty of things that you might be good at that others aren't, and vice versa. Instead of constantly doubting your abilities and comparing yourself to other people, think about the qualities you have that make you just as valuable.
9. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
It also helps to surround yourself with supportive people. Plus, you might be surprised at just how common imposter syndrome is. And if you think you need extra guidance, don't be afraid to reach out for mentorship or talk openly about your feelings with a close friend or colleague, which may help you gain better perspective and break away from negative self-talk.
10. Fake It 'Til You Make It
It might sound odd, but sometimes the best way to overcome imposter syndrome is by wearing the shoes that don't fit until they do. By acting the part, carrying yourself with confidence, and constantly taking on new challenges, you can reset your mindset until the persona becomes second nature. Remember: you are capable, and sometimes, all it takes is to put yourself out there.
