Managing Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome can be a major challenge, impacting confidence and performance, and keeping you stuck in a cycle of self-doubt. It’s more than occasional self-doubt—it’s a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud despite clear evidence of your success.

If this sounds familiar, there are strategies to help you manage it effectively.

Do You Have Impostor Syndrome?

Impostor syndrome goes beyond healthy self-doubt. Healthy self-doubt encourages constructive reflection. Impostor syndrome, on the other hand, involves persistent feelings of inadequacy.

Ask yourself:

• Do I often doubt my abilities and feel like a fraud despite evidence of success?
• Am I afraid others will discover I’m not as capable as they think?
• Do I attribute my successes to luck or external factors rather than my skills?
• Do I set unrealistically high standards and feel disappointed when I don’t meet them?
• Do I compare myself to others and feel I fall short?
• Answering “yes” to two or more of these questions may indicate symptoms of impostor syndrome.

How to Manage Impostor Syndrome

1. Identify and Challenge Negative Beliefs

Negative beliefs like “I’ll never succeed” often lack evidence. Reframe these thoughts to include the word yet—for example, “I haven’t succeeded yet.” Consider how you’d support a friend in a similar situation and apply the same perspective to yourself.

2. Build Confidence Through Action

Confidence grows through experience. Start with small challenges to build momentum, focus on taking action instead of fixating on fear, and challenge self-doubt with realistic affirmations.

3. Set Realistic Goals

Adopt goal-setting methods like SMART goals or OKRs to create clear, achievable targets. Accept that growth involves being a beginner sometimes, and focus on progress over perfection.

Reflecting on my own career, I’ve found that overcoming impostor syndrome often required guidance and support. A trusted mentor, peer, or program can help provide perspective and tools to tackle these challenges.

If you’re ready to take steps toward managing impostor syndrome, explore our 8-week program designed to help you build confidence, develop strategies, and embrace your success!