How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome

With key research suggesting that 62% of entrepreneurs, 70% of C-Suite leaders, and 75% of women experience imposter syndrome in the workplace. What exactly is it and how can leaders find freedom from it?

Do you sometimes feels like a fraud? Do you doubt your accomplishments and feel like you’re not enough? Are you constantly worried that one day others will discover you’re not as capable as they think?  

If this resonates for you, you may be experiencing Imposter Syndrome.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

First observed among successful women by Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978 before being found to affect other populations, Imposter syndrome is a common psychological and behavioural phenomenon where individuals doubt themselves, their skills, their intellect and their accomplishments.

Here, individuals can feel a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud” at work. Despite solid evidence of their competence, the individual remains convinced they do not deserve the success they have achieved. The impact of this state of being can be detrimental, leading to stress, anxiety, low mood, and a lack of self-confidence.

Some research suggests  that 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome in their lifetime. It can touch anyone, from employees, new recruits, to seasoned long time leaders. However, it is commonly reported by high achievers, perfectionists, and those in competitive fields.

What’s The Impact Of Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome can deeply affect well-being. It may cause chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and other mental health struggles. It can also trigger overthinking or unhelpful thinking habits, resulting in prolonged self-contemplation and self-criticism, and increasing feelings of isolation. Some individuals slip into overwork to compensate for their perceived inadequacies, which can disrupt a healthy work-life harmony. It may also block the pursuit of new and exciting opportunities, holding back professional and personal growth.

Recognisable Signs Of Imposter Syndrome

Noticing the signs can be the first step towards finding relief. Common signs can include:

• Getting stuck in an imposter cycle: Over-preparing or becoming stuck in procrastination when faced with a task, project, or responsibility.

• Self-doubt: Constantly questioning abilities and achievements.

• Attributing success to external factors: Believing luck or external factors are responsible for success.

• Fear of failure: An intense fear of making mistakes or failing. This can also include a fear of being humiliated or shamed.

• Overachieving: Sometimes referred to as super-heroism where there is an innate need to be the best and push yourself to work harder and for longer to prove your worth.

• Discounting the positive: Brushing off compliments or perceiving positive feedback as unearned.

• Inability to internalise achievements: Denying or unable to acknowledge one’s accolades.

• Low self-esteem: Extreme self-criticism, comparing oneself to others and regarding oneself as inferior.

• Burnout, Anxiety & Depression: Emotional, mental, cognitive, and spiritual exhaustion.

• Compare and Despair: Evaluating oneself against others and persistently feeling less than.

A New Way Forward

If you’re a leader experiencing imposter syndrome, the good news is that there are steps that you can take to overcome it. It is a journey that requires action, compassion and patience. Here are some gentle strategies to help you along the way:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling. Recognising that these feelings are commonplace and don’t necessarily reflect the truth about you and your abilities. Simply acknowledging emotions can be a powerful first step.

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: When self-doubt or negative self-talk creeps in, take a moment to challenge those thoughts. Changing your feelings begins with changing your thinking. Remind yourself of your achievements and of all the hard work you’ve done. Integrated Executive Coaching (sometimes called Therapeutic Coaching or Personal Consultancy) and CBT psychotherapy are among the tools that can be particularly helpful with this.

• Seek Support: Sharing your feelings with trusted others, loved ones, friends, mentors or appropriate colleagues can result in relief and reduce isolation. A psychotherapist or integrated coach can also help leaders help themselves to access comfort and a more grounded perspective.

• Embrace Imperfection: No human is perfect. Making mistakes is part of the human condition and very much part of learning and personal development. Surrendering perfectionist ideas can nurture a greater state of internal calm.

• Set Realistic Goals: Breaking goals down into manageable steps and celebrating each small success can reduce overwhelm and build confidence. This approach can also boost self-esteem, showing that progress is possible, even if incremental.

• Practice Self-Compassion: Being kind to yourself and, treating yourself with the same understanding and compassion as you might offer a beloved friend can effectively combat negative self-talk.  Practice self-care and acknowledge your efforts.

• Focus on Growth: Find freedom from fixating on proving your worth to others by shifting your focus to continuous learning and improvement. Practice embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Conclusion

Overcoming imposter syndrome is a gradual process. By acknowledging feelings, challenging negative thoughts, seeking support, and embracing imperfections, individuals can start to build a more positive self-image and unlock true potential.

Remember, even the most accomplished individuals experience periods of self-doubt. However, what sets them apart is their ability to recognise these feelings, address them, and continue moving forward.

To find out more about integrated coaching or psychotherapy for leaders, senior managers, business owners or entrepreneurs experiencing imposter syndrome, contact us by telephone at 07714 208837 or by email at belinda@eudaimonic.co.uk