Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace: How to Overcome It

Do you constantly doubt your abilities? Do you worry that you aren’t good enough for the job you are doing? Or do you feel anxious that someone will “find out” you lack skills? Then you aren’t alone! Many professionals experience this imposter syndrome in the workplace.

Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments. Despite their hard-earned success, they develop a fear of being exposed as a fraud. As a result, it affects their mental health and productivity.

So, let’s understand the concept and find out how you can combat imposter syndrome at work.

What is Imposter Syndrome at Work?

Imposter syndrome, sometimes called impostor syndrome, is a psychological pattern. It makes you doubt your abilities and talent. It is common among high achievers who find it difficult to accept their achievements.

In professional settings, this phenomenon is particularly damaging. That’s because it can stop you from saying yes to new opportunities. You may hesitate to speak up and present your ideas in meetings. Or you may attribute your success to outside factors. Thus, you may get overlooked when it’s time for increments or promotions.

No one wants imposter syndrome to prevent their career growth. So, it’s important to recognize its warning signs and take action to overcome it.

Imposter Syndrome: Warning Signs

It’s important to identify the symptoms/warning signs of imposter syndrome. This way, you can address the problem head-on.

• Imposter syndrome makes you feel inadequate
• You may experience a lack of self-confidence
• Being too critical of yourself
• Focusing on your shortcomings and mistakes, while ignoring your achievements
• Always attributing your success to external factors. And not realizing you made it with your efforts
• Difficulty accepting praise or compliments
• Hesitating in building connections with your coworkers
• Feeling pressure to handle everything on your own
• Developing a fear of failure or not meeting expectations
• Relentless perfectionism
• Experiencing stress which may lead to eventual burnout

If these symptoms resonate with you, you might be experiencing imposter syndrome. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help you overcome these negative feelings.

How to Overcome the Syndrome

Wondering how to overcome imposter syndrome at work?

Overcoming imposter syndrome requires a proactive approach. Here are a few reliable strategies to help you break free from self-doubt:

Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step to overcome these negative thoughts is to acknowledge your feelings. It’s never a good idea to brush aside or ignore your feelings.

So, accept that the thoughts and feelings you experience are real. Also, recognize that you aren’t the only one to feel like an imposter. Many professionals with high standards experience similar feelings in the workplace.

It’s a good idea to write down your thoughts when you’re feeling like a fraud. This way, you can identify the root cause of the problem. Then you will find it easier to overcome the problem for good.

Be Realistic

Imposter syndrome often makes you think you aren’t good enough. So, when you start doubting your abilities, take a deep breath. Then you should focus on facts instead of negative feelings.

Make a list of your accomplishments and skills. Focus on your skills that make you good at what you do. Think about positive feedback from your managers and peers. These are tangible proofs of your competence. By highlighting what you have achieved in your career, you can counteract the negative thoughts. Also, this will remind you of your true capabilities.

Further, be realistic about your expectations. Remember that no one is perfect. And trying to meet unattainable goals only leads to self-doubt. So, accept that you may make mistakes. But you are doing well at your job and are progressing in your professional career.

Challenge Yourself

When you stay in your comfort zone for too long, you are at risk of suffering from this syndrome. You feel safe but stagnant. That’s why, continuous learning and growth can help combat imposter syndrome.

So, challenge yourself by stepping outside your boundaries. This means taking on new projects or responsibilities that you would reject otherwise. Even if the task seems tough, it will give you the opportunity to enhance your skills.

These challenges don’t have to be monumental. You can start with small, daily tasks. The more challenges you tackle, the more it will boost your confidence.

Additionally, enroll in relevant courses and workshops. Keep learning and developing your skillset. This ongoing self-improvement will reinforce that you are committed and worthy of your position.

Treat Mistakes as Stepping Stones to Success

If you view mistakes as failures, then it’s time to get rid of this negative self-talk. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. So, you should treat them as valuable lessons instead of failures.

Just remember everyone makes mistakes. Even the top performers can make mistakes. But what matters is how you respond to them. So, accept the mistake and concentrate on what you can learn from the experience. You can apply this knowledge to avoid repeating the same mistakes down the road.

By viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth, you can reduce the fear of failure. It will help you build resilience and embrace risk with less anxiety.

Pay Attention to Feedback

Feedback at the workplace is essential for growth. But people with imposter syndrome usually get uncomfortable with feedback. They dismiss compliments and view constructive feedback as confirmation of their worst fears.

To overcome this problem, you should try to welcome feedback. Talk to your mentors, colleagues, and managers and pay attention to their input.

When you get positive feedback, accept it. After all, no one would praise you if you didn’t deserve it. On the other hand, if you receive constructive feedback, don’t get offended. It’s not a personal attack. Rather, it’s a good opportunity to identify your weaknesses and improve them.

Constructive feedback is essential for personal and professional growth. So, use it to your advantage to identify areas for improvement and to affirm your strengths. Accepting feedback and using it to enhance your performance can help mitigate feelings of inadequacy.

Be Kind to Yourself

Self-criticism is a tell-tale sign of imposter syndrome. You may often berate yourself for small mistakes. This negative internal dialogue is neither good for your mental health, nor for your professional life.

So, try to be kind to yourself and practice compassion.

When you make a mistake, ask yourself: “How would I treat a friend when they make the same mistake?” Or, “What would I say to a friend if they experience the same feelings as me?”

Chances are you may treat them with patience and kindness. So, show yourself the same level of compassion. Understand your circumstances and accept your imperfections. Taking care of your physical and emotional health can reduce stress and boost self-confidence.

Develop a Positive Affirmations Routine

Imposter syndrome leads to negative thoughts and makes you feel inadequate. However, you can reshape your mindset with the help of positive affirmations.

So, start an affirmation journal. Create a list of affirmations that resonate with you, such as:

• My contributions are valuable
• I’m competent and deserving of my success
• I’m proud of my accomplishments
• I’m improving and growing in my career
• I deserve recognition for my hard work.

Add these affirmations to your daily routine. You can repeat these to yourself aloud before heading to work. Over time, these positive statements will make you feel good. This will rewire your brain, and promote a positive mindset.

Celebrate Your Achievements

Imposter syndrome affects your self-esteem. You can overcome this issue by celebrating your achievements.

Take time to celebrate milestones, whether big or small. It can be completing a big project, receiving appreciation from superiors, or meeting professional goals. Recognize the effort you put into your work and the progress you have made. Acknowledging your success reinforces the feeling that you deserve it.

You don’t have to throw an extravagant party to celebrate your accomplishments. You can praise yourself or treat yourself to your favorite dessert.

The purpose of these celebrations is to be happy and positive. It reinforces your sense of competence and reminds you of your capabilities that’s essential to overcome imposter syndrome in the workplace.

 

Imposter syndrome is a common and challenging experience. But it doesn’t have to define your career. You should start implementing the above strategies to build a more confident and fulfilling professional career. This way, you can work at your full potential.