Can Coaching Cure Imposter Syndrome?

With multiple references to Imposter Syndrome on our LinkedIn feeds recently, we thought we’d activate the Virtual Coach to talk about this challenging, and often provocative, topic. ?

Contrary to the popular gender narrative, imposter syndrome has a much broader reach: across industries, roles, levels of expertise, social demographics and, of course, genders. Despite accomplishments, those with imposter syndrome can feel fraudulent, (attributing successes to luck, or external factors rather than personal skills or effort) or out of place (believing that they are not where they should be, and different from those around them). The result? Chronic self-doubt shows up, with a helping of anxiety and fear about being ‘found out’. ?

In practice, ‘imposters’ often hold back, not wanting to take the full heat of the spotlight, and their performance suffers. Other times, these ‘imposters’ might power through the feeling of fraudulence, waiting until they are in a place of relative safety before the anguished internal narrative begins, and behavioural choices suffer.?

NEWS FLASH?

Imposter syndrome has NOTHING to do with skill. Very few individuals get somewhere by chance. If they are lucky enough to do so, they rarely stay there. Experiencing imposter syndrome is a FEELING, stemming from individual internal narratives and fed from our own sense of self-worth. ??

THE SOLUTION?

Coaching is a super-powerful tool to help navigate the feelings brought on by Imposter Syndrome, developing a stronger, more confident self-image. We have witnessed individuals making huge progressive strides in our coaching sessions, moving from self-doubt and lack of placement to a clear sense of self and position. Here’s how it can help and why it works.??

How Does Coaching Help with Imposter Syndrome??

Coaching is a collaborative process that provides structure, tools, and support to tackle Imposter Syndrome head-on. Coaching:?

1. Builds Self-Awareness?

Coaches help you identify the root cause of your imposter feelings. Are they tied to childhood expectations? Past failures? Unrealistic comparisons? By understanding your thought patterns, you can begin to challenge them.?

2. Reframes Negative Self-Talk?

A key part of coaching is learning to reframe negative thoughts. For example, instead of thinking, “I didn’t deserve that praise, I only just about delivered,” a coach might guide us to think, “I worked hard, I put in a strong shift, and the recognition reflects the effort and skill.”?

3. Sets Realistic Goals?

Imposter Syndrome often thrives in a cycle of unachievable expectations and inevitable disappointment. A coach can help us to set stretching, but achievable goals, set and celebrate milestones, and reinforce our sense of competence and achievement.?

4. Provides Accountability?

Coaching offers accountability, ensuring that we consistently practice new habits and thought patterns. The consistency quietly builds the confidence that we need to overcome self-doubt.?

Is Coaching Right for You??

If Imposter Syndrome is holding you back, coaching might be your next step. It provides a collaborative and personalised approach that empowers you to rewrite your narrative, build resilience, increase your confidence and harness your full potential.?

Rather than believing that you’re ‘just about getting away with it’, how about shifting your mindset to build your own sense of self-belief and appreciate your skills and capabilities? If you are interested in exploring coaching opportunities in 2025, get in touch with us today, you’re In Cool Company!?