Impostor Syndrome

Do you ever suffer from persistent self-doubt? Fear of being exposed as a fraud? Worry that you haven't got a clue what you are doing surrounded by so many other talented and successful people?

If you're answering 'yes' to these questions, you just might have Impostor Syndrome and you are far from alone.

After the recent death of his father, Michael Parkinson's son talked about him being wracked with insecurities. Maya Angelou, Jacinda Ardern, Tom Hanks, Thom Yorke, Michelle Obama and Tommy Cooper have all spoken about their own experiences. They are joined by 80% of CEOs and 84% of small business owners, so it is very common indeed.

It’s great that so many famous and successful people have been able to share their own experiences with Impostor Syndrome. Awareness is a critical part of confronting it and dealing with it. The catch is though, if you suffer yourself, it’s tempting to think those who speak out aren’t really affected the way you are.

The reality is that for every high-achieving celebrity, academic or world leader who opens up about “Overcoming Impostor Syndrome”, there are thousands of individuals who find that it stunts their growth, impacts their potential and pulls the rug from under their careers.

I’ve felt like an impostor myself at times but the reason I wanted to write this is because I speak to people who suffer from it on an almost daily basis. This can seem bizarre when I consider that I have the pleasure of working with some of the most successful, charismatic, high-achieving people in the start-up and Investment world. They are leading academics, keynote speakers and multi-millionaire investors – how could they feel like an impostor with such impressive, validating track records? Well, the fact is they often do, and their success comes from dealing with those feelings, sometimes once and for all but sometimes every morning and throughout each day.?

Disclaimer from me: I’m, at best, just an amateur Psychologist but I have been in situations where I felt like the least worthy person in the room and have often undervalued my experience and always questioned the validity of my insights. I’ve also seen brilliant friends and family members go through the same thing when it seemed so obvious to me that they should be totally confident in themselves.

So, this article is my small contribution towards dealing with Impostor Syndrome in the workplace.

Firstly, you may decide it’s not even constructive to recognise it or label yourself with Impostor Syndrome. To quote Dr. Cheryl Hurst :?

“Perpetuating the idea of 'impostor syndrome' doesn't serve us. It's an easy umbrella term that means we as individuals don't reflect on our situation”

I can’t say I’m totally comfortable with absolute personal accountability for dealing with Impostor Syndrome, nor with doing away with the term altogether. The fact I am writing this to help people is hopefully shows I think we can help each other, but I do think it is useful and productive to encourage individual agency and understanding.

Let’s break it down.

Impostor syndrome thrives on self-doubt, whispering in our ears that we are not worthy of our achievements. It makes us question our qualifications, skills, and accomplishments, leading to a constant state of anxiety and fear of failure. This debilitating mindset can be a major obstacle to success, as it saps our confidence and prevents us from pursuing new opportunities or taking risks.

Recognising the Illusion:

The first step in overcoming impostor syndrome is recognising that it is, indeed, an illusion. The vast majority of individuals who experience impostor syndrome are experiencing it in situations they wouldn’t even get into without being capable and possessing the necessary skills and qualifications for their roles. It is crucial to acknowledge that you are where you are, rarely because of luck or chance, but due to hard work, dedication, and talent.

Personally, I also find it helpful to consider the absurdity and surrealism of the human condition. It can be liberating to adopt a little Existentialism whenever you’re struggling with Impostor Syndrome.

Drawing on Expert Insights:

Scientific studies validate the existence and impact of Impostor Syndrome. A study conducted by researchers Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978 identified the syndrome and found that it was prevalent among high-achieving women. Subsequent studies have shown that impostor syndrome extends beyond gender and affects individuals in various professions, including academia, business, and the arts.

Numerous experts have studied Impostor Syndrome, shedding light on its causes and effects. Dr. Valerie Young, an internationally recognised expert on the subject, emphasises that Impostor Syndrome affects people from all backgrounds, regardless of their achievements. She states, "Impostor Syndrome doesn't discriminate. It's an equal-opportunity experience that affects people of every demographic." Dr Young is a Founder at the Impostor Syndrome Institute and has written and lectured extensively on the subject and how to manage it.

The Power of Perspective:

Individuals who have successfully overcome impostor syndrome often share a common trait: they don’t let self-doubt dictate their lives. As a recruiter for the past 19 years, I have encountered numerous accomplished individuals who embody this mindset. They do not dwell on feelings of inadequacy or question their worthiness; instead, they focus on their goals, trust their abilities, and forge ahead with determination. If you are reading this, and often find yourself doubting your ability or worthiness, I want you to know that I have met hundreds of very successful people who are less articulate, less intelligent, and less motivated than you and whose only major superpower is that they just don’t suffer from Impostor Syndrome.

Shifting Mindset:

To break free from the clutches of impostor syndrome, it is essential to cultivate a positive, empowering mindset and that you do this often. Think of this like going to the gym – you can’t just go once and expect to stay fit, you need to do these exercises regularly.

Perspective-shifting exercises and techniques:

1.???? Recognise your accomplishments: Celebrate your achievements and give yourself credit for your hard work and dedication. Acknowledge that your success reflects your abilities and efforts.

2.???? Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Instead of fearing failure and letting it define you, view it as a steppingstone on the path to growth. Remember that even the most accomplished individuals have faced setbacks and made mistakes along their journey. As Thomas Edison famously said while developing the Light Bulb, “I have not failed 10,000 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 10,000 ways will not work”

3.???? Seek support and mentorship: Surround yourself with a network of supportive individuals who believe in your capabilities. According to social psychologist Dr. David McClelland of Harvard, the people you habitually associate with determine as much as 95 percent of your success or failure in life. Having mentors or peers who can provide guidance and encouragement can significantly boost your confidence.

4.???? Challenge negative self-talk: Identify and challenge the negative thoughts that contribute to impostor syndrome. Replace them with positive affirmations and reminders of your past successes. Try to reframe problems as challenges, development opportunities or puzzles. You might hate problems, but you can love solving puzzles or rising to challenges.

Conclusion:

Impostor syndrome can be a formidable obstacle to achieving success, but it’s not insurmountable. By recognising its influence, drawing on expert insights, and shifting your mindset, you can defeat Impostor Syndrome and could soon be running the country.

Further Reading:

The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: And Men: Why Capable People Suffer from Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive In Spite of It

Existentialism and Humanism

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