Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Embracing Your True Potential

“I can’t do this. I will be exposed in two minutes, and I will let her down. I don’t have any experience in this, and I have to speak after her!” These were the frantic thoughts racing through my mind as I stared at the 20-point summary of her profile. She, a respected professor of finance at a prestigious university and a dear friend of mine, had just requested a brief bullet-point summary of my background. We were about to address a group of eager first-year management students on the topic of mental health, and the principal, an old acquaintance of hers, needed our profiles for the students to introduce us.

She graciously shared her own profile as an example, and as I prepared to craft my summary, a tidal wave of self-doubt hit me like a freight train. My professional journey had been rooted in the world of IT services delivery, a world far removed from the academic realm. How could I possibly measure up?

Have you ever felt like you’re just one step away from being exposed as a fraud, despite your achievements and qualifications? Perhaps you’ve had moments when you doubted your abilities and thought, “I can’t do this.” If so, you’re not alone. Many people grapple with these feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy, and it’s often referred to as “Imposter Syndrome”. Join me as I delve into the intricacies of imposter syndrome, explore its various facets, and uncover strategies for dealing with it.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their own abilities, despite evidence of their competence. It’s like wearing a mask of self-doubt while hiding true potential.

How Imposter Syndrome Manifests

This syndrome can manifest in various ways, affecting one’s personal and professional life. Individuals often exhibit a combination of these traits:

• The Perfectionist: This type sets impossibly high standards and feels like a failure if those standards aren’t met. Every minor mistake is magnified, leading to persistent feelings of inadequacy.
• The Expert: The “Expert” constantly seeks more knowledge or certifications, never feeling “expert” enough. They engage in perpetual learning and avoid stepping into roles they’re more than qualified for.
• The Soloist: The “Soloist” believes they must accomplish tasks independently, fearing that asking for help will expose their incompetence. This can lead to isolation and increased stress.
• The Superwoman/Superman: The “Superwoman” or “Superman” juggles multiple roles and responsibilities to prove their worth, often leading to burnout. They overextend themselves in an attempt to excel in every aspect of life.

Contributing Factors of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a cognitive distortion. It causes people to doubt their skills and accomplishments. They doubt others’ high regard for them. They doubt their own history and track record. But where does this doubt and distortion come from? Although it can drag at a person’s mental health, imposter syndrome isn’t an official psychological condition and it has a variety of causes. Research has shown that imposter syndrome comes from a combination of factors like

• Setting impossibly high standards for oneself often leads to feelings of inadequacy. When perfection becomes the benchmark for success, it’s easy to feel like a fraud when those standards aren’t met.
• Childhood and adolescence experiences of criticism or constant comparison can plant the seeds of self-doubt. If a person is repeatedly told they’re not good enough, it’s challenging to shake off those negative beliefs in adulthood.
• Fear of failure: The fear of making mistakes or failing can be paralysing and lead to imposter feelings. This fear often results from an irrational belief that failure is a reflection of personal incompetence.
• Social pressures are another culprit. Belonging to a social group where worth is linked to success can intensify imposter syndrome. A dip in achievements can lead to feelings of invisibility.
• A sense of not belonging also plays a significant role. Past experiences of exclusion can perpetuate imposter syndrome long after these situations have been resolved.

Symptoms of Imposter Syndrome

Recognising the symptoms is the first step in addressing Imposter Syndrome. The common signs include

• Self-doubt: Constantly questioning one’s abilities and achievements, no matter how successful one may be. Imposter Syndrome convinces individuals that they are frauds who don’t deserve their success.
• Overachievement: Striving to overcompensate for perceived inadequacy by working excessively hard. This might mean taking on more responsibilities than can be reasonably managed, leading to burnout.
• Fear of exposure: Worrying that others will discover your supposed incompetence. This fear can lead to avoiding opportunities, promotions, or situations where you might be “found out.”
• Downplaying success: Attributing successes to external factors rather than acknowledging personal accomplishments. People with Imposter Syndrome often believe they lucked into their achievements rather than earning them through their skills and hard work.

How to Tackle Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome can be debilitating, but it’s not insurmountable. Understanding its nature and identifying your type is the first step toward overcoming it. In addition to this insight, consider these strategies:

• Acknowledge It: Recognise when imposter feelings arise and understand that they’re common.
• Assess the Evidence: Create a list of your achievements and competencies to counter self-doubt.
• Reframe Perfectionism: Embrace the idea that mistakes and setbacks are part of growth and learning.
• Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends, family members, or a mentor about your feelings.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and forgive yourself for mistakes.
• Set Realistic Goals: Avoid setting impossibly high standards for yourself.
• Mindfulness: Use mindfulness techniques to stay present and avoid rumination.
• Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from colleagues or mentors to gain external perspectives on your performance.

Conclusion

The session with the students came and went, leaving me with a blur of memories and a lingering sense of self-doubt. “I’m not qualified to be counselling people, and they’ll soon see through the facade,” was the relentless thought echoing in my head. But I couldn’t let go of my ambition to help others that easily.

It was at this crossroads that I decided to confront this persistent feeling of inadequacy head-on. I refused to relinquish my aspirations of making a positive impact on others’ lives. And so, I turned to social media. In a heartfelt post addressed to all my colleagues, past and present, I asked a simple question: “Have I ever said anything that helped you in your personal or professional life?”

The response was overwhelming. Messages poured in from individuals I hadn’t spoken to in decades, recounting conversations and advice that had made a profound difference in their lives. To my surprise, I had unwittingly been counseling people for decades, offering guidance, support, and insights that had left a lasting impact.

What had changed since those early days? I now possessed not only more experience but also a deeper understanding of the art of counseling. This revelation was nothing short of transformative. It served as a powerful reminder that sometimes, our greatest doubts are nothing more than unfounded fears.

In the battle against imposter syndrome, I had discovered a formidable ally: self-reflection. By revisiting my own journey, by seeking evidence of my capabilities and the positive influence I’d had on others, I was able to reclaim my confidence.

Imposter syndrome is a formidable opponent, but it’s one that can be defeated. It begins with acknowledging its presence, and it ends with a resounding affirmation of your worth and competence. So, the next time you hear that nagging voice of self-doubt, take a moment to reflect on your own journey. You might just find, as I did, that you’ve been more than qualified all along.

By understanding the different types of imposter syndrome, assessing the evidence of your abilities, and practicing self-compassion, you can begin to overcome imposter syndrome and embrace your true potential. Remember, you are more capable and deserving than you give yourself credit for. Don't let imposter syndrome limit what you can achieve.