Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Belief

Imposter syndrome can feel like a heavy shadow, one that many of us carry despite our accomplishments. It’s that nagging voice telling us we aren’t good enough, even when everyone around us recognizes our talents. For me, it has been a long-standing struggle, shaped by various experiences and milestones in my life. But over time, I’ve learned to confront it and take steps toward believing in myself.

I started my career in the customer service industry, a role I took on as I entered the workforce. Over time, the feeling that I wasn’t capable of achieving much became stronger. Maybe it was because I had teachers who said I wouldn’t amount to much, or the fact that I scored low in my board exams, or that I didn’t complete my graduation until I was almost thirty. Perhaps it was because I didn’t receive promotions when I thought I deserved them. These experiences piled on, reinforcing my doubts about my abilities and making me feel like I didn’t belong in the professional spaces I worked in.

And yet, the people I worked with consistently praised my skills. They acknowledged my strengths in visualization—a critical skill in my line of work. They told me I was articulate, an above-average communicator, a good mentor, and an excellent people manager. But none of that seemed enough to erase the self-doubt I carried. Despite the positive feedback, I found myself stuck, unable to fully believe that I was as capable as others said.

However, there was one crucial factor that I hadn’t fully appreciated at the time—my support system. My friends and family played a significant role in my journey, constantly reminding me of my worth. They believed in me when I couldn’t. It was through their encouragement and unwavering confidence in my abilities that I started to realize I was giving myself far less credit than I deserved. Their support helped me to see beyond my self-doubt and begin trusting my capabilities.

Then came a turning point. I realized that I couldn’t let imposter syndrome hold me back any longer. I began to read job descriptions that aligned with my experience, and for the first time in a long time, I felt a glimmer of confidence. Slowly, I started applying for these positions and attending interviews. To my surprise, I found myself succeeding. I cracked nearly every interview I attended, receiving good offers. That’s when my confidence began to grow—not because someone else told me I was good enough, but because I was proving it to myself.

The most empowering moment was realizing I had the confidence to reject offers from big companies because I saw that the actual work wasn’t aligned with what I wanted or was promised during the interview. I wasn’t just being offered jobs—I was choosing them based on my own worth and standards.

Now, I’m not here to say that I’ve fully overcome imposter syndrome or that I’ve “arrived” at my final destination in my career. Far from it. I still have much to learn and even more to contribute. But the difference is that now, I believe in my ability to do so. And I’m committed to reminding myself that I am much better at my work than I often give myself credit for.

### Tips for Working Around Imposter Syndrome

If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, you are not alone. Many professionals, even those at the top of their field, feel like frauds at times. But there are ways to manage it:

1. Recognize Your Accomplishments: Make a habit of acknowledging your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Write them down if you have to, and revisit them when self-doubt creeps in.

2. Get Comfortable with Self-Praise: If others can see your strengths, so should you. Practice accepting compliments and internalizing the praise you receive. It’s okay to acknowledge that you’re good at what you do.

3. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Whenever that voice of doubt arises, actively challenge it. Ask yourself, "Is there evidence for this thought?" More often than not, there isn’t. Reframe negative self-talk by focusing on your abilities and past successes.

4. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others: Everyone’s journey is different. Focus on your progress and your goals rather than comparing yourself to those around you.

5. Seek Feedback: Sometimes, imposter syndrome makes it hard to trust our own judgment. In those moments, ask for constructive feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors. It can help to have an external perspective, especially when self-doubt is clouding your judgment.

6. Take Risks and Celebrate Failures: It’s okay to fail. In fact, failure is often a stepping stone to success. Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from trying new things. Celebrate your effort and resilience, not just the outcome.

7. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who lift you up, both personally and professionally. Having a strong network can help remind you of your value when you forget it yourself. In my case, the belief that my friends and family had in me was a turning point. They saw what I couldn’t see in myself, and their faith in me helped push me forward.

Remember, overcoming imposter syndrome doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a continuous process of learning to believe in yourself, even when doubt arises. And, like me, you’ll find that you’re much more capable than you think. Keep moving forward, keep learning, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.