Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Personal Journey to Self-Belief

As a female in technology, I've struggled with frequent feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy which is often referred to as Imposter Syndrome. It's that nagging voice in your head whispering, "You don’t belong here," or "You’re a fraud, and it’s only a matter of time before everyone finds out." If you’ve ever felt this way, you are definitely not alone.

Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey, but with the right mindset and strategies, it’s entirely possible to silence that inner critic. I wanted to write this article about my own personal journey to overcoming imposter syndrome and share some of the steps I've taken to help silence that voice in my head. All this in hopes that my experience can help others with their own struggles with imposter syndrome.

Tip #1: Take the win and celebrate yourself

I have always had challenges accepting compliments both in my personal and professional life. Any time I am paid a compliment, my first response has been to deflect it or give all of the credit to someone else. Try to remember that a compliment is all about how others perceive you.. not how you feel about yourself.

Take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they seem. Recognize the hard work and talent that went into your success. Keeping a success journal can be a powerful tool to remind yourself of your accomplishments. Celebrating milestones with peers or in women-in-tech communities can reinforce a sense of belonging and achievement. If you are a part of the ServiceNow community you should check out WomenNow. Such a lovely group of ladies that are always supporting each other in a variety of ways.

Tip #2: Step outside your comfort zone

Back in 2023, I was given the opportunity to speak to a large audience of my sales peers at our annual sales kickoff in Las Vegas. I remember getting the call from my leadership team telling me they wanted to pull me into a demo that would be part of our COO and President, CJ Desai's, keynote. My first thoughts?

• "Why me?"
• "Surely there is someone more qualified than me."
• "I can't possibly do this. I'm going to make a total fool of myself."

Along with those negative thoughts came a LOT of anxiety. I had never spoken in front of a crowd any larger than maybe 100 people. Now we're talking about speaking in front of 6,000 people.. and not just any people.. my peers. I almost turned it down but decided now was as good of a time as any to put myself out there and try something new. It was hard, but I started trying to reframe all thoe negative thoughts into positive ones:

• "Why me? Because I am respected in my role."
• "Of course I am qualified... why else would they put me up there?"
• "I can and will do this."

If you find yourself struggling with reframing your thinking, I highly recommend reading about some of the cognitive behavioral therapy techniques that teach the 3 C's - "Catch it, Check it, Change it".

As for the demo, not only did I get on that stage and nail the demo, I proved to myself that I CAN speak in front of people. And not only can I.. I discovered that I actually really enjoyed it.

Stepping outside your comfort zone can be intimidating, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Each step you take, no matter how small, builds confidence, expands your horizons and puts you one step closer to silencing that inner critic. Start with something manageable and gradually take on bigger challenges. The key is to keep pushing your boundaries and embracing new experiences.

Tip #3: Talk about it

If there's one thing I've learned it's that imposter syndrome does not discriminate. Talking openly about imposter syndrome is a powerful step towards overcoming its challenges. By sharing our experiences and feelings of self-doubt, we not only validate our own emotions but also create a supportive community where others feel safe to do the same. Conversations about imposter syndrome can break down the isolation that often accompanies it, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. When we discuss our struggles, we learn that we are not alone, and we can gain valuable insights and strategies from others who have faced similar challenges. Encouraging open dialogue about imposter syndrome helps us build resilience, confidence, and a collective sense of empowerment.

Tip #4: Find your happy place

Organizations can play a crucial role in mitigating imposter syndrome among their female employees. Creating a supportive work environment that encourages open communication and celebrates individual and team achievements can help. Regular feedback and professional development opportunities can also reinforce your sense of worth and capability. Additionally, organizations should actively work towards inclusivity and gender equality to create a more balanced and supportive environment. I am proud to be a part of an organization that does just that.

Conclusion

Overcoming imposter syndrome is not about never feeling self-doubt again; it’s about recognizing those feelings and not letting them dictate your actions. Remember, everyone has moments of doubt, but those who succeed are the ones who push through and continue to strive for greatness despite them. Believe in your abilities, seek support when needed, and continue to celebrate your achievements. Your journey as a woman in technology is unique, and you are exactly where you’re meant to be.