Self-Doubt to Self-Belief: A Fighter Pilot's Guide to Taming Imposter Syndrome

Read time: 3 minutes.

Hi Michelle,

As someone who's flown F-16s and performed in front of millions as a Thunderbird pilot, you might think I'm immune to self-doubt.

But the truth is, I've grappled with imposter syndrome throughout my career.

Imposter Syndrome affects countless high-achievers, regardless of their accomplishments.

It's that feeling like you're waiting for someone to expose you as unqualified or undeserving of your success.

Luckily, I've figured out some tactics that have helped me manage these feelings and turn them into a positive force.

With that in mind, in this installment of "Inverting Your Mindset," we'll explore how to transform our feelings of self-doubt into unshakeable self-belief.

Imposter Syndrome - Is it Still Relevant?

I recently posted about this phenomenon and received some pushback that this phrase only creates a self-fulfilling prophecy, especially for women.

The term was coined by a pair of female psychologists in the 1970s, after all. This commenter said it is no longer relevant because women don’t face the same barriers they did then.

However, having experienced this firsthand and having had hundreds of keynote speech audiences share their personal struggles with this feeling (both male and female), I can say that it is very real.

I agree that this is not a women’s issue. The fact that more women and minorities experience it is not because they are less confident or flawed in some way but because they lack a feeling of belonging more often than their counterparts.

Imposter syndrome is exacerbated by the increase in social media and the constant feed of seemingly perfect lives. We are constantly shown impossible levels of perfection, and, of course, many of us feel like we can’t meet that standard.

Feeling Like an Imposter - Recognizing the Signs

Imposter syndrome often manifests as a persistent fear of being "found out" or exposed as a fraud. You think everyone else knows more or is smarter than you are.

You might downplay your achievements, attributing them to luck rather than skill. Or perhaps you over-prepare for tasks, convinced that working twice as hard is the only way to measure up.

Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward overcoming them.

Feeling like an imposter doesn't mean you are one. In fact, it's often a sign that you're pushing yourself to grow and achieve great things.

Reframing Your Narrative

Once you've identified imposter syndrome, it's time to change the story you tell yourself. Instead of focusing on your perceived shortcomings, celebrate your growth and achievements.

When I joined the Thunderbirds, I worried I wasn't good enough. But I learned to reframe those thoughts.

Instead of "I don't belong here," I told myself, "I've worked hard to earn this opportunity, and I'm going to make the most of it." This shift in perspective can be powerful in building self-belief.

My Battle with Imposter Syndrome

Early in my Air Force career, I struggled with intense self-doubt. I earned my call sign "MACE" during an early training flight in the F-16. I was pushing my jet to its limits in a simulated dogfight, trying to prove myself, and made a near-catastrophic mistake.

At the time, I was pretty miserable.

As the missions grew more complex, I constantly felt in over my head, an imposter on the verge of being exposed.

This mindset followed throughout my time at my first combat squadron in Japan, where I felt overwhelmed by the responsibility and convinced that everyone else was more capable.

But eventually I realized I wasn’t alone in feeling that way. It was common among the other young pilots. Simply sharing my feelings with a few trusted friends gave me a new perspective.

I recognized that I felt a bit in over my head at that time because what I was doing was hard, and I was a beginner. Once I acknowledged this, I began rewriting the script.

My call sign shifted from a mark of shame to a reminder that we all have failed and all start as beginners. I learned that self-doubt doesn't define your abilities.

By acknowledging my fears but choosing to act despite them, I proved to myself that I was capable of much more than I thought.

This mindset shift was crucial in my journey from a doubtful new pilot to being offered a coveted spot with the greatest military demo team in the world - the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Strategies for Managing Imposter Syndrome

Here are some strategies to help you cope with imposter syndrome and build lasting self-belief:

1. Document your achievements: Keep a "success journal" to remind yourself of your accomplishments, big and small.
2. Embrace the learning process: View challenges as opportunities for growth rather than tests of your worth.
3. Talk about your feelings: Share your doubts with trusted friends or mentors. You'll often find you're not alone.
4. Challenge negative self-talk: When self-doubt creeps in, question its validity. What evidence supports or contradicts these thoughts?
5. Set realistic expectations: Perfectionism fuels imposter syndrome. Remember that making mistakes is part of being human.
6. Celebrate your strengths: Identify and appreciate your unique skills and qualities.
7. Accept compliments graciously: Instead of deflecting praise, simply say "thank you" and internalize the positive feedback.

Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself as you practice these strategies.

Bringing It Home

Imposter syndrome doesn't have to control your life or limit your potential.

By recognizing its signs, reframing your narrative, and implementing these strategies, you can build a foundation of self-belief that will support you through any challenge.

Trust me - you're not alone in this struggle. Even the most accomplished individuals grapple with self-doubt. What sets them apart is their willingness to push forward despite these feelings.

As you move forward, challenge yourself to take risks, speak up, and pursue opportunities that scare you a little. Each time you do, you'll prove to yourself that you’re not an imposter and reinforce your self-belief.

You are capable and worthy, and you belong exactly where you are!

Until next time,

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