If you are an Imposter, then everyone else is, too
I don’t belong here….
I remember the first orientation day of my MBA. In a room full of well-suited, ambitious type-As, I was petrified. I hadn’t performed in a CBD office much at all since COVID and kids, and all the excitement and confidence I felt on being accepted into one of the premier degrees in Australia disappeared - replaced by a huge pit of dread. They must not have read my application. Surely they sent the email (and letter, and follow up email) to the wrong person. I don’t belong here… I don’t even understand the job title of the person I just met. I should be home with the kids…
Sound familiar? Well as it turns out, I wasn’t the only “fraud” in the room. As the morning progressed, the Director turned the conversation to ‘Imposter Syndrome’ - a persistent feeling of self-doubt, and fear of being exposed as a fraud – despite evident success and competence (like obtaining that job or being accepted into a program). As Dr Hartley gazed around the room, she asked for a show of hands for anyone who identified with that feeling in that moment. A few shy fingers slowly appeared above heads, hands were raised, and we looked around with smiles and nervous laughs as the overwhelming majority of the room bonded over the irony of it.
Many outwardly successful people identify with these thoughts; feeling as if they have not earned their success or that they’re not qualified for a position / speaking gig / book deal. Which makes it entirely understandable that anyone returning from a career break or pivoting professions would experience an amplified version of imposter syndrome. Whether you're stepping back into a familiar role or venturing into new responsibilities, understanding and managing imposter syndrome is crucial to avoid ruling yourself out before you’ve begun.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Coined in the late 1970s by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes, the term describes three main attributes:
Belief in Overestimated Abilities: Feeling that others have an exaggerated perception of your skills.
Fear of Exposure: Constant fear of being discovered as a "fraud."
Downplaying Achievements: Tendency to attribute successes to external factors like luck rather than your abilities.
These feelings can creep in no matter how outwardly successful or prominent you are. Some successful leaders and celebrities who have discussed imposter syndrome include:
Michelle Obama, who has spoken openly about her feelings of inadequacy throughout her career, including during her time as First Lady.
Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, who has admitted to doubting her qualifications despite her remarkable achievements.
Tina Fey, celebrated comedian and writer, famously saying, “The beauty of the imposter syndrome is you vacillate between extreme egomania and a complete feeling of 'I'm a fraud! Oh god, they're on to me! I'm a fraud!'"
Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t easy, but can be done with intentional effort and strategic actions. Here are some research-backed tips to help you manage and conquer these feelings:
Acknowledge Your Achievements: Avoid attributing your success solely to luck. Embrace your accomplishments and understand that they are the result of your hard work and abilities.
Reflect on Success: Regularly reviewing your achievements can mitigate feelings of inadequacy and help you maintain a positive outlook on your capabilities.
Celebrate Your Wins: Take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Whether it’s a LinkedIn post sharing your learning experiences or a personal reward, celebrating success can boost your confidence and motivation. Yes, it can be uncomfortable initially, but framed correctly it can be a valuable tool and not a mere social brag.
Curate Your Social Feed: Follow inspirational and educational content that uplifts you. Avoid accounts that make you feel inadequate. Learn from role models like Michelle Obama, who have openly discussed their struggles with imposter syndrome.
Anticipate Challenges: Understand that obstacles are part of the journey and even the greats drop the ball sometimes (metaphorically and literally). Use setbacks as learning opportunities rather than reasons to doubt your abilities.
Here and Now: Focus on the present opportunity rather than worrying about future failures or past mistakes. Recognize that your current role is a result of your competencies and trust placed in you. Again, don’t self-reject when others believe enough in you to extend an opportunity.
In short, if these feelings of self-doubt make you an imposter, then so is everyone else. Imposter syndrome is a common experience, especially for career encores taking on new challenges. By recognizing these feelings and employing strategies to manage them, you can transform self-doubt into a source of strength. Celebrate your achievements, seek out supportive networks, and continuously refine your approach to personal and professional growth.
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