Imposter Syndrome: What It Really Means, and How to Overcome It

Maya Angelou, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Michelle Obama, Albert Einstein. Most of the world agrees that these are exceptional people, yet they’ve all admitted to experiencing imposter syndrome, feeling like imposters or frauds, and doubting whether their work truly measures up to its acclaim.

It’s hard to believe they would feel that way, but it goes to show how “imposter syndrome” can strike anyone. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t deserve to be in your role, or like your success has just been a fluke, then you’re in the company of some objectively successful people who have felt the same way.

That’s because the phenomenon of imposter syndrome isn’t really about what’s reflected, but rather what is felt within. Let’s unpack imposter syndrome, find out how to identify it, and discover some key ways to overcome it.

Defining Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is when someone believes they’re not as competent as others perceive them to be – even in the face of demonstrated ability and evidence of success. This term was first coined by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in their 1978 paper, The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention. They observed a pattern among high-achieving women, who, despite their accomplishments, felt like frauds and doubted their own abilities.

To unravel this, let’s dive into some of the psychological underpinnings. Underneath the exterior, those who struggle with imposter syndrome are typically battling with the following:

• Perfectionism. This includes (often impossibly) high standards and the belief that anything less than perfection equates to failure.
• Externalizing Success. A tendency to attribute success to external factors, such as luck or timing, rather than recognize our own skills and efforts.
• Fear of Judgement. A persistent worry that our level of competence will be scrutinized.
• Internalizing Criticism. Interpreting even constructive criticism as confirmation of our own perceived incompetence.
• The Comparison Trap. Comparing ourselves to peers or societal expectations, often leading to a distorted self-perception.

Understanding these psychological aspects is crucial for overcoming imposter syndrome. However, tackling imposter syndrome also involves shifting your mindset. As a leader, your mindset shapes your reality. Explore practical strategies to transform internal dialogue, emotions, and physical presence into effective leadership communication in our next article, Mindset and Beliefs: How a Leader’s Mindset Shapes Reality.

How to know if you have imposter syndrome

Wondering if what you’re experiencing is imposter syndrome? We invite you to grab a journal or notepad and ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I often attribute my achievements to luck or external factors?
• Do I find it difficult to accept compliments or positive feedback without downplaying them?
• Do I worry that others will eventually discover I am not as competent as they think?
• Do I set extremely high standards for myself, where anything less than perfection feels like failure?
• Do I often overwork to prove my worth?
• Do I frequently compare myself to others and feel inadequate when I perceive them as more successful?
• Am I hesitant to take on new challenges due to a fear of failure?
• Do I often feel like a fraud despite evidence of my expertise?

This exercise is a starting point for self-reflection. Take your time to thoughtfully answer these questions. If you find yourself answering yes to many of them, it could be a sign that you’re experiencing imposter syndrome. 

How to overcome imposter syndrome

To overcome imposter syndrome, it's crucial to address the root of the issue: negative thought patterns. Here's an expanded guide with actionable steps and case studies that illustrate how others have successfully navigated this challenge:

1. Acknowledge and Understand Your Thoughts: The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is recognizing and understanding your negative thought patterns. Reflect on your self-doubt and question whether it accurately reflects your abilities or accomplishments.
   • Case Study: Michelle Obama has spoken openly about her struggles with imposter syndrome and how she actively challenges her self-doubt by reminding herself of her accomplishments and the positive impact she's made.
     
     
2. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Actively confront and reframe self-critical beliefs. Practice self-awareness to catch yourself in a negative loop and consciously reframe your thoughts to recognize your skills and contributions.
   • Actionable Tip: Write down your negative thoughts and then list evidence against them. For example, if you think, "I'm not good enough," counter it with examples of your successes and positive feedback from others.
     
     
3. Set Realistic Standards: Perfection is unattainable. Focus on setting realistic and sustainable goals. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, rather than fixating on major outcomes or perceived shortcomings.
   • Case Study: Dr. Valerie Young is a leading expert on imposter syndrome who emphasizes the importance of setting realistic standards and celebrating small wins.
     
     
4. Seek and Accept Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from others to gain a more balanced view of your performance. When receiving positive feedback, practice accepting it graciously without downplaying your accomplishments.
   • Actionable Tip: During one-on-one meetings with your leader, ask specific questions about your performance. For instance, "Can you give me examples of what I did well in this project?"
     
     Transitioning from receiving feedback to giving it, especially to those in higher positions, can be challenging but is an essential skill in a leader’s toolkit. Interested in learning how to give your boss constructive feedback that fosters a positive work environment? Check out our next article on Practical Tips for Giving Your Boss Constructive Feedback.
     
     
5. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: View challenges as opportunities for learning rather than threats to your competence. This mindset shift can help you see mistakes as part of the growth process.

• Case Study: Sheryl Sandberg discusses how adopting a growth mindset helped her overcome feelings of inadequacy in her book "Lean In."

  6. Utilize Resources and Support: Leverage books, workshops, and support groups to better understand and combat imposter syndrome. Connecting with others who experience similar feelings can provide valuable insights and support.

• • Resource: The book "The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women" by Dr. Valerie Young is a great resource for understanding and overcoming imposter syndrome.

By implementing these strategies and learning from others who have overcome imposter syndrome, you can begin to build trust in your abilities and move toward a more confident and fulfilling professional life.

Move beyond imposter syndrome to leadership

The process of overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey of moving toward self-trust. By actively challenging negative thought patterns, setting realistic standards, accepting feedback, and cultivating a growth mindset, you can gradually build trust in your own abilities.

Are you ready to inspire every time you speak?

After building a foundation of self-trust, it's time to elevate your impact. Join our Speaking as a Leader® Learning Experience and discover the six essential principles of a leader's mindset. Learn to speak with clarity and confidence, inspire your team, gain support from peers, and drive your organization toward success. Unlock the power of your words and watch as your leadership capabilities reach new heights.