Have you ever felt undeserving of your achievements, fearing that others will eventually “find out” you’re not as capable as they think? You’re not alone. This feeling, known as imposter syndrome, affects an estimated 70% of people at some point in their lives, according to a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Science. As someone who works in several client facing roles, and has managed multiple entrepreneurial ventures, I can tell you firsthand how overwhelming imposter syndrome can be. Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey that I’m still on, but I’ve been able to make significant progress over the last few months.
Personally, I often second-guess myself, which blurs the lines between my work and personal life. My imposter syndrome tends to amplify as a queer individual, making me feel the need to prove myself even more. If this resonates with you, don’t worry—there are steps you can take to overcome these feelings and regain control of your confidence.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the persistent doubt in your abilities, often accompanied by a fear of being “exposed” as a fraud, despite clear evidence of success. This feeling isn’t limited to one group but is more common among women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals who face additional pressures to meet societal expectations. Even highly successful people—CEOs, artists, and entrepreneurs—report experiencing imposter syndrome.
For me, it manifests as constantly feeling like I have to work longer and harder to measure up, which eventually leads to burnout. However, there are ways to manage and overcome these feelings.
Recognizing Imposter Syndrome
The first step in combating imposter syndrome is recognizing when it’s happening. Here are some common signs:
- Perfectionism: You feel that any mistake or shortcoming means you’re not good enough.
- Overworking: You constantly put in extra hours because you feel like you need to prove your worth.
- Discounting Praise: When someone compliments your work, you attribute your success to luck rather than your abilities.
- Fear of Failure: You’re terrified of making mistakes because it could “prove” you’re not competent.
For me, the constant second-guessing made it difficult to set clear work-life boundaries. I’d find myself working long hours, trying to “catch up,” even though there was nothing to catch up to.
Steps to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Once you recognize the symptoms, the next step is actively working on overcoming imposter syndrome. Here are some actionable strategies that have helped me, and they might work for you as well.
1. Track Your Accomplishments
One of the most effective strategies I’ve used is to track my goals and benchmarks. It’s easy to feel like you’re not progressing when you’re caught up in day-to-day tasks. By setting clear goals and reviewing your progress, you get tangible evidence of your achievements. This has been a game-changer for me in realizing how much I’ve grown in my career.
2. Reframe Your Thoughts
A critical part of overcoming imposter syndrome is changing your inner dialogue. Instead of focusing on what you haven’t achieved, acknowledge the skills and experiences you bring to the table. This can be as simple as correcting your own thoughts when they stray into negative territory. For example, instead of saying, “I got lucky,” say, “I worked hard and deserve this success.”
3. Share Your Feelings
Talking about imposter syndrome can help normalize it and remind you that you’re not alone. Whether it’s with a mentor, colleague, or close friend, opening up about your experiences can be freeing. I’ve found that when I share these feelings with others, many people relate—and sometimes they’re feeling the same way.
4. Accept Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
As a perfectionist, I used to believe that any mistake was a sign of failure. However, no one is perfect, and mistakes are part of the learning process. Instead of seeing them as evidence that you’re not good enough, try to view them as an opportunity to improve. This shift in mindset can reduce the pressure to be flawless and help you bounce back more quickly.
5. Curate Your Professional Circle
Surrounding yourself with people who inspire and support you is crucial. Similar to how I approach social media—curating my feed to align with my interests and following people who offer value—curating your professional network can help you feel more confident in your abilities. Having a group of people who believe in you and are willing to offer constructive feedback can make a world of difference in how you perceive yourself.
6. Set Boundaries
One of the biggest challenges I faced was setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. The need to overcompensate often led to burnout. By establishing set work hours and taking regular breaks, I’ve managed to maintain a healthier balance. Boundaries ensure that you don’t equate your worth with productivity alone. Also, MANAGE EXPECTATIONS. I can’t stress this enough, but if you work with clients, be sure to set proper expectations upon the start of you
Imposter Syndrome in Queer Communities
As a queer individual, the pressure to prove oneself can often feel even more intense. Marginalized communities frequently experience systemic bias, which can amplify feelings of imposter syndrome. This added layer of needing to “earn” your place can make it even more important to acknowledge and combat these feelings early.
The good news is, by recognizing that imposter syndrome is not a reflection of your abilities, you can begin to dismantle it piece by piece. Remind yourself that you’re just as deserving as anyone else to be in the space you’re in, and your unique perspective adds value.
Bye-Bye, Impostor Syndrome—It’s Been Weird
Imposter syndrome can take a serious toll on your mental health, work-life balance, and overall sense of well-being. However, by recognizing the signs, reframing your thoughts, tracking your progress, and setting boundaries, you can begin to regain control. Remember, even the most successful people feel like impostors at times, but you are not defined by your doubts.
Take a step back, evaluate your growth, and recognize that you are worthy of your achievements. By implementing these steps, you’ll be on your way to overcoming imposter syndrome and reclaiming your confidence.
