Reflect a time when you accomplished something significant—a promotion, a successful project, or even a personal milestone. But instead of feeling proud, a quiet voice crept in. “Do I really deserve this? What if they find out I’m not as good as they think?”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is that unwelcome companion whispering doubt into even the most accomplished high-achievers.
What Does Imposter Syndrome Look Like?
Imposter syndrome isn’t just occasional self-doubt. It’s a persistent feeling of being undeserving, no matter your achievements.
Some common symptoms include:
- Second-guessing your skills or downplaying successes
- Fixating on small mistakes while overlooking your strengths
- Feeling like a “fraud” who’s one misstep away from being “found out”
- Believing your accomplishments are just luck or timing
It’s especially common in competitive environments, perfectionists, and those navigating systemic barriers like racism, sexism, or ableism.
How to Quiet the Doubt
- Reframe Negative Thoughts
Learn to recognize and challenge negative self-talk with evidence. Ask yourself what real hard evidence is there that proves you don’t deserve your accomplishments. If a friend were in your position, would you be this critical of them? - Talk About It
Imposter syndrome can feel like you’re keeping a secret. By sharing your feelings with trusted peers, you can dismantle the power your inner doubts hold over you. Friends and family will also be able to give you perspective and help you feel less alone. - Stop Comparing
It’s easier than ever to feel inadequate and undeserving when there are so many opportunities to compare yourself to others online. Remember that no one is posting their struggles or behind-the-scenes on their social media. What you’re seeing is the highlight reel and not the full picture. Focus on your growth, not others’ curated successes. - Reject Perfectionism
Aim for progress, not perfection. Remember that perfection isn’t a requirement for achieving your goals, and in most cases, it’s not even attainable. - Own Your Success
When praised, resist deflecting. Instead of brushing off a compliment (“It was nothing!”), try saying, “Thank you—I worked really hard on this.” Celebrating your efforts instead of downplaying them can help you shift your self-perception.
Imposter syndrome doesn’t vanish overnight, but if you’ve been struggling with self-doubt, we invite you to implement one of the strategies listed above this week. See what changes for you when you treat yourself like someone who belongs exactly where you are.
If you’re looking for more support managing feelings of self-doubt or anything else that may be troubling you, the experienced counsellors at Employee Growth are here to help.