How To Deal With Imposter Syndrome

I first heard the term “imposter syndrome” in 2018 when a good friend of mine aptly described it as a feeling of deeply doubting her abilities and skills, especially when it comes to work – like whatif she was really a fraud? And she was constantly on edge because someone might find out and expose her to the world.

My eyes widened at this, and without saying a word, she said, “Oh, you too, huh?” and all I could do was nod slowly.

Because it was the first time I realized this was a real thing – not something only I dealt with. I took a mental note to research it when I got home- I went through books, research papers, and articles all about imposter syndrome and unfortunately, it only made me realize I had a lot of inner work to do and maybe the imposter syndrome was manageable after all (teehee) . So here are some of my notes that I took during this time. They continue to help me today; I hope they are helpful for you, too.

Imposter Syndrome is defined as the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.

• Symptoms can include psychological distress, anxiety, depression, burnout, exhaustion, avoidance of high-level or demanding tasks, rigid thinking, and dismissal of positive feedback. (Source: National Cancer Institute)
• Individuals from minoritized groups may be more likely to experience it due to racism, social stigmas, and microaggressions (Source: National Cancer Institute)
• Upbringing and family dynamics can play an important role in imposter syndrome. Specifically, parenting styles characterized by being controlling or overprotective may contribute to the development of imposter syndrome in children. (Source: The Links Between Parenting Styles and Imposter Phenomenon)
• People who come from families that experienced high levels of conflict with low amounts of support may be more likely to experience imposter syndrome. (Source: The imposter phenomenon:)

1. Remember that this feeling only comes around when you accomplish or do something significant!
   • That means you’re on the right track. Let’s goooo! Acknowledge the doubts, then keep going. We’re not letting this stop us.
2. Shower someone you love with compliments and positivity.
   • Yes, this takes the focus away from yourself and may seem counter-intuitive. But it always makes me feel better to show appreciation to someone I care about (it helps me be a little kinder to myself, too.)
3. Talk to someone you trust about it!
   • I am so grateful to my friend for sharing with me. It helped both of us and strengthened our bond. It’s also helped me become more open about mental health and posting about it online. I feel incredibly supported by my “internet friends” and knowing I’m not the only one who experiences this, no matter our ages, races and locations, really makes a big difference.
4. Lastly, I came across this “old school” video. IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE!
   • The delivery format is outdated, but the information is incredibly valuable. I also love her energy and overall positive vibe. It reminds me that when I have self-confidence, my love and appreciation for myself drown out any doubt or fear, including my imposter syndrome.

One last thing

The comments are open for the first 48 hours. I would love to hear if you have ever felt imposter syndrome and what you do to remind yourself that you are actually amazing!! Do you have any other tips to add?