Difficulty in recognising one’s own skills, fear of being «exposed», a feeling of not deserving one’s success… Impostor syndrome affects many professionals, including even the most experienced. Whilst it can hinder personal fulfilment and performance, there are practical solutions to help you regain confidence and recognise your own skills.
1 – Understanding imposter syndrome
Impostor syndrome is characterised by a feeling of not being good enough, despite having genuine skills or achievements. Successes are often attributed to luck or circumstances rather than hard work.
2 – Spotting the most common signs
There are several behaviours that may be cause for concern:
Constant doubt
- constant re-evaluation
- fear of not being competent
- anticipation of failure
Self-deprecation
- low self-esteem
- rejection of compliments
- excessive self-criticism
- compared with others
The fear of being «exposed»
Some people worry that those around them might find out that they are not as capable as they think.
3 – Identifying triggers
Impostor syndrome may be linked to:
- past failures
- a highly competitive environment
- unrealistically high personal expectations
- a lack of recognition
👉 Understanding where this mechanism comes from helps you to overcome it more effectively.
4 – Recognising one’s achievements
Those affected often downplay their achievements.
🔹 Best practice
- keep a record of one’s achievements
- keep the positive feedback
- recognise the skills involved
👉 The results achieved are rarely down to chance.
5 – Curbing perfectionism
Perfectionism is a major contributor to imposter syndrome.
🔹 To make progress
- set achievable targets
- accept imperfection
- to view mistakes as a source of learning.
👉 Striving to improve is more effective than striving for perfection.
6 – Stop comparing yourself to others
Constant comparison exacerbates feelings of inferiority.
🔹 Key points
- Everyone has their own journey
- Visible successes often conceal unseen difficulties
- Social media and certain corporate cultures can exacerbate this bias
👉 Compare your progress today with yesterday’s.
7 – Having the courage to take your place
Impostor syndrome can sometimes lead people to shy away from responsibilities or new projects.
🔹 And yet…
- Experience builds skills
- Stepping outside your comfort zone boosts your confidence
- Taking action gradually dispels doubt
👉 Legitimacy is also built through action.
8 – Why fight him?
In the long term, imposter syndrome can lead to:
- stress and anxiety
- loss of confidence
- burnout
- a barrier to career progression
In a nutshell
To overcome imposter syndrome:
👉 recognise your achievements
👉 Embrace imperfection
👉 Stop making excessive comparisons
👉 Be bold and seize opportunities
Tip
Keep a «success diary»: regularly noting down your progress helps you develop a more objective view of your skills.
