Imposter Syndrome at Work: 21 Tips How to Combat Self-Doubt

Imposter syndrome at work is like an unwelcome whisper that reverberates through your mind. It makes you second guess your own achievements and makes you feel unworthy. What’s more, it is making you question whether you deserve your professional life and your accomplishments.

This negative whisper, however, as intrusive as it may feel, is not an uncommon experience. Trust me, imposter syndrome affects even the most successful ones out there!

If you’ve ever felt like you deal with imposter syndrome in your workplace, this post is just for you.

Are You An Imposter Too? Which Type You May Be!

In my Unmasking Imposter Syndrome post, I laid out the foundations of this powerful phenomenon. However, understanding which types of imposter syndrome you embody can help you kick the habit with a smile. Therefore, I’ll recap it here!

The Perfectionist: There’s a group of us who, even amidst all our victories, keep our expectations sky-high and always feel that we never quite measure up. Perfectionists, you know who you are!

The Natural Genius: These friends believe they should ace every task like it’s a breeze. However, when they face a challenge, their emotional rollercoaster pulls them downwards, making them feel like failures. Could it be you?

The Expert: Some of us, the go-getters, never settle. We have our eyes set on being the very best all the time. We’re constantly on the prowl for more knowledge, even when it’s not needed. Is this your pattern?

The Soloist: For some of us, seeking help equates to admitting incompetence. So, we choose to do everything ourselves, even knowing that it might lead to burnout. Soloists, I feel you.

The Superwoman/Man: Are you a hardworking folk who believes you need to excel in all aspects of life – at work, as parents, as partners, as friends, you name it? Are you constantly pushing beyond your limits? If yes, you might just be a Superwoman/Man.

And a bonus for you. Introducing The Guru, the extended family of imposter syndrome. Gurus strive to be everyone’s go-to mentor and often find comfort in offering guidance. However, they might fear showing their own vulnerability or revealing that they, too, sometimes need some advice or support. So, Gurus, embrace your humanity and remember: asking for help is an act of strength rather than weakness. 💛

You might find yourself relating to one, many, or none of these subtypes that define imposter syndrome, and that’s ok.

Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace

Undoubtedly, anyone who’s felt the sneaky presence of imposter syndrome in the office will know it’s a tricky one to nail down. So, let’s pull back the curtain and talk about how this psychological phenomenon might show up at our desks or on our laptop screens.

The Constant Doubter: First off, are you constantly feeling like, somehow, you’re less competent than your colleagues, even when you are receiving praise and your performance reviews are glowing? Sound familiar? That, my dear, is imposter syndrome, subtly whispering doubts in your ears!

The Reluctant Achiever: Got a promotion or aced a challenging project, yet you are hesitant to celebrate because it feels less like a result of your hard work and more like a strike of luck and a result of external factors? Red Flag! It is one of the common characteristics of this psychological phenomenon, which often prompts us to downplay our accomplishments instead of owning them.

The Overburdened Overachiever: Are you putting in 110% – all the time? Perhaps you’re working longer hours, giving up your personal life and taking on more than you can handle. Are you doing it to prove your worth to other high achievers? Beware! This is imposter syndrome, making you push yourself too hard. Remember, it’s more than ok to say no sometimes!

The Chameleon: Do you find yourself always adjusting your work style or personality, thinking it’s the only way to fit in, be recognised, or feel valued by your co-workers? This could be imposter syndrome camouflaging your unique qualities.

The Fearful Perfectionist: Have you set yourself unrealistic expectations? Or is the fear of making a mistake or failure stopping you from reaching out for new opportunities or taking risks? This also could be imposter syndrome, acting as a perfectionist plushie. It makes everything less adventurous and more stressful.

Rigorous Self-Examiner: Does even a minor mistake lead you to criticise yourself harshly? However, when it comes to others, you go easy on them. Stop! This common symptom of imposter syndrome is knocking on your door with full force. Trust me, it is ok to make mistakes.

Remember, at the end of the day, we’re all human, equipped with our unique talents, quirks, and styles. Feeling like an imposter sometimes doesn’t diminish your worth or your incredible achievements.

Psychological Factors that Feed Imposter Syndrome at Work?

If you are experiencing imposter syndrome, you may also grapple with other psychological tendencies. Yes, you are right! These psychological factors can feed the imposter phenomenon.

Negative self-talk and negative thoughts: Picture that tiny voice in your head. Sometimes, it seems like its main job is to remind you of all the things you think we’re not doing quite right, doesn’t it?

When experiencing imposter syndrome, negative thoughts may seem louder than ever. They may chip away at your self-confidence. Piece by piece, you start to believe maybe you do not deserve success at all. This is my friend, how imposter syndrome finds a cosy spot in your mind.

By recognising this critical self-talk and negative thoughts, you’re taking that first brave step toward liberating yourself from this isolating feeling of being an imposter.

Self-Blame: It is a cousin of your inner critic. It is a mighty and individual contributor to imposter syndrome symptoms. Your heart might be in the right place. However, when you continuously blame yourself for every problem, even those beyond your control, feelings of inadequacy can peak. Before you know it, imposter syndrome might settle in like an unwelcome friend.

Feeling Inadequate: When you think you lack knowledge, skills, or experience in your work or personal journey, imposter syndrome can take advantage. This sneaky saboteur capitalises on this very isolating feeling, leaving you struggling to accept your own success.

Feeling Unworthy: If you feel like you don’t deserve success, love, or praise, it is just a matter of time before imposter syndrome makes it difficult to believe otherwise.

But you can challenge this mindset and trust in yourself. You’re more deserving than you could ever know!

Decision Making: Negative thoughts combined with feeling inadequate and unworthy may affect your ability to make decisions. As you weigh potential choices, imposter syndrome may whisper anxieties in your ear. Therefore, you might find it difficult to confidently settle on a decision. Remember, you have the wisdom, experience, and intelligence to choose wisely.

Low Self-Esteem: All the above mental health and psychological factors, if not addressed, can affect your mental health. Consequently, they can lead to low self-esteem and continuous self-doubt. Moreover, you may feel like you’ll never be “enough” for your role at work. This challenging mindset can stir up imposter syndrome in the workplace, causing it to feel even more overwhelming.

How do You Overcome Imposter syndrome at work?

Now, my dear friend. As we know from statistics, approximately 70% of us will or did experience imposter syndrome at some point in our lives. It’s not about whether we’ve ever felt it but when and how we learn to ride its waves.

Now! Take a deep breath. Funnily enough, the answer lies within you because where else would it be, right?

Your journey to overcoming imposter syndrome begins with understanding where these destructive thoughts and feelings come from and learning tools to quiet that internal critic. Seek support from loved ones, co-workers, or professional resources. You deserve it. And never forget, my friend, that you are perfect, just as you are.

Work on Self

Begin where everything else does with yourself. It’s ok to take that step back, to reflect, to introspect. Your journey, your growth, and your self-evaluation matter above everything else.

Acknowledge, Validate, Then Let Go

Feel your emotions. But remember, you’re the person experiencing these feelings, not the feelings themselves. Teach your doubt to become a fleeting visitor rather than a lifelong resident.

Look for Evidence

Imposter syndrome has a knack for pulling the wool over our eyes, tricking us into thinking we’re imposters. So, dig out those times you stood up, you showed up, and you stepped up. Evidence of your success isn’t far; sometimes, it’s hidden under a thin layer of self-doubt, clouding our perspective on success.

Love Your Inner Critic

A surprise guest, isn’t she? But showering your inner critic with a dose of love can slowly take the sting out of its critique. Acknowledge its protective intention and gently remind it of your accomplishments and progress.

Self Compassion

Be your own best friend. Dust off that understanding, that kindness, that compassion you so readily offer others and gift it to yourself. You deserve it

Accept Praise and Positive Feedback

Savour the compliments sprinkled your way. Let them linger, sit with them and soak their warmth. Revel in the feeling – they’re about you, and you deserve all of them.

Reach Out

Lean on your people, the ones who support you without hesitation.

Share How You’re Feeling

And while you’re at it, voice your feelings. Let them flow into the open. Half the weight is often in carrying the burden alone.

Support Network

Your loved ones, peers, mentors – they create a tapestry of support. Hold onto it, add to it, value it.

Talk About It with a Mentor and Your Manager

These conversations might just bring more relief than you expect. Transparency often opens up doorways to understanding and empathy.

Take Action

Turning stagnation into motion, no matter how small—may just be the antidote to those nagging feelings of imposter syndrome.

Embrace the Feeling, and Use It

Next time Imposter Syndrome rears its head, embrace it as a challenge. Use it to drive your ambition, not hinder it.

Say “Yes” to New Opportunities

If it scares you, it might be worth doing. Let the thrill of new opportunities overpower the whispers of the imposter.

Look for a Mentor or Career Coach

Seek the wisdom of those who’ve been there and done that – their guidance can help illuminate your path.

Follow Your Career Growth Interests

Finally, remember, your journey is just that… yours. Tailor it to your interests and let your passion light the way through any shadows of doubt.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome at a New Job

Starting a new job often invites imposter syndrome. You may feel imposter syndrome, thinking that you don’t belong and you will not be able to meet the expectations of your new job. This is probably because of:

• The freshness of the new job. There is this intense pressure to be accurate and purposeful in the early stage of your new job.
• The anxiety of being in a novel environment. It is both exciting and daunting territory. Wherein the fear of trips and stumbles of not living up to expectations fertilises the ground for imposter syndrome to bloom.
• This phenomenon thrives on our hesitations in the face of unfamiliar faces, tasks, and challenges.
• And finally, we often let the desire to avoid mistakes and the urgent need to excel from the get-go feed this unsettling sentiment.

But hold on: isn’t a new job an emblem of your growth, your noteworthy achievement, and an opportunity filled with fresh challenges? Perhaps the voice of imposter syndrome is just your sense of awe at your own capacity to conquer new peaks. So, while imposter syndrome might visit you in your job transition, remember to tell it, “I’m not an imposter; I’m a conqueror on a mission to master a new domain!”

So, how do we deal with imposter syndrome at a new job? How do we instil that sense of belonging, that we deserve to be where we are, despite the nagging doubts?

Here are a few ways to rise above the chatter and combat imposter syndrome.

What You Need to Remember

Choosing to acknowledge imposter syndrome for what it is – is a brave choice. It is this very bravery that illuminates the path towards feeling increasingly comfortable and confident in our professional lives.

Remember, the conversations we have with ourselves are just as important as the ones we have with others. Make them kind, supportive and, above all, make them count. Amplify your sense of self-worth and march on to the beat of your aspiring and achieving self.

As you take your first step in navigating through imposter syndrome, do remember to prevent imposter syndrome from ruling over your thoughts. It’s merely a guest in your world, one which you have the power to show the door.

Remember, you’re here because you deserve to be here.

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