How to Stop Feeling Like a Fraud and Starting Your Achievements
Ever feel like you're just faking it at work and that, any minute now, someone will call you out for not knowing what you're doing? You're not alone. Impostor syndrome is incredibly common, especially among high achievers, creatives, and professionals stepping into new roles. It’s that nagging voice telling you that you don’t deserve your success, that you just got lucky, or that everyone else knows more than you do. Sound familiar? The good news is, you can break free from impostor syndrome and start embracing your skills, expertise, and accomplishments. Let’s talk about how.
What is Imposter Syndrome (And Why Do So Many of Us Experience It)?
The Psychology Behind Feeling Like a Fraud
Impostor syndrome is that internal belief that you’re not as capable as people perceive you to be. It was first identified in the 1970s by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, who found that many successful people struggle with persistent self-doubt. Despite clear evidence of their competence, people with impostor syndrome often attribute their achievements to external factors like luck, timing, or deception rather than their own hard work and skills.
It can manifest in different ways, including:
Perfectionism: Setting impossibly high standards and feeling like a failure when you don’t meet them.
Overworking: Believing you have to work twice as hard to prove yourself.
Avoidance: Dodging challenges or opportunities for fear of being “found out.”
Discounting achievements: Brushing off praise or success as no big deal.
So, if you’ve ever felt like your success is just luck or that you don’t really belong in your field, you’re experiencing the classic symptoms of impostor syndrome.
Imposter Syndrome vs. Healthy Self-Doubt
Common Triggers of Imposter Syndrome in Your Career
Career Changes and Promotions
Starting a new job or stepping into a leadership role can make impostor syndrome flare up. It’s easy to feel like you don’t have enough experience or that you’re not as qualified as your peers. The truth? No one knows everything. Every role comes with a learning curve, and growth requires discomfort.
High Expectations and Pressure to Succeed
If you work in a competitive industry or come from a background where success was heavily emphasized, the pressure to perform can make you question your abilities. The more you achieve, the higher the stakes feel, making it harder to internalize your success.
Working in a Male-Dominated or Highly Competitive Field
Research shows that impostor syndrome is particularly common among women, minorities, and individuals in fields where they are underrepresented. The feeling of needing to “prove” yourself can intensify when you don’t see others like you in similar roles.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Build Confidence
Reframe Your Thoughts
Instead of thinking, “I don’t belong here,” try shifting your perspective to, “I am learning and growing, just like everyone else.” Recognizing that doubt is a normal part of professional growth can help you reframe negative thoughts and build confidence.
Keep a “Wins” Journal
Whenever you receive positive feedback, accomplish a goal, or overcome a challenge, write it down. Keeping track of your achievements can serve as a tangible reminder of your progress and capabilities.
Talk About It
One of the best ways to combat impostor syndrome is to talk about it. You’d be surprised how many of your colleagues and mentors have felt the same way at some point. Opening up about your experiences can help normalize the feeling and give you valuable insights from others who have overcome it.
Accept That Perfection Doesn’t Exist
Nobody is perfect, and no one expects you to be. Mistakes are part of growth. Instead of aiming for perfection, strive for progress. Celebrate small wins and allow yourself the grace to learn along the way.
Seek Professional Guidance
If impostor syndrome is holding you back from pursuing new opportunities, working with a therapist or career coach can be incredibly helpful. They can help you identify limiting beliefs, develop strategies for building confidence, and reframe negative self-talk.
Moving Forward with Confidence in Your Career
Recognizing impostor syndrome for what it is—a feeling, not a fact—can help you take back control of your narrative. You are not an impostor. Your skills, knowledge, and hard work have brought you to where you are today. So the next time doubt creeps in, remind yourself: You earned this. And you deserve to be here.