Lets Talk: Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever sat in a room full of people and thought, “What am I doing here?”
That creeping feeling like you don’t belong, like you’ve somehow fooled everyone into thinking you’re smarter or more capable than you actually are?

That, my love, is imposter syndrome, and you’re far from alone.

This KPMG report, contains interesting and valuable insights into imposter syndrome among women, especially female executives

Imposter syndrome is that internal voice that tells you your accomplishments aren’t real, that you’ve just been lucky, and that it’s only a matter of time before someone finds out. While it can affect anyone, studies show it disproportionately impacts high-achieving women.

In fact, an estimated 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. But for many women, especially in leadership roles or male-dominated environments, this feeling is persistent.

Why Is It So Common Among Women?
Different sources say that societal messaging, gender bias, and perfectionism all play a role. From an early age, girls are often taught to be modest and likable, while boys are encouraged to be bold and confident. Over time, this leads to women second guessing their abilities, even when they’re more than qualified.

We’re told to “lean in,” “speak up,” and “claim our space,” yet many of us feel like we’re still faking it. The pressure to do it all flawlessly only makes it worse.

But Here’s the Truth: Your achievements are a big deal!
Imposter syndrome thrives in silence. That’s why naming it, talking about it, and rewriting the story is so powerful.

You’d be surprised how many women around you feel the same way.
I didn’t even know imposter syndrome was a thing until a few years ago, when I realized I had a hard time celebrating or even acknowledging my own accomplishments. I would often downplay my wins, thinking they weren’t a big deal. If something came easily, I felt like it didn’t really count or wasn’t worthy of recognition.

And mind you, this was after I had obtained my university degree. Still, I felt like I hadn’t worked hard enough or that my achievements were just “basic.”

It wasn’t until I saw others proudly celebrating the same kinds of accomplishments that I started to shift my mindset. I thought, maybe I do deserve to feel proud too.
And let me tell you, allowing myself to receive credit and own my success felt so good. It was uplifting, empowering, and deeply validating.

Let me tell you more about Imposters Syndrome: Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have an internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud." This feeling is more common than one might think, especially among women who are often striving for perfection in both their personal and professional lives.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Knowing the symptoms of imposter syndrome is the first step in overcoming it. Common signs include chronic self-doubt, attributing success to external factors, and a fear of not meeting expectations. Recognizing these feelings can help women understand that they are not alone and that these thoughts do not define their worth or capability.

Here is a list of the most common signs:

• You overwork yourself
  You feel like you need to constantly prove your worth, so you work extra hard, often at the expense of your well-being and time management.
• You downplay your skills and knowledge
  No matter your qualifications, you feel like it’s not enough and may keep chasing degrees or certificates to feel “worthy.”
• You struggle with perfectionism
  You double- and triple-check everything but still never feel it’s perfect. If you don’t perform flawlessly, you feel like a failure.
• You constantly seek validation
  You rely heavily on mentors or feedback from others because you don’t trust your own sense of accomplishment.
• You compare yourself to others
  You constantly ask yourself why others are doing “better,” whether it’s promotions, recognition, or qualifications.
• You lack confidence
  Even when you succeed, you’re afraid to speak up or share your accomplishments out of fear of seeming “silly” or “fake.”
• You buckle under pressure
  High-stress situations make you question your abilities and often lead to underperformance.
• You think in extremes
  Things are either all good or all bad. You either nailed the exam or totally failed. There’s no middle ground.
• You’re a people pleaser
  You try to do what others want or expect just to feel accepted and validated
  

Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Challenge Negative Thoughts: One effective strategy is to challenge negative thoughts by keeping a journal of accomplishments and positive feedback. By focusing on achievements rather than perceived shortcomings, you can start to shift your mindset from self-doubt to self-assurance.

Seek Support and Mentorship: Building a supportive network is crucial. Engaging with mentors and peers who can provide encouragement and constructive feedback can help counteract feelings of inadequacy. Sharing experiences with others who have faced similar challenges can be incredibly validating.

Embrace Failure as a Learning Experience: Failure is an inevitable part of life, but it should not be feared. Instead, view failures as opportunities for growth and learning. By reframing failure as a step toward success, women can build resilience and reduce the fear of making mistakes.

The Role of Self-Compassion: Practicing self-compassion is essential in overcoming imposter syndrome. Be kind to yourself and recognize that everyone makes mistakes. Treat yourself with the same understanding and patience you would offer a friend facing similar challenges.

Set Realistic Goals: Another way to combat imposter syndrome is by setting realistic and achievable goals. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each milestone as it is reached, acknowledging the effort and skill involved in getting there.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey, not a destination. With time, patience, and practice, you can learn to silence their inner critic and embrace your true capabilities.