You know the feeling. That little voice in your head that tells you that youre not enough, that you dont deserve your success, that youre an imposterand its only a matter of time until everyone figures it out.
Sound familiar? Most of us will suffer a crisis of confidence at one time or another, but periods of self-doubt take many forms and have many causes. One of them is imposter syndrome.
What is imposter syndrome? Its that nagging feeling that our successes are unearned and despite our achievements, were not actually the real deal. Its not a good feeling, and it can get in the way of your ability to enjoy your victories, and even keep you from pursuing new one.
Ironically, imposter syndrome is often of an ability or accomplishment such as getting a promotion or an award, and its particularly common among high achievers. Its an intruder, coming to steal your momentdont let it!
We have some tips on how to overcome imposter syndrome (in college, at work, in relationships, or anywhere) and embrace your confidence. But first, lets look at a few interesting facts about imposter syndrome, including some high-profile syndrome-sufferers, and some actual imposters from history.
Celebrities with Imposter Syndrome
Maybe finding out some of your heroes and some of our national treasures have confessed to imposter syndrome will help you understand its the syndrome, not you, thats the fraud. Below is just a short list of who thought they werent enough:
- Serena Williams
- David Bowie
- Maya Angelou
- Sonia Sotomayor
- Tom Hanks
- Lady Gaga
Do a little of your own research and youll find the list goes on and on. Most of us will find at least one (if not all) of those listed above is anything but an imposter. So next time you feel like youve succeeded in spite of yourself, remember that youre in good companysome of the most prolific and innovative individuals among us have felt the same and continued to do great things anyway.
Famous Frauds: Real-Life Imposters
In contrast, lets think about what a true imposter is, because they do exist. The bona fide con men and con women, frauds and hucksters, notorious pretenders with stolen identities. (We think youll find you identify more with the list above than this one.)
- : Also known as Anna Sorokin, Delvey posed as a wealthy heiress and socialite and conned hotels, banks, and friends out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Her story inspired the Netflix series
- : This trickster successfully pretended to be a doctor, lawyer, and airline pilot before he was finally caught by the FBI. His autobiography was the inspiration for the Steven Spielberg film
- : This imposter claimed to be Anastasia, the daughter of the assassinated Tzar Nicholas, after the Russian Revolution. DNA testing proved otherwise after her death.
- : A deft impersonator, Chadwick adopted many false identities in her lifetime, including claiming to be Andrew Carnegies daughter, to swindle banks for money.
There are many more throughout history. As you can see, theres a big difference between dishonesty and self-doubt.
4 Tips to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Now that you know more about the history of imposter syndrome, and have a few names to attach to the concept, lets talk a little about how you can conquer your own self-doubt and reclaim the confidence youve so rightly earned. Weve compiled four tactics to get you there:
1. Talk About Yourself to Yourself
Talking to yourself and referring to yourself in the third person arent typically conversation techniques to aspire to, but it turns out both can help you talk down some unwanted imposter syndrome.
Youve probably seen a character in a movie or TV show look in the mirror and say something along the lines of: Im good enough, Im smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me! While this might play well for laughs, it turns out it actually works. Research shows that to yourself, and in the third person (instead of Im good enough, try Amy is good enough) is an effective way to regulate your own thoughts about yourself.
Tell yourself what you need to hear! And while youre at it, let yourself know your hair looks great today, too.
2. List Your Good Qualities (or Qualifications)
Much like speaking aloud to yourself, you deserve or have earned your success is a proven model for reframing your self-assessment.
Take the example of a job offer. You want the job, and they want you, and suddenly youre filled with fear that youre not up to it. Put all those nagging feelings about being underqualified to the side for a moment and write down 10 reasons you are qualified (maybe even overqualified) for the position. Feel free to stray from the greatest hits of your resume here, though theyll probably make an appearance. Im always thinking two steps ahead can go right alongside Three years experience.
You can also make other kinds of lists as an exercise in self-confidence. Keep a running list of your achievements, large and small. Keep a journal and write down one thing youve accomplished that day. Go back and read it often.
3. See Yourself Through Someone Elses Eyes
Instead of doubting yourself from the inside, appreciate yourself from someone elses point of view. Think about it: If you have imposter syndrome, that means you think youve fooled everyone else into thinking something youre not.
Consider it. Do you think the people around you are so easily hoodwinked? That recruiter, who has interviewed hundreds, if not thousands, of peopledo you think they dont have a keen eye for talent? Your mentor who served as your referencedo you think theyre a terrible judge of character? What about your professor who gave you that A on your latest essaydo you think theyre also a fraud?
Think about the people whom you respect, who respect you in return and respect their opinion of you. If they think youre worthy, you probably are.
4. Turn Your Self-Doubt Into Self-Drive
Want truly get a handle on imposter syndrome? Turn it on its head and make it your inner motivational speaker. Instead of hearing, Im not good enough, hear I can do even better. Turn self-doubt into self-improvement.
Worried youre not qualified for the job? Become overqualified by seeking out the latest research or developments in your line of work. Concerned that you arent as smart as people think you are? Get even smarter by committing to read a book each month. Feel like you didnt deserve that grade on your exam? Put that knowledge to work in the real world and prove you know your stuff.
Conquer Your Inner Imposter and Go Forth and Prosper!
Instead of letting the syndrome hold you back, use it to push you forward. Outwit it, beat it at its own game, and then watch yourself achieve even more.
In the meantime, congratulations on all youve achieved! Your successes are hard-earned and your talents will take you far.
Youre good enough. Youre smart enough. And gosh darn it, people like you.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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