Do you have a tendency to constantly doubt yourself? How about downplaying your achievements? Do you feel like you sabotage your chance of success? These are typical characteristics of Imposter Syndrome. 

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines Imposter Syndrome as “the feeling that your achievements are not real or that you do not deserve praise or success”. Put simply, it is feeling like you’re a fraud without any ground for that assumption. 

Imposter Syndrome can affect absolutely anybody; educational background, training, area of expertise are irrelevant. Research has suggested that “70% of people will experience at least one episode of Imposter Syndrome in their lifetime”.

In regard to my own experience, I constantly catch myself dealing with Imposter Syndrome; it crops up in many contexts. I make self-doubting remarks about my own success without noticing and, upon reflection, realise how damaging it truly can be. Countless times, I have put my achievements down to ‘luck’, or ‘right place, right time’. 

Here are some real life examples: after my university admission interviews, I convinced myself that my success was due to my slot merely falling at the right time - they must have made numerous rejections before me and needed to balance the scales.

Another time, after being awarded a full scholarship for my postgraduate study, I was adamant that it was based on anything other than my intellect or potential. I was, sadly, entirely self-deprecating. 

Once I began to realise what I was doing, I was desperate to turn my attitude around. Reflecting back, I am so glad that I made the effort to do so! I believe that it has made me more productive, confident and more positive about my future. 

Managing Imposter Syndrome

One activity I like to do to get myself out of a rut is to simply list all of my achievements and successes; no matter how big or small! Make sure to include those micro-successes which, although appearing minor to others, mean an awful lot to you.

When you’ve made this list, ask yourself: how did I manage to achieve these goals? Did you put in the hard graft to complete an assignment? Did you push yourself to achieve a personal best? Do you have a natural flare for something? 

Whatever the reason/method of achieving, you’ll soon see that it all boils down to you and your abilities. No external influences, no dumb-luck. Just you! Celebrate that. 

Another way to tackle Imposter Syndrome is to share your thoughts with others. If you feel able, this could include discussing your feelings of self-doubt with family or friends; they will be the first to tell you that your accomplishments are due to your own talent and hard work. 

You could also share more of your successes with others! Talking about this, sharing your journey to success and what it means to you, may give you the validation you need. Our City Girl Groups always love to hear about your achievements so why not start there.

Lastly, perhaps conduct some further reading or research into Imposter Syndrome. There is an abundance of information out there, all very interesting and eye-opening. Hopefully, it will help you to better understand your feelings and concerns and create an action-plan to overcome them! 

A couple of book recommendations that I’ve found very useful:

1. You are a Badass by Jen Sincero 

2. Mad Girl by Bryony Gordon 

Essentially, the more you know about Imposter Syndrome, the more likely you are to notice your own tendencies, call yourself out and change that mindset around. Good luck on your journey to relishing your own success!

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Written by Chelsea Peel