Imposter Syndrome: What It Is and How to Overcome It
Imposter syndrome can sneak its way into every corner of our lives—whether it's in parenting, our professional lives, or our relationships. But first, what exactly is imposter syndrome? It’s that persistent feeling of inadequacy, where despite your accomplishments, you still feel like a fraud—like you don’t really deserve your success, and sooner or later, everyone will figure that out.
Often, imposter syndrome shows up when you’re starting something new. Whether it’s a new job, a new relationship, or even a new role in your life, this is when you might feel the weight of those self-doubts most heavily. You may start to think, “What if I’m not cut out for this?” or “Maybe I just got lucky, and I don’t really belong here.” These thoughts can lead to self-sabotage, fear of taking risks, or even anxiety and depression as we internalize the belief that we’re not capable or worthy.
Imposter syndrome can hold you back in so many ways. It might keep you from applying for a promotion, asking someone out, going after that degree, or even allowing people to love and support you fully. It convinces you that you’re not enough, even when evidence shows otherwise.
A Personal Story
On a personal note, I remember years ago when I was working as a home health nurse, I was asked to do a presentation. My first thought was, "Absolutely not! There's no way I could do that." All I wanted to do was show up to work, do a great job, and go home. But then, I listened to a sermon shortly after, and the pastor said something that stuck with me: Try saying yes to more things and see how life opens up. That really hit me.
So, I agreed to do the presentation despite my fear. And guess what? I left that room with this incredible feeling of adrenaline and accomplishment. It was a moment of realization: I enjoyed speaking, and I was actually good at it. That experience pushed me to apply for a nurse educator role, which eventually led me back to school. The rest is history.
But here’s the key thing: Even though imposter syndrome has tried to hold me back many times, every time I pushed through, doors opened. Opportunities unfolded that I never would have imagined had I let fear win.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
So, how do we move past this feeling? First, it’s important to remember that imposter syndrome is incredibly common. In fact, about 70% of people experience it at some point in their lives. So take comfort in knowing you’re not alone—far from it. There’s power in vulnerability, and sometimes, opening up about your fears can connect you with others who feel the same. We’re often afraid of being judged, but in truth, sharing our fears brings us closer to others and helps us feel supported.
Here are a few strategies that can help you overcome imposter syndrome:
Acknowledge Your Accomplishments: One of the best ways to combat imposter syndrome is to remind yourself of your achievements. Write them down if you have to! Keep a running list of all the times you succeeded, even when you were uncertain. It’s a tangible reminder that you’re more capable than you think.
Take Small Steps: Growth doesn’t have to come all at once. Sometimes, breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps makes them less intimidating. Celebrate small victories along the way—they count just as much as the big ones.
Give Yourself Grace: Remember, everything new has a learning curve. It’s okay to not have all the answers right away. Be patient with yourself as you grow and learn. No one expects you to be perfect, except maybe the voice of imposter syndrome—but that voice is not telling you the truth.
Seek Out Inspiration: Surround yourself with people, podcasts, or books that promote courage and growth. Listen to stories of others who have faced similar fears and overcome them. Sometimes, knowing that others have walked this path before can give you the push to keep going.
Talk to a Therapist: If imposter syndrome feels like a constant battle, therapy can be a safe space to unpack those feelings and develop strategies for moving forward. It helps to have someone in your corner, reminding you of your worth when you can’t see it yourself.
Mentorship and Community: Sometimes, talking to a mentor or someone in your field can help you gain perspective. A mentor can remind you that what you’re feeling is normal and that even the most accomplished people deal with self-doubt.
Lastly, be mindful of the fact that overcoming imposter syndrome doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process, but each time you push past that inner critic and take action, you weaken its grip on you. The more you say yes to opportunities and step outside of your comfort zone, the more you’ll realize that imposter syndrome has no power over you—unless you let it.
