As we continue celebrating Women’s History Month throughout March, we’re diving into a topic that resonates with so many women in their professional journeys: imposter syndrome. It’s that nagging feeling of not quite belonging, of being a fraud who’s about to be “found out.” While imposter syndrome can affect anyone, research suggests it tends to be more prevalent among women.

 

If you’ve ever looked around a room of accomplished individuals and wondered how you landed there, you’re not alone. We. can personally attest to experiencing this feeling – that undeniable sense of being an imposter despite evidence to the contrary. The good news is that recognizing this feeling is the first step towards overcoming it and stepping into your full potential.

 

Understanding the Many Faces of Imposter Syndrome

Before we delve into solutions, let’s understand the different ways imposter syndrome can manifest. Valerie Young, an acclaimed expert on the subject, outlines five common “imposter types”:

• The Perfectionist: This individual focuses intensely on how something is done, often overlooking the successful outcome. Despite receiving praise, they’re consumed by the “could have done better” mentality.
• The Expert: For the “expert,” it’s all about the what and the how much they know. Even a minor gap in knowledge can trigger a significant feeling of failure or shame.
• The Natural Genius: This type measures competence by speed and ease. If understanding a concept or mastering a skill doesn’t come effortlessly on the first try, it’s equated with failure.
• The Soloist: The “soloist” believes they must accomplish everything independently. Asking for help or needing assistance is perceived as a sign of weakness, which is far from the truth.
• The Superhuman: This individual strives to juggle and master multiple roles, often leading to a feeling of falling short in every area rather than excelling in one. Taking on too much becomes the norm.

Recognizing which of these patterns, or a combination thereof, resonates with you is a crucial step in addressing imposter syndrome.

 

Spotting the Signs: Are You Experiencing Imposter Syndrome?

Beyond these types, there are common signs that indicate you might be grappling with imposter syndrome. These include:

• Feeling like your successes are due to luck rather than hard work.
• Difficulty accepting praise and often deflecting compliments.
• A tendency to over-apologize, even for things beyond your control.
• Holding yourself to impossibly high standards that you wouldn’t expect of others.
• A paralyzing fear of failure that can lead to procrastination or avoidance.
• Hesitation in expressing confidence, fearing it will be perceived negatively.
• A deep-seated belief that you’re simply “not enough.”
• Downplaying your skills and abilities.
• Constantly seeking external validation and feedback.
• Frequently comparing yourself to others, often to your own detriment.

 

From Doubt to Influence: Strategies for Building Confidence

Acknowledging these feelings is the first step towards change. Here are actionable strategies to help you move from imposter syndrome to a place of genuine confidence and influence:

• Own Your Feelings and Talk About Them: Admission is truly the first step to recovery. Express your feelings of self-doubt and shame to someone you trust – a friend, colleague, or mentor. Sharing your experiences can provide much-needed perspective.
• Separate Feelings from Facts: Just because you feel inadequate doesn’t mean you are. Challenge your negative thoughts with evidence of your skills and accomplishments. Acknowledge your expertise, even in areas where you feel less confident compared to others.
• Embrace Imperfection and Practice Self-Compassion: Remember Maya Angelou’s powerful words: even after writing eleven books, she still felt like she was about to be “found out.” This feeling is common. Be kind to yourself, especially when you make mistakes. Would you speak to a child or a new colleague the way you speak to yourself? Probably not. Practice a more compassionate internal dialogue.
• Find a Mentor and Learn from Your Team: Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and share their wisdom. Programs like Momentum Leadership in Alabama offer fantastic mentoring opportunities. Additionally, look to your team members. Instead of comparing yourself, identify what you can learn from their strengths. It’s okay to have gaps in your knowledge; seek help and view it as an opportunity for growth.
• Focus on the Positive and Forgive Mistakes: Mistakes happen. Forgive yourself, learn from them, and actively hold onto compliments and positive feedback. Create a “happy folder” of testimonials or positive notes to revisit when self-doubt creeps in.
• Reframe Your Mindset: Instead of thinking, “Everyone here knows more than me,” try shifting to, “Everyone here is brilliant, and I’m going to learn a lot.” Look for the opportunities within challenging situations. Visualizing success and celebrating your achievements can also significantly boost your confidence.
• “Fake It Till You Make It” (Responsibly): It’s okay to step outside your comfort zone and take on challenges even before you feel like the “absolute expert.” Courage comes from taking risks; changing your behavior can often lead to increased confidence.
• Seek Professional Support: If imposter syndrome is causing significant anxiety or stress, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Therapists can provide valuable tools and perspectives to help you navigate these feelings.

 

This Women’s History Month, let’s empower ourselves and each other to recognize and overcome imposter syndrome. By acknowledging these feelings, challenging our negative self-talk, and embracing our strengths, we can confidently step into our influence and shine brightly in our respective spaces.