In the most recent episode of Your Permission to Pause, we explored the pervasive but often misunderstood topic of imposter syndrome – a phenomenon that affects an astonishing 70% of us at some point in our careers, according to the Harvard Business Review.
Imposter Syndrome often rears its head when we’re facing new challenges; a new job, an unfamiliar task, or a situation that tests our limits. It’s that nagging voice that insists we’re not as competent or skilled as others perceive us to be. In this episode, I wanted to provide some background on this term, outline its manifestations, and discuss why I believe labelling ourselves with imposter syndrome can sometimes do more harm than good.
The term “imposter syndrome” was first coined in the 1970s by psychologists who observed this behavioural phenomenon, predominantly among high-achieving women. Over time, however, it’s become evident that imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate by gender; men experience it just as women do, though possibly in different contexts or due to varying triggers.
One significant concept I covered is the “imposter cycle.” This cycle starts with the belief that you don’t belong or aren’t deserving of your achievements. Consequently, you over-prepare for tasks to the point of exhaustion, unable to celebrate your successes genuinely. This cyclical pattern brings perpetual anxiety and self-doubt into each new venture you undertake. It’s exhausting and emotionally draining, making it challenging to break free and truly appreciate your own capabilities.
Then there’s perfectionism, another trait closely tied to imposter syndrome. Perfectionists often wear their perfectionism like a badge of honour, but it’s a double-edged sword. While striving for perfection can reflect commitment and diligence, it also sets unachievable standards and increases the likelihood of burnout. Perfectionists are their own harshest critics, focusing on flaws and deficiencies instead of celebrating strengths and accomplishments.
Both the fear of failure and the fear of success contribute to imposter syndrome. A fear of failure can overshadow the potential learning that comes from mistakes, preventing a healthy growth mindset. Conversely, fear of success imposes higher future expectations, driving individuals to work even harder to prove their worth continually.
So, what can you do about it? Here are some simple, actionable steps that may help in managing and overcoming these impostor traits:
- Challenge Your Beliefs: Cross-examine the core beliefs driving your feelings of inadequacy. Ask yourself what’s the worst, best, and most likely scenario in any given situation. This can help balance your perspective.
- Treat Yourself as You Treat Others: Often, we’re kinder and more compassionate to others than we are to ourselves. Speak to yourself as you would to a loved one or a respected colleague.
- Conduct an Ability Audit: Objectively list your strengths, accomplishments, and capabilities. Sometimes writing these down and reviewing them can give you much-needed perspective.
- Reframe Your Thoughts: Instead of saying “I don’t belong here,” tell yourself “I worked hard to get here.” Shifting your mindset, even slightly, can have a tremendous impact.
- Practice Compassion and Mindfulness: Being present helps you objectively understand your thoughts and feelings. This awareness can lead to more productive responses to self-doubt and criticism.
There’s also a unique aspect I highlighted in this episode, specifically for women; women tend to be better at reading facial expressions and body language, what Tara Mohr refers to as “emotional eavesdropping.” While this can be a strength, it can also lead to over-analyzing and amplifying self-doubt.
Ultimately, while the label of imposter syndrome can provide a common language and a connection point, over-identifying with it can reinforce a self-fulfilling prophecy. By isolating and addressing individual traits like over-preparing and perfectionism, we can better manage and even overcome the overwhelming feelings that imposter syndrome incites.
If you sensed any feelings of imposter syndrome while listening to this episode, know that you may be in a period of growth. Embrace it, challenge it, and allow yourself the space to evolve. Thank you for joining me on Your Permission to Pause. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with someone who might benefit. For more resources and support, visit my website jocowlin.com. Until next time, take care and remember to give yourself permission to pause.
