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In today’s digital age, when comparing yourself to others is just a swipe away on your phone, it’s easy to lose sight of your own value in the workplace.
Ironically, the highest-achieving people are sometimes the ones who doubt themselves the most, a psychological phenomenon known as “imposter syndrome.” As the National Library of Medicine describes it, high achievers who suffer from imposter syndrome experience “pervasive feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, depression and/or apprehension of being exposed as a fraud in their work,” despite objective evidence of their success.
In fact, these thoughts rarely reflect one’s actual performance or capability. Instead, imposter syndrome tends to surface when we fear being “found out” or feel that we don’t deserve our achievements — leading us to minimize our skills, silence our voices and shrink our presence.
Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward reclaiming your confidence and owning your success with clarity and pride.
Over the years, I’ve frequently found myself listening to that inner critic, allowing it to unnerve my confidence. And it didn’t matter how much skill or experience I had accumulated. I’ve learned that feelings of imposter syndrome were disconnected from my real abilities or expertise. Here are some tools that have helped me break the vicious circle of self-criticism and overachieving, often fueled by imposter syndrome.
Acknowledge your achievements.
Take the time to document your successes and how you’ve earned them. Whether it’s jotting down entries in a running note on your phone, a file on your computer or in a physical journal, track your accomplishments, big and small. Write down the milestones you’ve reached in your communications career.
When we recognize and celebrate our own career victories — if not outwardly, then at least in our own thinking — we can learn to reorient our own internal compass. By acknowledging to ourselves that we have earned career success through our own hard work, talent and merit, we have hard evidence to challenge our negative thoughts. We can replace that self-doubt with affirmations grounded in our own progress, growth and capability.
Give yourself a break.
When learning to overcome feelings of imposter syndrome in our careers, it helps to prioritize professional growth over perfection. Rather than dwell on areas where you feel you fall short, give yourself credit for your strengths.
Seek support.
Community and connection have been essential to my growth. Surround yourself with mentors, friends and colleagues who’ve faced similar challenges. There is wisdom in shared experience.
Gleaning insights from others equips you to move forward and feel supported and heard. It can also be valuable to speak with a professional or coach who can help you shift your mindset and overcome mental blocks such as imposter syndrome.
Talking to a counselor or coach might make you feel vulnerable at first, but such conversations help you realize that you’re not alone. The more that you empower yourself through guidance and leaning on your support system, the more confident and grounded you will feel — not just in the workplace, but in every aspect of your life.
Invest in your growth.
Investing in your personal and professional development is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself. You might attend industry-specific events, webinars and panels, for example, or take a class at your local community college. Every step helps build your confidence and capability. Focus, in particular, on areas where you feel uncertain or underprepared.
Learn to thrive.
Set realistic expectations for yourself. When you aim for perfection or unattainable goals, you only reinforce feelings of inadequacy or fraudulence. Instead, honor your ever-evolving self. Keep your eyes on the future, but remember to appreciate the growth you’re currently experiencing.
Conquering imposter syndrome doesn’t happen overnight. Such feelings might resurface occasionally. But with consistent self-awareness and intentional shifts in your mindset, it is possible to quiet your inner critic. Focus on progress over perfection, embrace vulnerability as a strength and make it a habit to celebrate your wins — big and small. With time, you’ll begin to build a more grounded, confident version of success, on your terms.
Anna Crowe is the CEO and founder of Crowe PR in San Diego.
Illustration credit: goodtime
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