New research reveals 70% of professionals experience imposter syndrome at work – that persistent feeling you’re not good enough despite evidence of your success. Even high achievers like Michelle Obama and 85% of the CEOs admit to feeling like frauds in their careers. This is why overcoming imposter syndrome at work is critical—not just for confidence, but for unlocking your full potential.
This guide will help you:
- Recognize workplace imposter syndrome symptoms
- Understand why success often worsens self-doubt
- Implement 6 clinically-proven strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome at work
- Transform from self-doubt to professional confidence
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the psychological pattern where you:
- Doubt your accomplishments (“I just got lucky”)
- Fear being exposed as incompetent (“They’ll discover I’m not smart enough”)
- Attribute success to external factors (“The team carried me”)
The feeling might not be there all the time but when it occurs you seriously doubt yourself and your capabilities and feel insecure. There may be a part of you that knows you are doing well. You see glimpses of it and occasionally feel it but those moments don’t last. They are fleeting and hard to hold onto and drowned out by the louder more confident voice that tells you that you are an imposter.
As you climb higher and achieve more success it only makes the imposter mindset worse. It will often be triggered by achievement or a competitive environment, transition, new challenges or when you are pushed out of your comfort zone and into increased scrutiny.
Despite evidence to the contrary you are unable to internalize your accomplishments and feel uncomfortable with praise. This is why it’s important to overcome imposter syndrome at work.
Why it hits hardest at work:
- New challenges trigger self-doubt
- Competitive environments amplify comparisons
- Performance reviews create “prove yourself” pressure
Overcoming imposter syndrome at work starts with recognizing these triggers—and refusing to let them define your worth.
What is the Root of Imposter Syndrome?
Imposters don’t know how to go inward and get what they need in terms of relationship with self. They are disconnected from themselves and need validation of their worth. It’s like having a balloon inside. When not on a strong foundation of self-confidence and self-trust, the slightest provocation causes that balloon to deflate.
Who Is Most Prone to Imposter Syndrome?
High achieving perfectionists often have an imposter mindset. The high standards of the perfectionist create a negative internal voice that’s fixated on shortcomings. As a result perfectionists don’t build a realistic internal measure of how they are doing and therefore don’t get an inner sense of stability and calm.
Characteristics of Imposter Syndrome
People pleasing: the imposter mindset sets high achievers up to try to be something to everyone and always trying to control their image.
Many imposters have the need to be the best compared with their peers—they hold higher and unrealistic standards for themselves. Not being the best can make them see themselves as incompetent.
Imposters go through life with a negative impression of themselves and that makes it hard for them to learn from mistakes and therefore grow and improve.
Imposters often overwork and over prepare and that feeds into feeling like a fraud because they attribute their success to unsustainable levels of work and believe they need to keep overworking to ensure they aren’t found out.
7 Telltale Signs You’re Struggling With Workplace Imposter Syndrome
- Self-Doubt: Constantly questioning your abilities and feeling like a fraud, despite having the necessary skills and qualifications for your role.
- You Attribute Success to Luck (“That project succeeded because the timing was right.”): Believing that any success you achieve is due to external factors, such as luck or timing, rather than your own efforts and competence.
- You Fear Failure Catastrophically (“If this presentation isn’t perfect, I’ll get fired.”): An intense fear of making mistakes or failing can lead to over-preparation or avoidance of challenging tasks, limiting professional growth.
- You Avoid Challenges (“I won’t apply for the promotion—I’m not qualified yet.”): Shying away from new responsibilities or opportunities for advancement because you doubt your ability to succeed.
- You dismiss praise (“My boss said I did great, but she’s just being nice.”): Dismissing compliments or positive feedback from colleagues and superiors, believing they are being overly generous or that you don’t deserve them.
- You Compare Yourself Relentlessly (“Mark got promoted faster—they must be smarter than me.”): Constantly comparing your achievements to those of colleagues, leading to feelings of inadequacy when you perceive yourself as less accomplished.
- You Misinterpret Feedback (“My manager’s suggestions mean I’m failing.”): Feeling defensive or overwhelmed by constructive criticism, interpreting it as confirmation of your perceived inadequacies.
6 Research-Backed Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome at Work
Overcoming imposter syndrome, especially in a new job, can be challenging. Here are some strategies to help:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize that imposter syndrome is common and that many people experience similar feelings, especially in new roles.
- Focus on Your Victories: Keep a record of your accomplishments, positive feedback and skills. Reflecting on these can help build your confidence and reorient your focus away from unproductive rumination about mistakes and perceived shortcomings.
- Seek Support: Talk to a colleague or mentor about your feelings. They can offer reassurance, share their own experiences and provide valuable insights.
- Work On Your Mindset: When self-doubt arises use that emotion to see it stems from a limiting belief about yourself that isn’t true. Practise pivoting to a belief that confirms the value you bring.
- Embrace A Growth Mindset: Understand that being new means you’re still learning. Allow yourself to be a beginner and view mistakes as opportunities for growth.
- Limit Comparisons: Focus on your own journey rather than comparing yourself to others. Everyone has their own path and pace of development.
If you want help overcoming Imposter Syndrome at work, book a free consultation today for personalized guidance. Also, check out our playlist on Imposter Syndrome to learn more about it!
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Liane Wansbrough | High-Performance Coach
