Understanding imposter syndrome and stepping into your success

You're sitting in a meeting, listening to your colleagues discuss their latest project. As they throw around industry jargon and acronyms, you feel your heart start to race. You don't understand half of what they're saying, and you can't help but wonder how you even got hired for this job. Are you qualified enough? Do you really belong here?

If this scenario—or one like it—sounds familiar to you, then you may be experiencing imposter syndrome, which is a phenomenon where individuals doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as a fraud. But don't worry—you're not alone. In fact, studies show that up to 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives.

In this article, we'll explore what imposter syndrome is, why it happens, and most importantly, how to overcome it so that you can step into your success with confidence. Along the way, you'll also find three videos featuring experts in the field who offer their insights on imposter syndrome and how to combat it. So let's dive in!

Unmasking the imposter: Understanding self doubt

Ever had that sneaky feeling that you just don't belong? That, despite your accomplishments, you'll be exposed as a fraud? That's imposter syndrome—also called imposter phenomenon—whispering in your ear. 

Coined in the late 1970s by clinical psychologists Dr. Pauline R. Clance and Dr. Suzanne A. Imes, imposter syndrome refers to those nagging doubts that can make you question your own achievements and internalize a fear of being exposed as a "fraud." 

Many of us have been there: Maybe you landed your dream job, and instead of celebrating, you panicked that they'd find out they "hired the wrong person." Or maybe you're constantly downplaying your successes, convinced it's all just a result of luck rather than skill or hard work.

Imposter feelings—experienced by many of us who are dealing with self-doubt—often tamper with our success perception. For instance, even after achieving a significant milestone, instead of relishing the success, self-doubt creeps in, making you feel like you don't truly deserve it. This distorted lens of success likely causes you to play down your achievements, attributing them to external factors, other people, or sheer luck. 

So, what's the psychology behind this? At its core, imposter syndrome stems from a deep-seated belief of not being "good enough" or fearing that others will see through our façade. So it's those core beliefs that need to be addressed. And the first step toward overcoming self-doubt, which is at the center of it all, is recognizing and understanding imposter syndrome. 

Hear more about that in this short video from Leah Santa Cruz, one of the meditation experts on the Balance app:

Using coping skills for mental health to overcome self doubt

Feeling like an imposter might be more common than you think, but thankfully, there are concrete steps to move beyond these feelings. 

Overcoming imposter syndrome begins with fostering self-confidence and mental resilience. One key strategy is to acknowledge and then reframe your thoughts. Instead of seeing a challenge as evidence of your inadequacy, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. For example, if you're faced with a new challenge at work, instead of thinking "What if I mess this up?" you could consciously reframe that thought to "This is a chance for me to expand my skill set." It's all about perspective. 

Another powerful tool? Talk about it. Voicing your feelings of self-doubt can not only help you process them but might also reveal how many others share the same fears. By sharing and listening, you break down the isolation often associated with these feelings and realize you're not alone in this battle.

Defeating self-doubt requires intentional action. Regularly jotting down your achievements and positive feedback can serve as a tangible reminder of your capabilities, building mental toughness over time. This combatting imposter syndrome tactic helps you counteract the brain's natural tendency to focus on the negative. 

Additionally, practice self-compassion. Instead of being your harshest critic, become your most compassionate advocate. This switch can be transformative in increasing self-confidence. 

Remember, beating imposter syndrome doesn't mean you'll never again doubt yourself. It means you'll have the tools and tactics to navigate those feelings and come out even stronger on the other side. Dive further into this by watching this video from Ofosu Jones-Quartey, the other meditation expert on the Balance app:

Reclaiming your success: Tools for defeating imposter syndrome

There's no magic wand for defeating imposter syndrome, but a strong foundation of resilience and self-belief goes a long way. 

Resilience isn't just about bouncing back; it's about bouncing forward, learning from experiences, and using them as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. When you're armed with resilience, those nagging thoughts questioning your success ownership become just minor interruptions, swiftly overshadowed by your unwavering self-worth.

Reclaiming success starts with acknowledging and celebrating your achievements, no matter how small. Create a success journal, noting down every achievement, compliment, or positive feedback you receive. Over time, this will serve as tangible evidence of your capabilities and an antidote to those imposter syndrome solutions you've been searching for. 

Furthermore, embed the practice of looking at past successes when faced with new challenges. Remember those times you overcame obstacles, and let them fuel your self-belief, ensuring that overcoming self-doubt becomes second nature. 

As for future-oriented thinking, it's all about maintaining confidence. Instead of asking, "Can I do this?" switch the narrative to "How will I do this?" This proactive mindset ensures you're always moving forward, believing in success, and keeping the imposter firmly in the rearview mirror.

Learn how meditation experts Leah and Ofosu celebrate their success in this final video:

Increase your self-confidence with Balance

Imposter syndrome can be a pervasive and challenging experience that affects many people. However, with self-awareness, self-compassion, and intentional action, it is possible to overcome these feelings of self-doubt and step into your success with confidence. The strategies outlined in this article are a great starting point for building mental resilience and increasing self-confidence.

To further support you on your journey toward overcoming imposter syndrome, you can also download the award-winning Balance app on iOS or Android. With its library of guided meditations, expert-led courses, and personalized coaching options, the Balance app provides additional tools and resources to help you cultivate a strong sense of self-worth and empower you to reach your full potential.