Ever land a dream job or huge opportunity, only to be plagued by a nagging voice whispering “you don’t belong here”?
This internal gremlin, known as Imposter Syndrome, is like a tiny tyrant squatting rent-free in your mind, whispering lies and sabotaging your success.
It might stop you from applying for that promotion you deserve or prevent you from taking on new challenges. It can create a self-fulfilling prophecy – you doubt your abilities, hold back, and then “confirm” your suspicions by not performing at your absolute best.
Don’t let that gremlin win.
In this article, I’ll show you step-by-step how to dismantle Imposter Syndrome.
Why Traditional Approaches to Imposter Syndrome Fall Short
Most of us instinctively try to fight Imposter Syndrome head-on. We puff up our chests and “fake it till we make it.”
This approach doesn’t work. The gremlin will only get louder and bolder.
Pretending the problem doesn’t exist when your insides are churning with self-doubt is exhausting.
Another common tactic is avoidance. You simply steer clear of situations that trigger those uncomfortable feelings.
Meanwhile, your confidence crumbles, you shy away from challenges, and your career stagnates.
The gremlin wins again.
Shine a Light on Imposter Syndrome
The key to overcoming Imposter Syndrome is not denial or avoidance, it’s confrontation.
You need to drag this sneaky gremlin out of the shadows, examine it closely, and expose its tricks.
Here’s how you can do this in 4 steps:
- Claim it – accept you feel like an imposter
- Name it – get specific about why
- Frame it – turn fear into facts
- Tame it – defeat the gremlin, once-and-for-all
Let’s dive into each step.
Claim It
First things first, accept that Imposter Syndrome is normal.
Everyone wrestles with this gremlin. Realizing you’re not alone weakens its grip.
Let me give you a personal example.
When I joined Facebook – myself and hundreds of others all had orientation on the same day.
Imagine a giant room, filled with people who needed to learn about the company fast so they could start adding value.
Every minute spent in that orientation cost Facebook a pretty penny.
So what was the very first topic, on that very first day of orientation?
Imposter Syndrome.
The session was the head of the orientation program spending 30 minutes telling hundreds of us, over and over again, that we deserved to be there.
Imposter Syndrome is real.
Everybody feels it.
Name It
Instead of feeling a general sense of dread, get specific.
Pinpoint the exact situations that trigger your Imposter Syndrome.
Complete this sentence: “When I try to do [specific task], I worry everyone will discover I don’t know enough.”
Is it leading multiple teams? Managing a budget? Defining a strategy? Negotiating deals?
Go for quantity. Don’t hold back.
Once you know when the gremlin will rear its ugly little head, you can ready yourself to fight back.
Frame It
Now, let’s gather some evidence.
Grab a pen and paper and divide it into two sections.
For each area you identified as an imposter trigger, write down all the reasons why you feel like a fake.
Then, list examples and experiences that demonstrate you’re qualified and capable.
Here’s an example: Feeling like an imposter leading multiple teams?
- Evidence against you: “I’ve only led one team at a time.”
- Evidence for you: “My last project required managing dependencies across 3 teams.”
Remember, the gremlin thrives on misinformation.
Reframing your fears with the right context helps you evaluate each area objectively.
Tame It
Take a look at your evidence list.
For areas where you identified a legitimate skills gap, take action! Seek out a mentor, enroll in a course, or read a book. Turn that general feeling of unease into a concrete plan for improvement.
No one is expected to know everything. The gremlin only wins if you throw your hands up in defeat.
For areas where your self-doubt seems unfounded, it’s time to boost your confidence.
Create a “Hype File” – a personal repository of your accomplishments and experiences that contradict the gremlin’s whispers.
This serves as a shield against future Imposter Syndrome attacks. Anytime those self-doubting whispers resurface, revisit your Hype File and remind yourself of all the reasons you deserve to be there.
Remember, your Hype File is a living document. Keep adding your achievements and positive feedback throughout your career.
Defeat Imposter Syndrome for You and Your Team
Get started today.
Reflect on a recent situation where you felt like a fraud. Did you overcome that challenge? What evidence do you have that proves you weren’t an imposter? Write it down.
This small act is the first step towards reclaiming your power and silencing the gremlin within.
And remember – everyone experiences Imposter Syndrome. Including your team. As a leader, take what you’ve learned and help your team wrangle their gremlins, too.
