Is Impostor Syndrome Short Circuiting Your Career?

You can’t seem to get the job you really want or the promotion you need. Your resume says you’re qualified. But something is holding you back. You could be suffering from Impostor Syndrome (IS).  So what exactly is IS? 

 

Most often seen in perfectionists, academics, intellectuals or creative workers, IS manifests itself as an anxiety brought on by fear of success. It's an unrealistic feeling that one’s weaknesses will be “found out” and that they will be unable to handle the demands of the job or promotion.

Feelings of IS emerge naturally in most people to a limited extent because we place a greater emphasis on self-doubt and criticism than we do on praise. IS sufferers blame their failures on their intrinsic shortcomings, whereas successes are seen as accidental or having “pulled one over” on their boss. They fear they won’t be smart enough, discovered as frauds, and exposed for their perceived lack of knowledge. Many have a hard time accepting praise or taking credit for their accomplishments. 

Surprisingly, some 70 percent of successful men and women experience some level of IS. In fact, most successful people who have moved up in status, salary or title have these feelings of self doubt. But they’ve driven them down and learned to cope. Here’s how:

Recognize the Symptoms. If you experience panic over landing a job or promotion, realize that feeling incompetent does not mean you are incompetent.  What you’re feeling is the “mantle of responsibility” that goes with the job or promotion. Trust yourself that you will rise to the occasion when the demands of the job call for it. 

You’re not Alone. Remind yourself that your colleagues and co-workers would undoubtedly experience similar self-doubts and insecurities after getting your job or promotion. Discuss your feelings with a close friend and colleague and see if they haven't felt the same way at one time or another. 

 

Praise Yourself. Evaluate your successes and realize that they didn’t just arise out of “dumb luck” but hard work and preparation.  Recognize your intellect, self worth and resourcefulness in solving difficult problems. Revisit as many accomplishments as you can and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

 

No One’s Perfect. Honestly appraise your limitations. Regard them as aspects of your being that simply need to be trained or developed. Don’t regard them as weaknesses. See yourself as being able to acquire any abilities you feel you’ll need to accomplish your job. Remember, you can ask questions and make mistakes. People before you have done it, so can you.

Trust in Others. The HR manager who hired you or the boss who promoted you went to a lot of work to make sure you were right for the job.  Especially in these tough times, you must have passed a lot of “tests” to convince them you were up to the challenge.  Even if you have self doubts, trust them.  They made the right decision. 

 

IS can be debilitating and keep you from your goals, but if you recognized it for what it is and know that you’re not alone, you can overcome it and succeed.  You earned it and deserve it.