Tackling Imposter Syndrome in a Work Setting

As a teacher, I know firsthand what it's like to feel like to be an imposter despite years of experience and training. Even though I have completed training, have a degree, and work hard to prepare engaging and informative lessons for my students, I still wonder if I know what I’m doing. No matter how much I plan, I'm constantly second-guessing myself and wondering if I could have done better. Despite my students meeting their milestones and improving their learning, I can't shake the fear that I'm not doing enough.

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where people doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a fraud. This is especially common in a setting where jobs are often vaguely described using corporate jargon, and roles of often not concretely defined. The feeling that everyone else seems to understand implicitly can amplify this. If you find yourself in this position, it often feels like you missed the meeting where everyone was told what's going on.

There are many reasons someone may experience imposter syndrome, and it often has little to do with the actual job, company, or industry experience.

People often set unrealistic expectations for themselves, and when they don't meet these expectations, they feel like a fraud. If you get trapped in this cycle, it can feel like you are constantly failing, and hiding the perceived failures from others is exhausting.

In the workplace, people often compare themselves to others they perceive as more successful, leading to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. You may feel that you will never be on the level of your peers. Our Instagram culture only exaggerates this by exaggerating wins and ignoring failures. When someone you know posts about their fancy new job on Linked In, it gives the appearance that they just achieved this quickly. Social media often hides the long work hours, self-doubt, and countless rejections they face.

Childhood experiences such as perfectionism or pressure to succeed can contribute to imposter syndrome in adulthood. If you feel intense pressure to be better or struggle with perfectionism and procrastination, it can feel crippling. Specific personal characteristics like anxiety or low self-esteem can also contribute to imposter syndrome.

If you don't address these self-destructive habits and manage your mental health, overcoming imposter syndrome and feeling confident in yourself can feel impossible.

The corporate world and hustle culture mindset can contribute to imposter syndrome by promoting a culture of competition and individual achievement. In many workplaces, pressure to constantly achieve and prove oneself leads to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The lack of diversity in many corporate environments can contribute to imposter syndrome. Women and people of color sometimes feel like they don't belong, aren't welcome, or are not valued. When you are between jobs and applying for new companies, it amplifies these feelings.

If you feel like an outsider in your current job, here are some tips for grounding yourself and staying focused.

Acknowledge Your Achievements

Acknowledge your achievements is one of the most critical steps in overcoming imposter syndrome. Women are often conditioned to downplay their successes, attributing them to luck or external factors rather than their own abilities. Take time to reflect on your accomplishments and give yourself credit for your hard work and dedication. Recognizing your accomplishments is essential to build confidence and overcome self-doubt. Remember that you are in a position you earned and that your accomplishments are not a fluke or accident.

Surround Yourself with Positive Support

It's imperative to surround yourself with positive support. Seek out mentors and colleagues who recognize your hard work. Surrounding yourself with positive people can help boost your self-confidence and provide a support system to turn to when self-doubt creeps in. If you are in a male-dominated field or the minority in your industry, this support is incredibly vital.

Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is essential to building confidence. Practice self-care by engaging in activities that make you feel good, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. Prioritizing self-care can help you feel more confident and centered in the workplace. It's easy to fall into the trap of defining yourself by your work, but a healthy work-life balance is important for good mental health. The most successful people in the world work hard but know when to punch out and relax.

Reframe Negative Thoughts

Negative self-talk can be a significant contributor to your discomfort. Reframe negative thoughts by challenging them with evidence of your successes and accomplishments. For example, instead of thinking, "I'm not qualified for this job," remind yourself of your skills and experience that make you well-suited for the position. Ruminate on the hard work that took you to where you are now and think critically about what value you add to the company in your role.

Take Risks and Embrace Failure

Taking risks and embracing failure is the key to success in anything. Embracing failure can help you see setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning rather than as evidence of your incompetence. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and having a failure doesn't make you a failure. Taking risks can also help you build confidence in your abilities and increase your resilience. Lack of confidence is often a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you don't believe you can do it, you won't.

Imposters on the Job Hunt

While imposter syndrome is common in many industries and jobs, it's perhaps never more present than when you are in between jobs. In addition to the tips listed above, there are some other things you can do to help yourself during the job hunt.

Break Down the Process

The job search process can be extremely overwhelming, so try to break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Creating a daily or weekly schedule and setting realistic goals gives you something to focus on besides the crushing feeling that you will never be enough.

Stay Organized

Keep track of the jobs you've applied for and follow up on applications. Use a journal or Excel document to keep it all in one place. Having a clear understanding of your progress can help ease anxiety. Check out the MG Job Search Journal today for an easy-to-follow template specially designed to carry you through the difficult process of finding a job.

Take Breaks

Take breaks throughout the day to do activities you enjoy, whether taking a walk, reading a book, or watching a favorite show. Give your brain a rest and a chance to process all the hard work you have been doing. Taking a step back also gives you perspective and insight you might miss if you never rest.

Remember, Rejection is Not Persona

This is by far the most challenging part. It's important to remember that rejection is a natural part of the job search process. Don't take it personally and try to learn from each experience. Remember, managing anxiety is a process that takes time and effort. Be kind to yourself and focus on managing your anxiety one day at a time.

Imposter syndrome can be a significant barrier to getting the job you want and achieving your goals. However, with the right tools and mindset, you can overcome self-doubt and build confidence in the workplace. You can work towards a healthy self-image by following a few simple daily practices and mindfulness exercises. Remember, you are capable, deserving, and worthy of success.