We’re all frauds here: why we suffer from imposter syndrome

When I was 13, I got cast in my first show with a local theatre company. A few weeks into rehearsals, I got the feeling that I didn’t deserve to be there. Even though I could remember the songs and the choreography as well as the other performers, I was convinced that I’d taken someone else’s rightful place in the production.  

I didn’t have the words for it then, but that was my first experience of imposter syndrome; the belief that you are undeserving of your success. 

A universal affliction 

Imposter syndrome is an insidious thought pattern where you downplay your skills, talents and accomplishments, convinced that you’ve deceived others into thinking you’re far more capable than you really are.

Sound familiar? 

Many of us have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in our careers – and we’ll continue to grapple with these feelings for the rest of our lives. Whether you’re new to the workforce or hold a senior position, we’re all secretly doubting our abilities and having a tactical cry in the office toilets because we’re afraid we can’t do anything right. As Elizabeth Cox points out in her TED-Ed lesson, imposter syndrome is “universal […] not a disease or an abnormality.”

Cox says that imposter syndrome has its roots in anxiety, perfectionism and a fear of failure. I’ve noticed that perfectionism is a particular hurdle for me, as it is for many people who work within the arts. Our experience of it is directly related to the standards we place upon ourselves and our work, and what happens when we’re incapable of meeting them. 

But what about imposter syndrome more broadly? For me, it flares up in response to some kind of change. At work, there are certain tasks where I can easily get into a productive groove. But if I get shifted onto something more challenging, or where there’s less room to be creative, I feel debilitatingly average. 

Sometimes I accidentally bring it upon myself, like when I try new things within my creative practice and I’m disappointed by the results. Other times it’s unavoidable; whenever I start a new piece, I always feel like I’ve forgotten how to write. I spend the first few days agonizing over whether or not I’m any good with words. 

I’m an imposter! What now? 

So, what should you do if you’re suffering from imposter syndrome? 

I think this depends on the kind of person you are, how these feelings are affecting your self-worth, and the impact they’re having on your purpose in life. Although the overarching narrative of imposter syndrome is the same, everyone’s experience of it is unique. 

Here are some techniques that I’ve found useful whenever imposter syndrome has gotten in the way of my work or stopped me from feeling good about myself. 

Put a name to what you’re feeling. This is bigger than diagnosing yourself with imposter syndrome. Notice what specific negative feelings you’re experiencing, and why. Are you anxious because there’s too much on your plate, and you don’t know how you could possibly get it done by the deadline? Are you doubting yourself because you’re working on a project outside your level of expertise? 

It’s just as important to recognise the negative voice in your head that feeds off of these feelings. In her TED talk, Lou Solomon named hers Miss Vader, and invented a second voice, that of the Radical Hero, to stand up to her. I like this as a means of distancing yourself from these negative thoughts: they’re a part of you, but they don’t deserve to be listened to right now. 

Find a practical fix. Ask yourself: have these feelings come up in response to something that’s happened? If so, what can you do about it? 

Recognise the small victories. My imposter syndrome also flares up when I make a mistake, or I feel like I’m not working up to my usual standard. Recognising the small victories in my day can help with that. 

For instance: I may have gotten overwhelmed with my workload today, but I did get started on A, B and C. Or, I had writer’s block for most of the day, but I worked through it as best as I could instead of giving up. 

Sometimes, just surviving the day is victory enough. 

Know that you’re not alone. Chances are your colleagues are going through, or have gone through, the same thing. It might be helpful to chat to them about how you’re feeling. 

If you don’t have that kind of rapport with your co-workers, try talking with a friend. You could even try talking with yourself; journaling has been found to calm the mind, enhance our self-awareness and help us let go of negative thoughts. 

Accept that you’ll be managing these feelings for life. Feelings of imposter syndrome will ebb and flow throughout your career. The further you progress in your field, and the higher expectations you place upon yourself, the more likely you are to experience that doubt and anxiety. 

Remember, imposter syndrome is a natural part of working life. But it shouldn’t stop you from doing what makes you happy or from feeling good about yourself.