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You get your dream internship offer, ace your solo presentation, land that interview – suddenly, instead of feeling a sense of accomplishment your brain tells you “Someone’s made a mistake. I’m not good enough.”
That little voice in your head is fear personified.
Imposter syndrome has a funny way of showing up and spewing self-doubt just as you’re about to ascend, deliberately making you feel as though you’re not worthy of the things you’ve worked so hard for. Not everything can be chalked up to “luck.” Slight nerves and a little apprehension show that you care about the work you’re doing. This is normal and sometimes you just need a little self-reassurance to mitigate that internal doubt you may be feeling.
What is imposter syndrome?
According to the Stanford University Center for Teaching and Learning, Imposter syndrome or “Imposter Phenomenon” is a term used to describe the internal experiences of doubting your abilities. Many people describe a feeling of a perpetual fear of being exposed or found out by those around them.
Psychology Today adds that people who experience imposter syndrome often attribute their accomplishments to external or transient causes. They point to luck, good timing or effort they don’t regularly expend as their saving grace.
Individuals experiencing imposter syndrome may ask themselves questions like these:
- Why is everyone better than me?
- Do I belong here?
- Why would they choose me over anyone else?
Symptoms of imposter syndrome
The Executive Development Network reports that 66% of Gen Z professionals today are plagued by imposter syndrome. That figure is the highest of any generation surveyed, ahead of Millennials at 58%.
Individuals prone to experiencing imposter syndrome generally struggle with self-efficacy, perfectionism, and even neuroticism. Inhabiting competitive environments can also trigger this self-doubt. Constantly feeling like you have to outperform the person next to you can be very triggering and can inflict unwarranted self-degradation.
Conversely, bringing attention to one’s success can bring feelings of unworthiness. For instance, when you’re receiving an award of high prestige, exceeding your expectations on an exam or acquiring a position you didn’t believe you could get can make you question your qualifications.
Additionally, if these feelings are left unchecked, they may prevent you from doing things like avoiding raising your hand in class when you have the right answer, not applying for jobs you’re qualified and shying away from leadership positions.
Coping strategies
Imposter syndrome is impermanent and doesn’t have to define who you are. Becoming aware of these feelings is the first step to reprogramming how you think about yourself and your abilities. Taking control of your thoughts when you start to drift into negativity will help you show up as the most confident version of yourself.
Here are some things to remember when you doubt creeps in:
- Separate feelings from fact: Feeling incompetent and actually being incompetent are two totally different things. Be the voice of reason for yourself when your brain is trying to downplay who you are and what you’re capable of. Learn to reaffirm yourself through reflecting on all the ways in which you are competent and skilled.
- It’s everyone’s first time living: The reality is…no one really knows what they’re doing all the time. No matter how polished or knowledgeable they may seem. Everyone knows what it feels like to be the new guy. Confidence is often just repetition and practice wearing a good outfit.
- You can do hard things: Where there’s a will, there’s a way, don’t waste an opportunity because you don’t think you’re “ready “yet. Give yourself credit for conquering interview anxiety, asking important questions and betting on yourself. Don’t let imposter syndrome negate the success you’ve earned.
Tips for employers
Employers have the opportunity to build confidence and reassure young professionals of the talent that’s brought them this far. That reassurance needs to be impactful and hold weight but can be as simple as verbalizing strengths and praising good work. Persistent communication and positive signals can add to a more assertive disposition in young professionals.
Here’s how employers can help support young professionals:
- Continuous feedback: Self-doubt festers when there’s no one to pinpoint where they messed up or where they excelled. Small check-ins and ongoing dialogue create mentorship.
- Public praise and private correction: Acknowledge wins in front of the team and correct during one-on-ones. Adress corrections along with action steps in private to remedy shortcomings without squandering confidence. Visible recognition makes them feel like they do belong and that they’re doing something right.
- Identify the high and low stakes: They need to know that they aren’t expected to be perfect, but they are expected to be intentional. That messaging leaves room for growth while reinforcing confidence.