Impostor syndrome refers to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt even when faced with evidence of competence. This is an incredibly normal phenomenon.
Best-selling, award winning, Neil Gaiman on Impostor Syndrome:
“I started talking to a very nice, polite, elderly gentleman about several things, including our shared first name*. And then he pointed to the hall of people, and said words to the effect of, “I just look at all these people, and I think, what the heck am I doing here? They’ve made amazing things. I just went where I was sent.” And I said, “Yes. But you were the first man on the moon. I think that counts for something.”
And I felt a bit better. Because if Neil Armstrong felt like an impostor, maybe everyone did.”
Impostor syndrome is a common feeling for many people and is characterised by feeling like a fraud or being worried that you’ll be “found out”, downplaying success and self-doubt. In a business context, business owners and entrepreneurs may often feel this way. Impostor syndrome, while normally harmless, can manifest if it is fixated upon. It’s important not to focus on unwarranted feelings of incompetence and self-doubt, but what can you do instead?
Here are three concrete things you can do today to help manage impostor syndrome:
- Track Your Wins
Your brain is wired to remember failures more vividly than successes. To break that pattern, you need to intentionally track your wins. Recognise the “proof points” that prove your abilities to yourself. Focusing on your forward progression and your wins, no matter how small, will force you to remember them when your brain is telling you that you’re a fraud. This may feel boastful but it’s not. Acknowledging your success is essential to accepting that you’re good at what you do. It’s also important to remember that you’ve worked hard for wins, and you deserve to feel happy when you succeed.
- Talk to Yourself Like a Coach, Not a Critic
The world is full of critics and bullies, so don’t be your own biggest bully.
That voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough? It’s not a fact. It’s a habit. Challenge it by speaking to yourself the way you would to a close friend, relative or a child. For example, instead of “I can’t do it,” say, “This is new to me, but I believe I will eventually get it right.” Or try the way you might talk to a child, you wouldn’t be cruel and call them names. You’d never tell a child that they were “incompetent” or “useless”, so, don’t say things like that to yourself.
Reframing your self-talk takes practice, but it’s one of the most powerful tools for managing impostor syndrome and general self-belief.
- Surround Yourself with the Right People
Impostor syndrome thrives in isolation. It is a negative phenomenon and as such, will also thrive around people who are negative.
Connecting with others who support your success or understand the entrepreneurial journey and the struggles that come during it will offer a sounding board when you’re feeling low. Connecting with people who know how hard it is and are on your side will remind you of your strengths and successes when you forget.
Impostor syndrome is normal, but combating it is necessary to embrace confidence and cultivate faith in yourself and your abilities. And if both the great Neil Gaiman and Neil Armstrong experience impostor syndrome, then you are definitely not alone.
Impostor syndrome may whisper that you don’t belong—but remember, even giants hear the same voice. What matters is that you keep showing up anyway.
For more tools and perspective, here are some books to consider:
The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women by Valerie Young
