Do You Feel Like a Fraud? Here’s How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in your role — that you’ve fooled everyone into thinking you’re more capable than you are? If so, you're not alone. Despite all evidence of your success, that creeping sense of self-doubt has a name: Impostor Syndrome.

It’s that voice in your head that says, “I’m not good enough,” even after all you've achieved. Let’s explore what impostor syndrome is and how to overcome it.

What is Impostor Syndrome?

When you doubt your abilities and feel like you’re not as competent as others think you are, it’s possible you are experiencing imposter syndrome. Even when you achieve success or earn recognition, you may find yourself brushing it off as luck, perfect timing, or even a mistake rather than giving yourself credit for your skills and hard work.

Coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, the term initially described a tendency among high-achieving women. Since then, research has shown that impostor feelings can affect anyone, regardless of gender, background, or level of accomplishment.

While experiences vary, here are signs of impostor syndrome:

• Perfectionism: Believing that any small mistake means failure.

• Attribution to external factors: Thinking success is due to luck or help, not competence.

• Fear of being “found out”: Anxiety that others will realize you’re not “good enough.”

• Downplaying achievements: Brushing off compliments or accomplishments.

• Overworking: Trying to “prove” worth by doing more than necessary.

Why You Might Feel This Way

Impostor syndrome often hits hardest when stepping outside one's comfort zone—starting a new job, launching a project, or earning a promotion. When one is growing, stretching, and learning, it's natural to feel uncertain. Ironically, the more competent and driven you are, the more likely you are to doubt yourself. High standards can morph into unrealistic expectations, making you overlook how far you’ve come.

When left unchecked, impostor syndrome can:

• Burn you out from trying to “prove” yourself constantly.

• Prevent you from speaking up or pursuing opportunities.

• Chip away at your confidence and happiness.

• Leave you feeling isolated, even when surrounded by supportive people.

How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome

Here are six tips on how to deal with impostor syndrome.

1. Recognize the Pattern

Awareness is the first step. Name the feeling: “This is impostor syndrome.” Acknowledge that these thoughts are common and not necessarily rooted in truth.

2. Reframe Your Thinking

Your thoughts aren’t always telling you the truth. When your mind says, “I’m not qualified,” counter it with, “I have skills, experience, and a willingness to grow.” Shift the narrative from fear to self-trust.

3. Know Your Strengths and Natural Talents

One of the most potent antidotes to impostor syndrome is self-awareness. You're less likely to discount your value when you understand what you naturally do well. Take the free Talents Identifier Quiz.

4. Document Your Wins

Keep a “success journal” or “praise folder” to collect positive feedback, accomplishments, and milestones. Revisit it when doubt creeps in.

5. Talk About It

You’d be surprised how many people you admire feel the same way. Share your experience with a friend, mentor, or coach. It’s liberating to hear, “Me too.”

6. Accept That Competence Includes Learning

True experts aren’t those who know everything but are comfortable with not knowing and open to learning. Confidence grows through action, not perfection. Take the free Learning Mindset Quiz to discover your mindset in learning and overcome learning barriers.

Bonus Tip: Self-awareness beats self-doubt. Download the free My Talents app on Google Play or the App Store to take self-discovery and learning wherever you go.

Takeaways

You’re not an impostor. You care deeply about doing well — that’s a strength, not a flaw. Doubts might arise every time you step into something new or push your limits. But now you know what they are, and you don’t have to let them stop you.