Impostor syndrome is a sensation that makes you feel undeserving of your achievements. No matter how skilled and accomplished you are, you believe you’re not good enough. Impostor syndrome manifests in different ways and can be experienced in different settings. Yet, it is a feeling more women experience compared to men.
A year ago at work, my colleague asked for help with a project he was working on. A bit hesitant, I tried to refer him to someone better but he was insistent that I helped him. After making suggestions that improved his final design, he thanked me and went on his way. From that interaction, I noticed that I was more skilled at my job than I let on.
That is one of the many situations impostor syndrome reared its head at work. For me, it had been something I accepted as okay until I didn’t. In this article, I’ll be sharing the tips I use to handle impostor syndrome at work.
What Impostor Syndrome at Work Feels Like
I’d say impostor syndrome is that annoying voice in your head that whispers lies you believe are true. Thoughts like, “I don’t deserve this role”, “My pitch wasn’t good enough”, “They’re going to fire me soon and hire someone better.” On and on, your train of thought goes.
You are not alone, 70% of people have felt this way about themselves at one time or another. Sadly, this feeling tends to cripple us, so we rarely enjoy our accomplishments. For the longest time, I never allowed myself to savour the milestones I crossed at work. In fact, I have botched several interviews because I felt undeserving of the roles.
At work, I would downplay my achievements to show false humility and shrink myself. Other times, I would work too hard and hope my superiors never discovered my incompetence. Caught up in self doubt, I never tracked my growth and progress.
Some Root Causes of Impostor Syndrome
Knowing what triggers impostor syndrome is necessary to address it. The primary causes might vary for different people, but there are certain common factors. A few of these are:
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Family and upbringing
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Education and early experiences
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Workplace dynamics
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Personality traits
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Social conditioning
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Psychological factors
How I Handle Impostor Syndrome at Work (and How You Can Too)
If you are like me and you feel undeserving of the credit you get at work, here are some tips that help me.
I acknowledge how I’m feeling
The first step to solving a problem is accepting that there is a problem. Because this feeling often lingers, I wait until I’m home and able to write out what I’m feeling i.e I feel like a fraud.
I go through notes that highlight my wins
One of the many benefits of journaling for me, is the ability to revisit events of my past. So, I go to my journal pages to read highlighted notes of things I have accomplished so far.
I admit that I am learning, not faking
Life is a journey, my favourite reminder is that we’re all here for the first time. Every step is part of the learning process so accepting both wins and mistakes has become easier for me.
I talk to colleagues I trust
A common trait in my office is that we give accolades to whom accolades are due. When I need external reinforcement, my colleagues hype me up and remind me of my input to the team.
I accept and believe positive feedback
I’ve learnt over time that it’s okay to receive compliments. When I’m credited or praised at work, I say thank you without downplaying myself and move on.
Conclusion
To be honest, the feeling of being an impostor at work is still something I struggle with. Overcoming it is a journey that requires the conscious effort to give myself credit. The pressure to get everything I try at work right the first time is futile. Certain skills demand time and effort to build.
If you struggle with impostor syndrome at work, be kinder to yourself. You don’t need perfection, your consistency and desire to learn would boost your confidence.
