By Faatima Khan | Photo by Hillary Schave
“Why did they choose me? Maybe it was a mistake? Ugh, I have so much to prove. Am I good enough? They must think so … right?” Welcome to my daily thoughts at work — a constant undercurrent of self-doubt and anxiety. As a leader in my 30s, despite my achievements and the trust placed in me by my colleagues, I too struggle with imposter syndrome! In a world of key performance indicators and LinkedIn humblebrag posts, it’s easy to fall into the habit of comparing ourselves to others — then feeling like we’ve come up short.
So, how do we knock it off? Sadly, there’s no quick fix. However, I’ll share what I’ve learned.
Recognize It
How often do we find ourselves entering new situations — be it a project or team — where we adapt our conversation style or persona based on social contexts or the environment? This is called code-switching. By managing others’ perceptions, we show up inauthentically, and it’s not all our fault. Systems are not always built for us. While imposter syndrome traditionally focuses on individual self-doubt, broader systemic issues like racism and classism also play a role. For example, many workplaces prioritize extroverted communication styles, leaving introverts feeling the need
to adapt to be heard. This constant code-switching can be exhausting. Recognizing you are not alone and that systems may be working against you is step one.
Reimagine It
Feeling like an imposter often stems from caring deeply about your work. If you didn’t care, there would be no fear of failure. Imposter syndrome thrives on the belief that we’re not enough. While seen as negative, it can be the fuel that drives us. Let it motivate you, not consume you. For example, imagine being assigned a challenging project aimed at improving the lives of the people you serve. Instead of seeing hesitation and self-doubt as signs of inadequacy, view them as your strong commitment to driving transformational change.
Reclaim It
You’re making a difference, and you’ve got data to prove it. You didn’t just get lucky; you’ve worked hard for your success. Take time each month to create an “impact summary,” documenting completed projects, accomplishments and positive feedback while focusing on quantifiable results. Regularly reminding yourself of your achievements helps retrain your brain to combat self-doubt with concrete evidence. We often credit colleagues or external factors for success. Instead, reclaim your achievements — you’ve earned them.
By recognizing, reimagining and reclaiming our experiences, we can start to rewire our brain to shift our perspective on imposter syndrome. Doing this work is a journey, so celebrate your progress, hold yourself accountable and strive for authenticity and self-acceptance.
Read more from our September/October 2024 cover story “Success Stories” here.
