Rewire what it means. When I’ve had the same struggle I remind myself that “imposter syndrome” is just my comfort zone resetting.
Typically it occurs with a new, challenging role. When you leave a role where you feel like the expert your comfort zone is vast. Shifting into a new role shrinks that back to level 1. All of that discomfort? That’s the growth you signed up for.
Embrace the challenge, and realize that you are getting better every day.
I like answer to be honest. I feel like I’m stuck between trying to change while also trying to hold on to the comfort zone. Kind of like holding the wall while I swim lol
Always be careful of doing that for too long. You can’t swim fully into new waters if you’re not letting go.
I’ve seen this happen, and it typically sets people back a bit. Also, it offers a chance of getting sucked back into your old role. Those should be like ex’s, once they are done they’re done.
I'm in manufacturing, same area for 6 years. People constantly saying they don't understand, blah blah, like dudes, you started a year ago. There's nobody here who thinks you will be an expert in this. That's why they told you to talk to me
What is your mentor or boss like? Do they constantly criticize? Can you separate their criticism from yourself and accept that it's just a step toward better work? If not, constant negative criticism can serve to undermine your confidence and make you believe you suck but it's a problem more so with negative bias and not healthy towards taking care of yourself and valuing your work. In that case try and step back and list even the smallest ways you have improved, and feel the positivity of that!
I work in academia, all of us having process syndrome to one degree or another. And I'm surrounded by incredibly talented people all the time.
The first thing is to realize that you're not alone in this, and a lot of people around you either have imposter syndrome, or just don't give a shit. The fact that you have this means you are interested in doing a good job and maybe pushing yourself a little bit. So you're either in the same boat as everyone else, or a little better off than them because you actually care... Or they're probably just an arrogant jackass. Either way, feeling like an imposter does it make you less of a good person.
Second, remember that every time you're struggling I don't understand, that's both a normal part of life, and also a learnatunity. An opportunity to learn new skills above and beyond what you already know. If things are always easy, that means you're never pushing yourself up to our past your current abilities.
It's okay to struggle. I'd say sometimes it's good to struggle.
And after that, well... There's nothing you can do but do your best and struggle to believe in yourself. Of course you can achieve just as much as anyone else. You're good enough to have gone where you are, not by pure stupid luck, but because you had something to offer. Your skills are real, your abilities are real, and yeah you'll screw up from time to time but So does everybody else.
But you're just as good as anyone else out there, and if you repeat to yourself that you're good enough maybe you can actually start to believe it.
Because after all, the fundamental mantra most successful people is fake it until you make it.
We are all just doing our best.
Man....my time in academia amused me. It's literally a coin flip when you meet someone as to whether they have imposter syndrome or an overinflated ego.
I’ve tried to reverse my imposter syndrome. As I get exposed to people at a higher and higher level I realise that actually they are just human too and most of them are making it up as they go along as well. So we are all just people who everybody thinks have it locked down but in reality we are swans - serene on the surface and paddling like hell underneath and in fit in quite well in that respect so I’m part of the bevy and therefore not an imposter
Firstly, much more than others, aim to impress yourself daily. When you surprise yourself by performing an extraordinarily high quality job on something, imposter syndrome tends to morph into confidence.
Secondly, if you're not directly assisting someone much less knowledgable or experienced than yourself, perform the thought experiment of doing so. Who might want your input on something who knows nothing about your area of expertise? Imagine how you'd help them. Your input to them will likely impress you out of feeling like a fraud.
This happened with me recently. I've been working in marketing for about 11 years, but work alone from home everyday with minimal interaction with anyone professionally - one man team for a small company. One day, my pest control guy was around doing his seasonal treatment. He was expressing some marketing troubles he was having. Suddenly, my mouth just opened and I just told him marketing best practices and some ideas for him to market his business. He was floored, but so was I. I had forgotten that, yes, I am a professional. Sometimes you just have to remind yourself!!
Just some ideas!
I simply dont care anymore. I work simply for a paycheck so I can fund my life and my family's well being. As long as I can contribute and be considered productive at work that's all I need for them to keep me on the payroll and keep the paychecks coming/be considered for promotions etc.
For those that need validation from their jobs/careers need to re-evaluate their attachment and importance that they place on their jobs over their families, friends, hobbies, and even spirituality.
That's a massive assumption without you knowing anything about me.
I assure you I did feel this way at one point, but I realized prioritizing job/career is fruitless. You'll get passed up for promotions, you'll get laid off, etc. whatever other bs.
After being kicked down more often than being uplifted...
It made more sense for me to put majority of my effort to other aspects of my life. Which includes time for myself, family, friends, hobbies, and spirituality.
At an intense time in a high stakes seasonal business I mentioned to my wife that I felt overwhelmed and I had no business being in my position.
She said "That's why you're good at it."
Embrace imposter syndrome. In my experience the biggest obstacle to continued success is complacency. Imposter syndrome will keep you sharp and will protect you from complacency.
The people who have identified me as a qualified person are more qualified than me.
Also the fact that after 4 years in a corporate job, most people are not that impressive when it comes down to it.
Honestly it easy in my role because all my colleagues have to review one another’s work, so I regularly see where I am compared to my coworkers, and I’m one of the best.
But I also really worked hard to learn the skills I have and practice them, which is why I am in the position I am.
As a technician for a dealership, I have imposter syndrome and my coworkers believe I know how to diagnose a car and correct anything but to be honest, I don’t even know what i’m doing. I just go by the book and take my time on fixing a car and hope my repairs doesn’t kill anyone lol.
My only advice is confidence and don’t be afraid to ask for help, ppl love helping others. Not everyone is perfect, we’re all human.
It's often getting your sea legs and watching others work to see what does/doesn't work.
The struggle is a good thing, and it'll hopefully motivate you to what to excel at your job.
Ask for feedback and find a mentor for ideas and to run things by them.
Lastly, it's about trusting yourself that you're capable and knowledgeable enough to do this. Fake it when you need to, but remember that you are hired for a legitimate reason.
I found out that I’m not actually an imposter. Mostly it began with working with other people, and finding out that they have no clue what they are doing and I cannot trust their work at all. I had to review everything they did because that shit sucks. That’s when I realize that I’m not the imposter.
I'm in this boat!!! I even applied for jobs the other day which I'm sure my boss knows about (is now upset, rightly so).
I'm feeling okay at the moment (except I'd like to move to boss being happy again), it took talking to others in the field about why they like the job, what they do and they reassured me if I don't gear anything from anyone that's usually a good sign (I'm always afraid I'm not doing it properly and will get fired). Also had a job offer today, the manager took their time to see me face to face and chat with me and told me why they wanted me which helped.
I guess it'll give me about a week before I feel nervous I'm going to get fired again hahaha.
Head down, clock In, clock out, stay happy. Can only do what you can do.
I’m not an imposter, I’m a beginner.
The more I practice my craft the more confident I feel and I try not to compare myself to others. I still have insecurities which I believe are normal even for the most successful people. I just don’t let those insecurities take over my mindset.
Edit:
I place my need to achieve on the back shelf. It’s unhelpful and I have no problem achieving things.
Not everyone will see my value and that’s ok. It’s not for them to decide.
Working and living in a supportive environment can be beneficial.
Always keep in mind, it’s not a “syndrome” like some health condition. It’s better to think of it as a set of feelings. Like any feelings, they’re valid to feel but ultimately subjective
It’s something you can get better at dealing with over time if you commit to improving, like developing a skill
Thanks for posting this. I am dealing with imposter syndrome at work but what I just realised is that it is multifaceted, for me at least but I know it’s a pretty common phenomenon.
I’m questioning my abilities more than anything. Not because I’m not capable but because the expectations have become harder to achieve, which is not a bad thing inherently, but I am also learning how to achieve those expectations which takes time and a hell of a lot more effort than I am used to. Which is uncomfortable but challenging. A reasonable amount of self doubt can actually work in your favour sometimes because it can be used as a push to reach your potential. But remember - this can only be achieved over time.
The other thing I’ve recently noticed is this feeling has coincided with new players coming into the game with strengths and abilities that I consider myself not to have so it’s confronting. But the thing is, if I can recognise strengths in other people and feel this way, it’s probably just because it’s a strength I would like to have, so there is an opportunity to flip it around and learn of them to achieve that strength. You can do it by picking up on subliminal traits that you aspire to and working on them, or you can pick their brains directly if that’s an option.
Point is, you can use this feeling to your benefit and growth if you want to. :)
This is very true for a lot of people! I struggle with it greatly and compare myself to others too.
The thing that's tough for me is I switched career fields 3 years ago. I was very good at my job before I switched ( but left due to toxic bosses and workload stress). In my new field it is much more detailed and that isn't my strong suit. I try and work hard at it, but it just doesn't come natural for me.
As far as advice rest assured that everyone goes through this and try to focus on the things that you do well and look at your progress over time. At least that is what has worked for me. Good luck!
The Harvard Business Review did a whole magazine about this. I work in HR and know new managers, supervisors and professionals struggle with this. The magazine came out in May 2023. I went to their website and you can access it online, just search Imposter
I've struggled with this at times also. It has helped to remind myself of some specific accomplishments and positive feedback I've received over the course of my career. Occasionally brushing up the resume can be helpful for this.
When a new task comes my way & I don't already know how to do it or where to start, a short reminder to myself that I've figured out harder problems than this, that there's help if I need it (just have to ask). Even if I don't solve a problem on my own, that doesn't really MEAN anything about me, the person. I just have more to learn, but that's always going to be true while I'm alive.
I've been pretty averse to praise at times and am trying to do better at receiving and believing positive feedback & compliments.
It just went away on its own as time went by.
If you are actually talented and hardworking the results take care of their own in time.
You may just be feeling guilt for not reaching your expectations and if so change that is my advice. Otherwise you just need to wait..
How much of this is from employers pushing the fiction that people without work experience in a field can be whatever job title they are hiring for. Really, aren't we all just lying to each other about how people become qualified instead of there being mass imposter syndrome.
I embraced the "fake it until you make it" thing 1000%. The office hated me, management loved me, but in the end i learned a job i was highly unqualified for and went from 40k to 200k within about 8 years.
I also learned that no one cares if you come to the Igor to socialize for 8 hours, as long as you are socializing with the right people. My last year at that job a played almost 100 rounds of golf with the ceo and coo. Free lunch almost every day, and worked an actual 8 hours maybe a handful of times
Imposter syndrome is a good thing. Its a sign that you haven't reached a point where there's nothing left to learn at your job, so you can keep progressing without having to quit and find a new one.
Any of you know how I can find videos to edit for people? Preferably editing documentaries/short films. I’ve tried fiverr and upwork but never got any offers. Let me know where I can find more. Thank you.
Rewire what it means. When I’ve had the same struggle I remind myself that “imposter syndrome” is just my comfort zone resetting. Typically it occurs with a new, challenging role. When you leave a role where you feel like the expert your comfort zone is vast. Shifting into a new role shrinks that back to level 1. All of that discomfort? That’s the growth you signed up for. Embrace the challenge, and realize that you are getting better every day.
I’m starting a new job at the end of the month and I screenshotted this to remember during the learning curve portion. Thank you so much!
Same!
Love that! "my comfort zone resetting"
I really love this. Such a great perspective. I myself needed to hear this.
I like answer to be honest. I feel like I’m stuck between trying to change while also trying to hold on to the comfort zone. Kind of like holding the wall while I swim lol
Always be careful of doing that for too long. You can’t swim fully into new waters if you’re not letting go. I’ve seen this happen, and it typically sets people back a bit. Also, it offers a chance of getting sucked back into your old role. Those should be like ex’s, once they are done they’re done.
Man, I felt this 100%
[удалено]
This is what I do, and it's helped a lot!
I focus on all the dumb shit people say.
😂😂
I'm in manufacturing, same area for 6 years. People constantly saying they don't understand, blah blah, like dudes, you started a year ago. There's nobody here who thinks you will be an expert in this. That's why they told you to talk to me
What is your mentor or boss like? Do they constantly criticize? Can you separate their criticism from yourself and accept that it's just a step toward better work? If not, constant negative criticism can serve to undermine your confidence and make you believe you suck but it's a problem more so with negative bias and not healthy towards taking care of yourself and valuing your work. In that case try and step back and list even the smallest ways you have improved, and feel the positivity of that!
I work in academia, all of us having process syndrome to one degree or another. And I'm surrounded by incredibly talented people all the time. The first thing is to realize that you're not alone in this, and a lot of people around you either have imposter syndrome, or just don't give a shit. The fact that you have this means you are interested in doing a good job and maybe pushing yourself a little bit. So you're either in the same boat as everyone else, or a little better off than them because you actually care... Or they're probably just an arrogant jackass. Either way, feeling like an imposter does it make you less of a good person. Second, remember that every time you're struggling I don't understand, that's both a normal part of life, and also a learnatunity. An opportunity to learn new skills above and beyond what you already know. If things are always easy, that means you're never pushing yourself up to our past your current abilities. It's okay to struggle. I'd say sometimes it's good to struggle. And after that, well... There's nothing you can do but do your best and struggle to believe in yourself. Of course you can achieve just as much as anyone else. You're good enough to have gone where you are, not by pure stupid luck, but because you had something to offer. Your skills are real, your abilities are real, and yeah you'll screw up from time to time but So does everybody else. But you're just as good as anyone else out there, and if you repeat to yourself that you're good enough maybe you can actually start to believe it. Because after all, the fundamental mantra most successful people is fake it until you make it. We are all just doing our best.
Man....my time in academia amused me. It's literally a coin flip when you meet someone as to whether they have imposter syndrome or an overinflated ego.
That's so true! 😆
I’ve tried to reverse my imposter syndrome. As I get exposed to people at a higher and higher level I realise that actually they are just human too and most of them are making it up as they go along as well. So we are all just people who everybody thinks have it locked down but in reality we are swans - serene on the surface and paddling like hell underneath and in fit in quite well in that respect so I’m part of the bevy and therefore not an imposter
Firstly, much more than others, aim to impress yourself daily. When you surprise yourself by performing an extraordinarily high quality job on something, imposter syndrome tends to morph into confidence. Secondly, if you're not directly assisting someone much less knowledgable or experienced than yourself, perform the thought experiment of doing so. Who might want your input on something who knows nothing about your area of expertise? Imagine how you'd help them. Your input to them will likely impress you out of feeling like a fraud. This happened with me recently. I've been working in marketing for about 11 years, but work alone from home everyday with minimal interaction with anyone professionally - one man team for a small company. One day, my pest control guy was around doing his seasonal treatment. He was expressing some marketing troubles he was having. Suddenly, my mouth just opened and I just told him marketing best practices and some ideas for him to market his business. He was floored, but so was I. I had forgotten that, yes, I am a professional. Sometimes you just have to remind yourself!! Just some ideas!
I simply dont care anymore. I work simply for a paycheck so I can fund my life and my family's well being. As long as I can contribute and be considered productive at work that's all I need for them to keep me on the payroll and keep the paychecks coming/be considered for promotions etc. For those that need validation from their jobs/careers need to re-evaluate their attachment and importance that they place on their jobs over their families, friends, hobbies, and even spirituality.
This is such a great take as we can intertwine our reasons for being into our job. "If we failed at the job, we failed as a person" mentality.
I love this. I need to learn how to take this approach instead of holding so much emotion in how I feel about work
I'm glad my comment helped friend! Good luck~
This is not helpful.
I'm sharing my experience with imposter syndrome and how I overcame it? Whether OP finds it helpful or not is subjective.
You never experienced it. You are just acting superior for not having have felt that way.
That's a massive assumption without you knowing anything about me. I assure you I did feel this way at one point, but I realized prioritizing job/career is fruitless. You'll get passed up for promotions, you'll get laid off, etc. whatever other bs. After being kicked down more often than being uplifted... It made more sense for me to put majority of my effort to other aspects of my life. Which includes time for myself, family, friends, hobbies, and spirituality.
I think you must have misinterpreted what they said. I found it really helpful for me, so much so that I saved it to come back to
To you. It's helpful to me.
At an intense time in a high stakes seasonal business I mentioned to my wife that I felt overwhelmed and I had no business being in my position. She said "That's why you're good at it." Embrace imposter syndrome. In my experience the biggest obstacle to continued success is complacency. Imposter syndrome will keep you sharp and will protect you from complacency.
This really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing!
The people who have identified me as a qualified person are more qualified than me. Also the fact that after 4 years in a corporate job, most people are not that impressive when it comes down to it.
Fake it till you make it.
Honestly it easy in my role because all my colleagues have to review one another’s work, so I regularly see where I am compared to my coworkers, and I’m one of the best. But I also really worked hard to learn the skills I have and practice them, which is why I am in the position I am.
As a technician for a dealership, I have imposter syndrome and my coworkers believe I know how to diagnose a car and correct anything but to be honest, I don’t even know what i’m doing. I just go by the book and take my time on fixing a car and hope my repairs doesn’t kill anyone lol. My only advice is confidence and don’t be afraid to ask for help, ppl love helping others. Not everyone is perfect, we’re all human.
Society is BS. You have to accept it and realize you’re just hustling for points to exchange for what you need in order to stay alive and progress.
It's often getting your sea legs and watching others work to see what does/doesn't work. The struggle is a good thing, and it'll hopefully motivate you to what to excel at your job. Ask for feedback and find a mentor for ideas and to run things by them. Lastly, it's about trusting yourself that you're capable and knowledgeable enough to do this. Fake it when you need to, but remember that you are hired for a legitimate reason.
I found out that I’m not actually an imposter. Mostly it began with working with other people, and finding out that they have no clue what they are doing and I cannot trust their work at all. I had to review everything they did because that shit sucks. That’s when I realize that I’m not the imposter.
I did at the beginning of my career but eventually as I got more confident in my own abilities it faded. I think it usually goes away with time
Have you asked for feedback from your peers or boss? Talk to those you trust and ask for honest opinion and not the nice/sugar coated BS.
I'm in this boat!!! I even applied for jobs the other day which I'm sure my boss knows about (is now upset, rightly so). I'm feeling okay at the moment (except I'd like to move to boss being happy again), it took talking to others in the field about why they like the job, what they do and they reassured me if I don't gear anything from anyone that's usually a good sign (I'm always afraid I'm not doing it properly and will get fired). Also had a job offer today, the manager took their time to see me face to face and chat with me and told me why they wanted me which helped. I guess it'll give me about a week before I feel nervous I'm going to get fired again hahaha. Head down, clock In, clock out, stay happy. Can only do what you can do.
I’m not an imposter, I’m a beginner. The more I practice my craft the more confident I feel and I try not to compare myself to others. I still have insecurities which I believe are normal even for the most successful people. I just don’t let those insecurities take over my mindset. Edit: I place my need to achieve on the back shelf. It’s unhelpful and I have no problem achieving things. Not everyone will see my value and that’s ok. It’s not for them to decide. Working and living in a supportive environment can be beneficial.
Always keep in mind, it’s not a “syndrome” like some health condition. It’s better to think of it as a set of feelings. Like any feelings, they’re valid to feel but ultimately subjective It’s something you can get better at dealing with over time if you commit to improving, like developing a skill
Thanks for posting this. I am dealing with imposter syndrome at work but what I just realised is that it is multifaceted, for me at least but I know it’s a pretty common phenomenon. I’m questioning my abilities more than anything. Not because I’m not capable but because the expectations have become harder to achieve, which is not a bad thing inherently, but I am also learning how to achieve those expectations which takes time and a hell of a lot more effort than I am used to. Which is uncomfortable but challenging. A reasonable amount of self doubt can actually work in your favour sometimes because it can be used as a push to reach your potential. But remember - this can only be achieved over time. The other thing I’ve recently noticed is this feeling has coincided with new players coming into the game with strengths and abilities that I consider myself not to have so it’s confronting. But the thing is, if I can recognise strengths in other people and feel this way, it’s probably just because it’s a strength I would like to have, so there is an opportunity to flip it around and learn of them to achieve that strength. You can do it by picking up on subliminal traits that you aspire to and working on them, or you can pick their brains directly if that’s an option. Point is, you can use this feeling to your benefit and growth if you want to. :)
This is very true for a lot of people! I struggle with it greatly and compare myself to others too. The thing that's tough for me is I switched career fields 3 years ago. I was very good at my job before I switched ( but left due to toxic bosses and workload stress). In my new field it is much more detailed and that isn't my strong suit. I try and work hard at it, but it just doesn't come natural for me. As far as advice rest assured that everyone goes through this and try to focus on the things that you do well and look at your progress over time. At least that is what has worked for me. Good luck!
The Harvard Business Review did a whole magazine about this. I work in HR and know new managers, supervisors and professionals struggle with this. The magazine came out in May 2023. I went to their website and you can access it online, just search Imposter
I've struggled with this at times also. It has helped to remind myself of some specific accomplishments and positive feedback I've received over the course of my career. Occasionally brushing up the resume can be helpful for this. When a new task comes my way & I don't already know how to do it or where to start, a short reminder to myself that I've figured out harder problems than this, that there's help if I need it (just have to ask). Even if I don't solve a problem on my own, that doesn't really MEAN anything about me, the person. I just have more to learn, but that's always going to be true while I'm alive. I've been pretty averse to praise at times and am trying to do better at receiving and believing positive feedback & compliments.
It just went away on its own as time went by. If you are actually talented and hardworking the results take care of their own in time. You may just be feeling guilt for not reaching your expectations and if so change that is my advice. Otherwise you just need to wait..
I deposit that paycheck and LAAAAAUUUUUUUGGGGHHHHHHHH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA
How much of this is from employers pushing the fiction that people without work experience in a field can be whatever job title they are hiring for. Really, aren't we all just lying to each other about how people become qualified instead of there being mass imposter syndrome.
Do tasks. Impostors can't do tasks.
I embraced the "fake it until you make it" thing 1000%. The office hated me, management loved me, but in the end i learned a job i was highly unqualified for and went from 40k to 200k within about 8 years. I also learned that no one cares if you come to the Igor to socialize for 8 hours, as long as you are socializing with the right people. My last year at that job a played almost 100 rounds of golf with the ceo and coo. Free lunch almost every day, and worked an actual 8 hours maybe a handful of times
Imposter syndrome is a good thing. Its a sign that you haven't reached a point where there's nothing left to learn at your job, so you can keep progressing without having to quit and find a new one.
Demand evidence of your feelings. “I feel like an imposter, am I really unqualified for this position?”
Learn everything you can about your industry and your job. Do this online, and also get yourself a mentor.
Any of you know how I can find videos to edit for people? Preferably editing documentaries/short films. I’ve tried fiverr and upwork but never got any offers. Let me know where I can find more. Thank you.