Nine times out of ten, our clients tell us they’re their own biggest obstacle when it comes to making a career change, especially when it comes to taking the risks needed to go after the job they really want. One common reason is Imposter Syndrome: the persistent feeling that your success is undeserved or that you’re somehow “faking it.”
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome is a psychological pattern where people struggle to internalize their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a fraud. The term was first introduced in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, who initially observed it among high-achieving women. Now we know it affects people of all genders and professional backgrounds.
Recent research shows that as many as 70% of professionals experience Imposter Syndrome at some point in their careers. Left unchecked, these feelings can limit your growth, self-confidence, and willingness to pursue new opportunities.
How Imposter Syndrome Can Affect Your Career
Imposter Syndrome has a way of quietly holding people back. It doesn’t always show up as obvious self-doubt, sometimes it’s more subtle. You might:
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Turn down a promotion or stretch assignment
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Chalk up your success to luck instead of skill
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Downplay your achievements in interviews or networking conversations
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Shy away from self-promotion or leadership roles
When you minimize your own strengths, you send the message — to yourself and others — that you’re not as capable as you really are. Over time, that can slow your career progress and take a toll on your confidence.
Three Ways to Move Past Imposter Syndrome
1. Acknowledge It and Normalize It
Even the most successful professionals feel like imposters sometimes. Knowing that it’s common — and not a reflection of your actual ability — makes it easier to manage.
Try this: Talk with a mentor, colleague, or friend you admire about their career path. Ask if they’ve ever felt like a fraud and how they worked through it. Chances are, they’ll say yes, and you’ll realize you’re not alone.
2. Watch How You Talk About Your Work
Pay attention to the small words that minimize your impact, things like “just,” “only,” or “I was lucky.” Those phrases may feel harmless, but they subtly undercut your credibility.
Try this: Ask a trusted coworker or friend to point out when you’re downplaying your accomplishments. Then practice restating what you did with facts and specifics. For example: “I led that project that saved the team 10 hours a week,” instead of “I just helped out.”
3. Keep a Record of Your Wins
When self-doubt creeps in, having tangible proof of your successes can make a big difference.
Try this: Create an “accomplishments document.” Write down everything from big achievements to small moments you’re proud of: a kind email from a client, a project that went well, or positive feedback from your manager. Review it when you need a reminder of what you bring to the table.
More Ways to Build Confidence
Reframe your thoughts: When you catch yourself thinking, “I don’t deserve this,” try replacing it with, “I’ve worked hard for this opportunity and I’m ready for it.”
Find support: A mentor or career coach can help you see your strengths more clearly and challenge negative thinking patterns.
Track your growth: Once a week, write down one success, one challenge, and one thing you learned. Over time, you’ll start to see how much progress you’re really making.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome takes time and practice. Focus on one small change at a time, and be patient with yourself as you build confidence. As your perspective shifts, you’ll find it easier to own your accomplishments, speak up about your value, and take the next step forward in your career.
Need more support? Join our $25/month coaching group.