Grappling Self Doubt
If you are anything like me you have struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self doubt, especially in your work. Sometimes linked to upbringing and social environments, this personality trait is now known as “Imposter Syndrome” and it is something that I know my Mum often struggled with. As a child she would regularly say to me “I’m just waiting for someone to realise that I can’t really do my job”. Even though she was a successful state registered nurse, midwife and theatre sister she always felt that she was not good enough. For me, having the same feeling has had a significant impact on my career, often leading to decisions that have limited my earning potential and job satisfaction.
Whilst looking deeper into how to overcome Imposter Syndrome, I have come to learn that it is a common trait and often talked about by successful entrepreneurs. I am beginning to realise that, for anyone who dreams of running their own business and taking control of their own time and income, it is crucial to recognise if imposter syndrome is at play; to be aware of the relationship that exists between this trait and how it can interfere with the outcomes of anything that you want to accomplish. With that said, I have a passion to find ways of overcoming these feelings so that I can help myself and others to achieve personal and financial freedom without being held back by Imposter Syndrome.
Understanding Impostor Syndrome
Here’s a definition of Imposter Syndrome that I found online and I have heard commonly used: “Impostor syndrome is characterised by persistent feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, and a fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evident success and accomplishments. Individuals experiencing this syndrome often attribute their achievements to luck or external factors rather than their skills and hard work. This mindset can be particularly prevalent in high-achieving professionals, leading them to undervalue their contributions and potential.” (source:)
I remember the first time that I realised that self doubt was holding me back at work. Whilst working as a Manager in a packaging company I would struggle to speak up in meetings and would regularly let other people talk over me or steal the flow of the conversation - not a useful trait as a Manager. I used to find it so frustrating because I would have a really valid point to bring up, or realise a solution to a problem that the group was discussing and a split-second hesitation caused me to miss the opportunity to bring it up. This frustration was often made worse by someone else then making the suggestion that I was about to make. The managing director would regularly send my feelings of self doubt soaring by saying things like, “Ian doesn't say much but he actually does know his stuff”. I thought his intentions were probably well meaning but in fact, he was just feeding my imposter syndrome by pointing out that I was not contributing to the meeting. I worked at that company for 10 years before new owners made all of the management team redundant. This provided another reason for my Imposter Syndrome to become stronger.
The Workplace Environment and Impostor Syndrome
Looking back over my career of over 35 years, I recall many examples of how the culture at work exacerbated Imposter Syndrome. In all but one of my jobs, the work environment was fundamentally grounded on one or more of the following widespread workplace issues:
Lack of Support:
In workplaces where mentorship and support are scarce, we can feel isolated and question our abilities.
Toxic Culture:
Have you ever worked in a place with a culture that promotes constant comparison and criticism? This can feed our feelings of inadequacy, making it difficult for us to recognise our worth. I remember one day at the packaging company, the financial controller lost her temper and launched her laptop across the office like a discus. She was aiming for the Managing Director, she missed and if the sales assistant hadn't ducked she would have been hit squarely in the face. Can you imagine the atmosphere in that office?
Unclear Expectations:
Ambiguity in job roles and expectations can lead to self-doubt, leaving us feeling that we are not meeting unspoken standards.
Limited Recognition:
When hard work goes unnoticed, it can reinforce our feelings of being an impostor, leading us to believe that our contributions are not valuable. My Managing Director would often tell me, or share in group meetings that I was the only applicant for my job. I was never sure if that was true but it did make me feel undervalued and that the company was just making the best of a bad situation by taking me on.
Looking back over my working life I can see that these factors and others have created a cycle of insecurity, pushing me toward temporary or insecure work arrangements as I looked for validation and stability.
The Impact on My Career Choices
For many, me included, Impostor Syndrome can lead to decisions that limit professional growth and earning potential, certainly true for me. We can decide to follow the path of least resistance as I did: accept temporary contracts or insecure jobs due to a fear of failure or a belief that we are not suitable for more permanent roles or we are worn out with years of rejection and simply don't have the emotional energy to go through another run of interviews, only to be rejected again.
This can make us:
Avoid Opportunities: Fear of taking on new challenges or roles that align with our aspirations can lead us to miss opportunities that could make a real difference to us and help fight Imposter Syndrome.
We can stagnate:
Remaining in temporary or insecure positions can hinder our skill development and professional growth, feeding the cycle of self-doubt. During Covid, my work contract was cancelled. It was a real blow to my confidence. I was working in the Aerospace industry in a company with a very supportive and positive culture. I enjoyed working in an environment where I was surrounded by people who were much smarter than me but actually treated me with respect. With the world grinding to a halt and aeroplanes grounded, my project was exposed and ultimately terminated.
I ended up spending most of my savings because I didn't qualify for furlough, according to the government rules. I then followed the path of least resistance and took a zero hour self employed job just to keep busy. Despite it being my worst nightmare, I stuck with it for 18 months - such a waste.
I lied to myself that getting new experience would be a good thing when, in reality, I had lost the confidence to apply for new jobs that would use my skills.
Entrepreneurial Hesitation:
I have dreamed for many years of having my own business. I truly believe that the best way to earn money is when it is not in direct relation to time spent. If you are anything like me, you too will have put off starting your own business due to a lack of confidence in your abilities, opting instead for safer, less fulfilling work. I've been putting things off for over 30 years and this has been a key reason. Not knowing what to do is another. Three years ago now, I happened across one of Mitch's ads where he was showing me how to work out what to do through the Modern Wealthy program. I joined the mailing list for more information and sat on the opportunity for 18 months due to lack of confidence and a long list of other excuses - all in some way linked to my Imposter Syndrome.
Breaking the Cycle:
So How Do We Overcome Imposter Syndrome?
There's good news and bad news. The bad news is there doesn't appear to be a one size fits all solution to banishing Imposter Syndrome for good. Like any fear or psychological trait, if it’s part of you, the chances are it is not going away without work.
The good news is that, like any fear, if you recognise it is there you can empower yourself by finding strategies to live with it and challenge it. Here are some strategies that my research has revealed:
Acknowledge Your Feelings:
Recognising and accepting feelings of impostor syndrome is the first step toward overcoming them. Understand that these feelings are common and do not define your abilities.
Seek Support:
Surround yourself with a supportive network of colleagues, mentors, and friends who can provide encouragement and constructive feedback. Sharing your experiences can help normalise your feelings.
Celebrate Achievements:
Keep a record of your accomplishments, no matter how small. Reflecting on your successes can help reinforce your self-worth and counteract feelings of inadequacy.
Set Realistic Goals:
Break down your aspirations into achievable goals. This can help you build confidence as you accomplish each step, gradually shifting your mindset.
Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity:
Understand that failure is a natural part of growth. Instead of fearing it, view setbacks as valuable lessons that contribute to your development.
Consider Professional Development:
Investing in skills training or professional development can enhance your confidence and competence, making you feel more equipped to pursue your goals.
In Short….
Impostor syndrome can be a significant barrier to achieving personal and professional aspirations, particularly for those who desire to take control of their time and earning potential through entrepreneurship. By understanding the relationship between impostor syndrome and workplace dynamics, individuals can take proactive steps to overcome self-doubt and pursue their dreams with confidence. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and with the right mindset and support, you can break free from the constraints of impostor syndrome and create the fulfilling career, online business or passion venture you desire.