"Trevor, I feel like Imposter Syndrome is holding back both my job search and professional success. Is this normal? What can I do about it?”
Absolutely, it’s normal. It's more common that most people think.
Research shows that up to 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives.
For job seekers, it can be especially tough, leading to self-doubt, fear of applying for roles they’re qualified for, over thinking it and even underperformance in interviews.
And it’s not just job seekers. 78% of business leaders have reported experiencing imposter syndrome too.
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
When you start talking about these feelings, you realise just how common they are. It’s not about pretending to be fearless; it’s about acknowledging the fear and taking action anyway.
𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐬, 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧.
Like most people, I’ve had moments where self-doubt creeps in and I feel like I’m not enough.
When that happens, here’s what I do:
- Remind myself of past successes.
I think about the things I’ve achieved that brought me to where I am today. If I’ve succeeded before, there’s no reason I can’t do it again tomorrow, as long as I get myself back into the right mindset.
- Assess the real worst-case scenario.
Often, the “disaster” I imagine is far worse than reality. Taking a moment to step back and consider the real stakes usually puts things in perspective.
- Talk it out.
I share my feelings with people close to me. Their support and reassurance help me see things more clearly.
- Engage in mindfulness.
Pausing, reflecting and grounding myself helps me refocus. It’s a small step that can make a huge difference.
If imposter syndrome is holding you back, here’s how you can start breaking its grip:
- Recognise your achievements. Write down your wins, big or small, and let them remind you of your worth.
- Reframe the narrative. Instead of thinking, “I’m not qualified,” try, “I bring unique skills and experiences to the table.”
- Take the leap. Confidence often follows action. Apply for the job, make the call or go to the interview. You’re capable of far more than you give yourself credit for.
- Talk about it. Whether it’s with a mentor, coach, trusted friend or counsellor, opening up can be transformative and relieving.
𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫: 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐙𝐈𝐍𝐆!
Growth never happens in the comfort zone, but stepping out doesn’t mean leaping, it means taking a small first step. Just enough to get your footing while moving forward.
If you’ve faced imposter syndrome, how have you worked through it? Share your experience below to help both yourself and others. Let's help each other ❤️
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