Have you ever received a promotion or a compliment, only to have a nagging voice in your head say, “I just got lucky, I don’t really deserve this”? Do you live in constant fear of being “found out” as unqualified, despite evidence of your competence? If so, you’re not alone. You’re likely experiencing imposter syndrome.
This persistent feeling of self-doubt and intellectual fraudulence is surprisingly common, affecting everyone from CEOs to award-winning artists. It’s a significant barrier that can prevent you from recognizing your own achievements and actively creating your own good fortune (a topic we explored in our post on the “The Science of Luck.”.
The good news is that you can overcome imposter syndrome. It starts with understanding what it is and then taking conscious, practical steps to challenge it.
What Exactly Is Imposter Syndrome?
First identified by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in the 1970s, imposter syndrome is not a mental disorder but a psychological pattern. It’s the internal experience of feeling like a phony in some area of your life, despite any success you may have achieved.
People experiencing it often believe their accomplishments are due to luck, timing, or tricking others into thinking they are more intelligent and competent than they believe themselves to be. This feeling can lead to anxiety, stress, and a reluctance to pursue new opportunities.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome: A 5-Step Guide
Overcoming this pattern is a practice, not a one-time fix. Here are five effective strategies to start reclaiming your confidence.
1. Acknowledge and Name Your Feelings
The first step is simply to recognize the feeling when it appears and name it: “This is imposter syndrome talking.” By labeling the thought, you separate it from your identity. It’s not a fact that you are an imposter; it’s a feeling you are experiencing. This small act of mindfulness creates distance and takes away the thought’s power.
2. Reframe Your Thoughts and Collect Evidence
Your brain is lying to you, so you need to present it with cold, hard facts. Challenge the negative self-talk. When you think, “I was just lucky,” counter it by asking, “What actual skills and effort did I put into this?”
Actionable Tip: Start a “Success File” or an “Evidence Log.” Every time you receive a compliment, complete a difficult project, or learn a new skill, write it down. When feelings of imposter syndrome creep in, read your log. It’s hard to argue with a growing list of your own accomplishments.
3. Share Your Feelings with Others
Imposter syndrome thrives in silence and isolation. You feel like you’re the only one, which reinforces the feeling of being a fraud. Break the cycle by talking to a trusted friend, mentor, or colleague. You will be shocked at how many successful people you admire respond with, “I feel that way all the time!” Knowing you’re not alone instantly normalizes the experience and cuts it down to size.
4. Stop Comparing, Start Focusing on Your Own Path
In the age of social media, we are constantly comparing our behind-the-scenes struggles with everyone else’s highlight reels. This is a recipe for feeling inadequate. Remind yourself that you are on your own unique journey.
Actionable Tip: When you find yourself scrolling and comparing, consciously stop. Instead, focus on your own progress. Ask yourself, “Am I better or more knowledgeable today than I was a year ago?” The only comparison that matters is with your past self.
5. Embrace “Good Enough” and Let Go of Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a core driver of imposter syndrome. The fear of not doing something perfectly can lead to procrastination or an unwillingness to even start. It’s better to complete a task at 85% quality than to be paralyzed by the impossible goal of 100%. Give yourself permission to be a work in progress.
You Belong Here
Overcoming imposter syndrome is about learning to internalize your successes. It’s a journey of replacing a habit of self-doubt with a habit of self-compassion and realistic self-assessment.
You are not an imposter. Your accomplishments are real. You earned your spot at the table. By internalizing this truth, you free yourself to pursue new challenges and truly own the good fortune you create.