If you’ve ever sat back and wondered why someone thinks so highly of you, you may be suffering from imposter syndrome.
Did you know? Tech industry employees have one of the highest rates of imposter syndrome, with 58% of designers, programmers, analysts, and entrepreneurs experiencing it at one point or another in their careers.
Even with this jarring statistic, knowing how to identify it, nevertheless stop it isn’t exactly common knowledge.
But what really is imposter syndrome? How can we prepare ourselves to conquer this phenomenon and move forward? Let’s talk about it.
Looking for a therapist near me and live in Seattle, Bellevue or anywhere in Washington State? We’ve got you covered!
Defining ‘Imposter Syndrome’:
Imposter syndrome can happen to anyone, anywhere. Even some of the most successful celebrities, such as Tom Hanks, Lady Gaga, and Tina Fey, have all suffered from imposter syndrome at one point in their lives.
High achievers are likely to experience this phenomenon as they tend to put themselves under extreme stress to reach (often) unrealistic goals. In addition, entrepreneurs and small business owners are more prone to feeling imposter syndrome as they rely purely on their self-confidence and skills to succeed.
For many people just starting in the tech industry, imposter syndrome runs deep. As technology is ever-changing by the second, they may feel they’re not as knowledgeable as those around them.
No matter where you work, imposter syndrome can find you. So, now what?
3 Ways To Overcome Imposter Syndrome In The Workplace
Imposter syndrome can hold you back from trying new things, exploring your interests, or succeeding in your career. You may become obsessed with your performance, leading to anxiety and burnout. Knowing how to overcome these debilitating thoughts will empower you to conquer them as soon as they begin to arise.
Educate Yourself
The most effective way to overcome imposter syndrome is to understand it. Know how it works, what might trigger it, and how you may feel when it creeps up behind you. The more you learn about what imposter syndrome is, the less likely you will give in to these self-destructive thinking patterns.
Understand that more success and higher achievements aren’t going to relieve you of your imposter syndrome. You can push yourself to the brink of what you can truly handle effectively to prove your worth.
Educate yourself on the symptoms of imposter syndrome so you can spot them before they lead to further problems:
- Lack of self-confidence
- Feeling inadequate compared to those in your field
- Constant comparison to others
- Anxiety
- Doubting yourself often
- Distrust in your capabilities
- Negative self talk
- Attributing your success to outside forces
Getting a solid foundation of knowledge on imposter syndrome can prevent you from falling into its trap. Sometimes all it takes is acknowledging that these thoughts are there to trick you – nothing more.
Keep Track Of Your Accomplishments
If someone were to ask you about your accomplishments, what would you tell them?
You’d probably rack your brain thinking of all the big things you’ve done in life. But what about all the small steps you took to get there? Those little accomplishments are just as important as the big ones.
Why?
Because you could have given up along the way, and you didn’t.
Those more minor achievements often get overshadowed by the more prominent successes in life. When you look back, you may only feel like you’ve genuinely accomplished 1 or 2 big things. However, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of smaller achievements sprinkled in the midst.
This is why it’s incredibly important to keep track of your accomplishments. One way to do so is to write them down in a designated notebook so when you begin to doubt yourself, you can look back and remind yourself of all you’ve done.
Seek out a therapist in tech or an entrepreneur therapist:
If you feel like your imposter syndrome is holding you back from your highest potential, it may be time to seek professional help. Your career is important, and taking the vital steps you need to succeed can often be part of the process.
If you’re an entrepreneur or tech employee, a therapist in tech can be the key to unlocking a world of freedom. Both of these career fields are high-stress jobs that can take a toll on your mental health if you’re not careful.
Psychotherapy can help you understand the root cause of your imposter syndrome and create a plan of action to help you conquer it both today and in the future.
As you speak with your therapist, you may discover there’s far more below the surface than you initially thought. Often self-criticism and inner doubt come from a place of hurt or fear.
Resources:
- Entrepreneur Therapy
- How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as an Entrepreneur
- How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome in Tech
Lindsey Ferris, MS, LMFTA, Washington State
Talk. Heal. Thrive. therapist Lindsey Ferris is based out of Seattle, Washington working with clients via online imposter syndrome therapy.