Imposter Syndrome Is BLOCKING You!

Imposter syndrome is real, and it’s keeping you from getting what you really want.

Now that I have your attention, let me tell you exactly what I mean.

According to the National Institute of Health, imposter syndrome is “a behavioral health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals.” While I agree with this definition, it doesn’t do justice to what imposter syndrome really is or even how it feels.

For me, imposter syndrome feels like a loud voice that repeatedly tells me that I’m inadequate, not enough for the situation or the people involved. It tells me this is a bad idea—whatever this is. Along with it comes a sense of dread and impending doom, and the paralysis is very real—like a big, loud monster charging at you. I feel like I’m locked up and can’t move forward. Do you ever feel that way? Do you ever hear your imposter monster?

My imposter monster rears its ugly head at the most inconvenient times. Imposter monsters can show up when you’re new at a role or job, when you feel different from others in a situation or place, when you’re being newly measured, or even when you have a big life change and suddenly you must change behaviors.

So, what do you do when you’re amid something big and the monster starts jabbering in your ear and the intrusive thoughts arrive? Thoughts like: You are not good enough. You don’t do enough. You are not enough. While I can’t solve this for you in one short blog, I can offer some coping mechanisms so that you’re ready to fight his noise the next time your imposter monster comes around.

Remember who you are

Whenever I say this, I’m immediately transported to The Lion King when the ghost of Mufasa tells Simba to remember who he is. Honestly, it’s good advice. You should pause and remember who you are, regularly. What that means is to stop and catalog the things you have done. Try whatever method works for you. Maybe it’s writing in a journal, keeping a recognition folder with your thank you cards for a job well done, updating your resume, reviewing your LinkedIn celebration posts, or even thinking through your life and career and making a list of the things you’re most proud of—whatever you have to do to remember who you are. Because when you have this data—the facts of what you have done and done well—your imposter monster’s argument falls apart. When he says, “You aren’t qualified,” you can say, “Actually I’m very qualified because of XYZ.” Remembering who you are and what you have accomplished will go far to turn down the volume of that monster’s voice.

Say “thank you”

Being polite is important, but that’s not what I mean. Think about the last time you did something really well—maybe it was a presentation, a report, or some task that you showed up and made happen. Undoubtedly, someone said something to you like, “That was awesome! You did such an amazing job!” And then how did you respond? “Oh, it was nothing!” “Total team effort” “It was fun! No problem.” When you do that, you smack the compliment away from yourself; you don’t receive the praise or the recognition. In fact, you dismiss it. Instead, when you get that compliment or praise, just say “thank you.” Then, you can receive the compliment and internalize the praise, as you should! Saying “thank you” helps you to believe that you did an amazing job! Because you did.

Talk about it with someone you trust to tell you the truth

Seventy percent of people will experience imposter syndrome in their lifetime, so there is a good chance someone you know is also suffering from it right now. Find a few folks that you know will tell you the truth and talk to them about how you’re feeling. Get their insight, ask them to help you remember who you are, and don’t forget to thank them when they remind you that you’re amazing.

Wanna learn more about your imposter monster? Stop by my session, Imposter Syndrome Steals Talent—Spot It and Stop It!, at ATD 2025 in the Career Center to learn more about imposter syndrome, how to help others with it, and how to tame your imposter monster.