7 Ways of Dealing With Imposter Syndrome at Work

Dealing with imposter syndrome at work is incredibly common. 

When you start to feel like nothing you do is good enough, it may be a sign that you’re dealing with imposter syndrome at work. Some other signs are: when you feel you got lucky to be where you are, you find it hard to accept praise, and you find the fear of failing paralyzing. You also avoid expressing confidence, because you’re worried people will think you’re being obnoxious or overcompensating.

1. Know the signs

When you start to feel like nothing you do is good enough, it may be a sign that you’re starting to deal with imposter syndrome. Some other signs are; when you feel you got “lucky” to get where you are, you find it hard to accept praise, and you find the fear of failing paralyzing. You also avoid expressing confidence, because you’re worried people will think you’re being obnoxious or overcompensating.

2. Know that you’re not alone

You’d be surprised to know that most people actually deal with some sort of imposter syndrome in their life. Even famous figures like Maya Angelou have experienced imposter syndrome. Knowing you’re not alone can help you deal with it better.

3. Let go of perfection

Obviously, this is not that easy for most of us, but try to let go of the perfection you are forcing yourself to achieve. Being a perfectionist can be one of your biggest blocks to productivity. Wanting everything you do to come out perfect the first time you do it will keep you from achieving your goals and dreams.

4. Track your successes

Keep track of every little bit of success you gain. This will help you when you need to reflect back on how far you’ve come and the little things that brought you to where you are today. Tracking your success will be so beneficial when you’re feeling like everything you do isn’t good enough or you’re failing more than succeeding.

5. Talk about it with someone

Sometimes it helps to just talk to someone about it. This could be a professional, like a therapist, or just a friend or loved one in your life. Being able to be vocal about it not only solidifies your thoughts about it but allows you to accept it and move on. When we keep it inside, we live in a state of denial.

6. Reward yourself

A great way to help deal with imposter syndrome when you’re at your worst is to reward yourself for the work you’ve done. It can be big or small, but allow yourself to celebrate your successes.

7. “Fake it till you make it”

This is actually a well-known way to achieve “success” in your life. Sometimes we are held back because we’re waiting for the success and confidence to just come into our lives. When you fake it, it allows you to make it normal in your life. Faking confidence will make you more confident.

Imposter syndrome can be a real hindrance to your success and reaching the goals and dreams you’ve set for yourself. However, these simple ways of better dealing with imposter syndrome at work will allow you to move forward and continue living your life and achieving the things you want.