What to Do When Imposter Syndrome Strikes in Your Career:
Shifting Perceptions | Amority Health
By: Rachel Cooper, MS, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Amber Quaranta Leech, PHD, LPC-S
For: Amority Health - Blog - Shifting Perceptions
Introduction:
Have you ever achieved something significant in your career, only to feel like you don’t truly deserve it? If you’re struggling with feelings of self-doubt, you may be experiencing Imposter Syndrome, a common challenge among high achievers and professionals.
Some successful individuals can feel like they’re “faking it,” often attributing their achievements to luck instead of their skills and hard work. In this post, we’ll explore what Imposter Syndrome is, its risks, and how you can shift your perception to embrace your success with confidence.
If you're also experiencing burnout or high-functioning anxiety, these conditions often go hand-in-hand with Imposter Syndrome. Learn more about our services for burnout.
What Is Imposter Syndrome and How It Affects High Achievers
Imposter Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals, especially high achievers, feel like they don't deserve their success, often attributing it to external factors like luck rather than their abilities. These feelings can lead to chronic self-doubt, stress, and an ongoing fear of being exposed as a "fraud" (Clance & Imes, 1978). Many people dismiss these feelings as a byproduct of ambition, but when they persist, they can undermine self-confidence and impact your career growth.
While Imposter Syndrome is commonly experienced by high achievers, it is not exclusive to them. It can manifest in many areas, including academics, workplace success, and personal life. By understanding this condition, you can start to take steps toward overcoming it and begin embracing your achievements.
The Link Between High Achievement and Imposter Syndrome: Benefits and Challenges
As a high achiever, you may set incredibly high standards for yourself, pushing yourself to be the best in your field. This drive often leads to impressive accomplishments. However, the very traits that contribute to your success, such as perfectionism, can also contribute to the onset of Imposter Syndrome.
Benefits:
- Drive and Motivation: A desire to be the best often propels individuals to perform at their highest level.
- Continuous Improvement: High achievers are often driven to evolve and grow, leading to personal and professional development.
Challenges:
- Chronic Self-Doubt: Constantly questioning your worth can lead to stress and burnout.
- Fear of Failure: High achievers may avoid opportunities for growth out of fear of being exposed as an "imposter."
- Perfectionism: An overwhelming desire for perfection can prevent individuals from embracing their achievements.
While these challenges can be daunting, they are not insurmountable. With the right tools and support, you can shift your mindset and embrace your success.
The Risks of Imposter Syndrome: How It Impacts Mental Health and Career Growth
While Imposter Syndrome can fuel ambition in the short term, it can also have significant negative effects on mental health and career progression if left unchecked. Here are some of the risks associated with persistent Imposter Syndrome:
- Burnout: The pressure of constantly feeling like you're "faking it" can lead to emotional exhaustion. This is especially true for high achievers who often take on more than they can handle. Research shows that prolonged burnout can affect both physical and mental well-being (Maslach & Leiter, 2016).
- Anxiety and Stress: The constant fear of being "found out" can cause anxiety and exacerbate stress. It can also make even small tasks feel overwhelming.
- Missed Opportunities: Individuals with Imposter Syndrome may avoid promotions or new projects out of fear, limiting their career growth.
- Impaired Self-Confidence: As self-doubt erodes confidence, it becomes difficult to recognize your strengths and talents, leading to a cycle of insecurity.
🌷 How to Shift From Imposter Syndrome to a Healthier Self-Perception
To overcome Imposter Syndrome, you must shift your perception of success and begin to see yourself as deserving of the accomplishments you’ve earned. Here are practical steps you can start today:
- Acknowledge Your Achievements: Take time to reflect on your accomplishments and recognize the hard work, skill, and effort behind them. High achievers often minimize their success, so it’s essential to celebrate the journey that got you there. For example, instead of thinking, “I got lucky,” try reframing it to, “I worked hard to get here.”
- Challenge Negative Thoughts: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches you to identify and challenge irrational thoughts. When you feel like a fraud, ask yourself, “What evidence do I have that supports or contradicts this thought?” By recognizing and reframing these thoughts, you can start to build a more balanced and accurate self-view.
- Practice Self-Compassion: One of the most powerful tools in shifting your mindset is self-compassion. Instead of criticizing yourself for feeling like an imposter, show yourself the same kindness you would offer to a friend in the same situation (Neff, 2003). This practice helps reduce anxiety and build resilience.
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Perfectionism often fuels Imposter Syndrome. Shift your focus from achieving flawless results to making continuous progress. Celebrate small wins and acknowledge growth instead of striving for an unattainable ideal.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Setting achievable goals allows you to embrace success without the burden of perfectionism. Instead of believing that success has to be perfect, see it as a step in the right direction. This change in perspective reduces burnout and builds self-confidence over time.
🌷 Using Strengths-Based Therapy (SFBT) to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Strengths-Based Therapy (SFBT) focuses on leveraging personal strengths to overcome challenges. In the context of Imposter Syndrome, SFBT encourages you to focus on your inherent capabilities rather than your limitations. This approach empowers you to see your potential and build confidence by tapping into your existing resources.
Instead of focusing on what you think is missing or flawed, SFBT helps you identify what’s already working well and how you can use it to move forward. This mindset shift not only reduces self-doubt, but also fosters a greater sense of self-worth.
Building a Healthier Perception: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Finding Confidence
Ultimately, overcoming Imposter Syndrome is about shifting your perception from one of self-doubt to one of self-empowerment. By acknowledging your achievements, challenging irrational thoughts, practicing self-compassion, and focusing on progress over perfection, you can build a healthier sense of self and embrace your true potential.
Remember, you don’t need to face these challenges alone. If you’re ready to work through Imposter Syndrome, High-Functioning Anxiety, or Perfectionism, you can explore more resources here or schedule a consultation to get started. It’s time to stop feeling like an imposter and start seeing yourself as the accomplished, capable individual you truly are.
If Imposter Syndrome is Impacting Your Life, Let’s Explore Solutions Together.
If you’re struggling with Imposter Syndrome, perfectionism, or burnout, we’re here to help. Visit our Services Page to learn more or get in touch today to begin your journey toward a healthier mindset and career.
Explore other posts in our “Shifting Perceptions” series to discover more ways to align ambition with well-being.
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Each post offers insights and practical tools to help high-achieving adults navigate challenges with clarity, balance, and self-compassion.
Written by Rachel Cooper, a therapist specializing in burnout, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and life transitions. Learn more about therapy for high achievers at Amority Health.
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References
Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The impostor phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241–247. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0086006
Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20311
Neff, K. D. (2003). The development and validation of a scale to measure self-compassion. Self and Identity, 2(3), 223–250. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309027
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