Common Signs Of
Imposter Syndrome
(And How To Recognise It In Yourself)
Like many career-focused women, I didn’t realise I was experiencing imposter syndrome. In fact, I hadn’t even heard of it until a conversation with a friend a few years ago. She confided in me about feeling inadequate in many areas of her life, despite appearing to have it all together. I was stunned… how could someone so accomplished feel like a fraud?
Then it hit me. I felt the same way.
The ambitious workaholic in me was always striving, learning, improving, tweaking, and trying to stand out, just to feel like a legitimate professional. I convinced myself that if I worked hard enough, I’d finally feel like I belonged in the ‘business owner’ category and be satisfied with my efforts. But that validation never came.
So what is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their skills, talents, or achievements and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud. It affects high achievers, professionals, and creatives alike, making them feel as if they don’t deserve their success. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just lucky or that others will eventually find out you’re not as competent as they think, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome.
Common Signs of Imposter Syndrome
Recognising imposter syndrome is the first step in overcoming it. Here are the key signs to look out for:
1. Constant Self-Doubt
You frequently question whether you’re good enough, even when you have evidence of your skills and accomplishments. You may second guess your decisions and feel uncertain about your abilities.
2. Fear of Being “Exposed” as a Fraud
You have an ongoing fear that others will discover you’re not as smart, capable, or talented as they believe. This fear can cause anxiety and make you avoid opportunities where you might be judged.
3. Attributing Success to Luck
Instead of acknowledging your hard work, intelligence, or effort, you believe that you succeeded due to luck, timing, or other external factors. You downplay your achievements and don’t take credit for your success.
4. Overworking to Prove Yourself
You push yourself to work harder and longer than necessary, believing that if you don’t, people will think you’re incompetent. This can lead to burnout, stress, and exhaustion.
5. Setting Unrealistically High Standards
You set impossible goals for yourself and feel disappointed even when you achieve a great result. Perfectionism is a key trait of imposter syndrome, leading to feelings of failure even when you succeed.
6. Difficulty Accepting Compliments
When someone praises your work, you brush it off or assume they’re just being nice. You struggle to internalise positive feedback and may feel uncomfortable when receiving recognition.
7. Avoiding Challenges or New Opportunities
You might avoid applying for promotions, starting a business, or taking on new challenges because you fear failure. Imposter syndrome convinces you that you won’t measure up, even when you’re qualified.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
If you recognise these signs in yourself, know that you’re not alone and that you can break free from imposter syndrome. Here are some steps to help:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings – Recognise when imposter thoughts arise and remind yourself that these feelings don’t reflect reality or define who you are.
- Keep a Success Journal – Write down your achievements, compliments from others, and positive feedback to remind yourself of your value. Familiarise yourself with saying positive things about yourself.
- Reframe Your Thinking – Instead of saying, “I don’t belong here,” remind yourself, “I worked hard to be here, and I deserve this.”
- Stop Comparing Yourself to Others – Focus on your own progress rather than measuring yourself against others. Remove or hide social media posts that contribute to this feeling.
- Seek Support – Talking to a coach, mentor, or therapist can help you work through self-doubt and build confidence.
Final Thoughts
Imposter syndrome can be overwhelming, but recognising the signs is the first step toward overcoming it. Remember, you are not an imposter – you are capable, talented, and worthy of your success. By shifting your mindset and acknowledging your achievements, you can move past self-doubt and step into your full potential.
If imposter syndrome is holding you back, consider working with a professional hypnotherapist or mindset coach to reprogram negative thought patterns and build lasting confidence. A lot of the limiting beliefs I held were from past programming and subconscious thought loops that no longer influence me.
