You've just closed a major deal, launched a successful product, or received positive feedback from a client, but instead of celebrating, you find yourself thinking, “I just got lucky.” That’s imposter syndrome talking, and it affects up to 70% of people at some point in their careers. The good news is that once you recognize it, you can learn to manage it and stop letting it hold you back.
Recognizing imposter syndrome in business settings
Imposter syndrome is often hard to recognize because it’s sneaky—it can show up as thoughts like “I don’t belong here,” or “Everyone can probably tell I don’t know what I’m doing.”
Maybe you're about to lead a presentation you've spent weeks preparing for, but instead of feeling ready, you're worried everyone can tell you're faking it. Or you finished speaking at a conference and worry you blew it onstage.
You may even find yourself turning down opportunities because you’re convinced you aren’t ready, regardless of how much experience you have. Even compliments can feel uncomfortable—a client praises your work, and your first instinct is to credit it as a “team effort” instead of owning the role you played.
These thoughts tend to pop up most during growth moments, like when you’re hiring your first employee or landing a big contract. The higher the stakes, the more that self-doubt starts to creep in.
The psychology behind imposter syndrome: Why entrepreneurs are especially vulnerable
Entrepreneurs are especially vulnerable to imposter syndrome. You’re often making high-stakes decisions with limited information, and there’s no one around to reassure you that you’re on the right track. This lack of external feedback can make it harder to trust your own judgment.
And the myth of “overnight success” that’s perpetuated on social media can make it even worse. When you’re comparing your behind-the-scenes struggles to someone else’s highlight reel, it creates unrealistic benchmarks for what success should look like.
Plus, the responsibility of leadership is huge and can weigh heavily on every decision you make. When other people are depending on you for their livelihood, the potential for failure can feel enormous.
Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong—it often means you’re doing work that’s difficult and important.
Proven techniques to rebuild confidence and break the cycle
Imposter syndrome thrives in silence, but once you start recognizing it and responding differently, it loses a lot of its power. Here are a few strategies that can help with overcoming imposter syndrome:
- Success tracking: Keep a running list of your accomplishments, positive feedback, and moments when you solved a tough problem. This doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple document or notebook you can turn to when self-doubt starts to creep in.
- Cognitive reframing: When you catch yourself spiraling into doubt or negative thinking, try reframing those thoughts. For example, start focusing on the progress you’ve made instead of analyzing every little mistake.
- Journaling: Set aside a few minutes each week to reflect on what went well, what you learned, and where you felt challenged. Writing it down can help you spot patterns and see growth you might otherwise miss.
- Inventory your skills: Make a list of what you bring to the table, like any technical skills, past experience, and industry knowledge. Seeing it written out can remind you that you’re not just making it up as you go—you’ve put in the work.
How to talk about imposter syndrome
One of the best ways to overcome imposter syndrome is by talking about it with a mentor or peer. The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends being intentional about who you share these feelings with—for instance, you may want to look for someone outside of your professional circle or a therapist.
It’s also important to be specific about your feelings and try to zero in on concrete examples. For instance, instead of just saying, “I feel like a fraud,” you could say, “I’m second-guessing my ability to lead that webinar next week.” It’s also a good idea to ask for specific strategies on how to overcome your struggles, not just empathy.
Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong—it often means you’re doing work that’s difficult and important. The goal isn’t to eliminate all self-doubt but to keep it from holding you back. With the right tools and support system, you can continue moving forward despite imposter syndrome.
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