Imposter syndrome, self-doubt and how to overcome it

Imposter syndrome is best described as strong feelings of self-doubt and low self-confidence that makes you unable to own your own successes. You may feel like you don’t belong or are going to be exposed as a fraud, or you may feel a sense that you don’t actually deserve your job or accomplishments, that you’ve only succeeded due to luck rather than any talent or hard work. You may believe things will come crashing down around you soon enough. 

The crucial part is that you often feel these things despite external evidence saying that you are in fact doing alright – even excelling. 

The resulting anxiety, stress and shame can have a negative impact on your mental health. In a work environment, this can in turn impact your performance and productivity. It also plays a key role in issues such as pay gaps, with self-doubt preventing women and other disadvantaged groups from asking for a raise.

Despite having “syndrome” in its name, imposter syndrome is not a diagnosable, medical condition.

“I prefer not to use the word syndrome because it kind of suggests you have it or you don't,” says Monica Chadha, an experienced non-executive director in the data sciences, media, higher education and non-profit sectors and director at Mocha 8. “I think of it as a phenomenon, and I think that it floats over people at different moments in your career.”