5 Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome at Work

Congratulations! You’ve just achieved a significant career milestone—perhaps landing the job you’ve been striving for since college or reaching the level you’ve long aimed for. Your strategic planning and hard work have paid off. However, there’s a lingering doubt that’s holding you back from fully embracing this success—Imposter Syndrome.

If you find yourself questioning your achievements or feeling like you’re not truly deserving of your role, you’re not alone. According to Korn Ferry’s 2024 Global Insights Report, over 71% of U.S. CEOs struggle with Imposter Syndrome. It is something that can affect anyone, regardless of their experience or qualifications. Below are five actionable tips to help you overcome those career doubts and fully own your success.

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step in tackling Imposter Syndrome is recognizing and understanding what you’re feeling. It’s common to experience some level of self-doubt, especially when transitioning into a new role or after a promotion. Instead of pushing these feelings aside, acknowledge them. Remind yourself that many people, even seasoned professionals, go through this at various points in their careers. Simply knowing you’re not alone can ease the burden.

2. Focus on Your Accomplishments

When self-doubt creeps in, it’s easy to attribute your success to luck or chance. However, your achievements are the result of your skills, effort, and determination. Take time to reflect on your career milestones. Writing down your key accomplishments can help you see, in black and white, how far you’ve come and why you deserve your position. These reminders can serve as a powerful tool to combat feelings of inadequacy.

3. Avoid Comparisons

Comparing yourself to others is a common but destructive habit. Everyone’s career path is different, shaped by unique experiences and opportunities. Maybe a colleague has a degree from a prestigious school, or someone else has a few more years of experience. If you constantly measure your background against others’, you’ll always find areas where you fall short. Instead, recognize that your own experiences bring distinct value, and focus on your personal growth.

4. Reframe Negative Thought Patterns

Learning to manage self-critical thoughts is crucial. When you notice yourself slipping into negative thinking—like attributing your success to external factors—pause and reframe those thoughts. Focus on facts, not emotions. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m not qualified for this,” remind yourself, “I’ve worked hard and earned this opportunity.” The more you practice this, the easier it becomes to shift from a negative mindset to a more positive, empowered one.

5. Embrace the Challenge

Rather than letting Imposter Syndrome undermine your confidence, use it as fuel to succeed. Feelings of self-doubt can push you to strive for excellence and continuous improvement. Let these moments of uncertainty motivate you to learn, grow, and prove to yourself (and others) that you belong in your role. Over time, your achievements will naturally dispel any lingering doubts.

In Conclusion

A successful career is often filled with moments of uncertainty. Experiencing Imposter Syndrome is not a sign of failure or inadequacy—in fact, it’s often an indicator that you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone and growing professionally. The key is to equip yourself with strategies to navigate these feelings, turning self-doubt into an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.

Remember, you’re not alone in facing these challenges. By acknowledging your feelings, focusing on your accomplishments, and reframing negative thoughts, you can overcome Imposter Syndrome and thrive in your career.