These times of transition may feel uncertain, especially when you have spent a lot of time and energy preparing to take this next step. What do you do when you emerge from your cocoon and don’t feel like you deserve those beautiful butterfly wings? 

When you find yourself in a place of success when you’ve reached your goals, are there still moments when you feel unworthy? Does needing help or support from your colleagues or family make you feel like a failure? Do you ever look around the boardroom and feel like you don’t deserve to be there? You may be experiencing imposter syndrome. 

We’ve supported thousands of women as they pursued their biggest career goals—rising into the C-Suite, boardroom, or even founding their own companies. Despite all this success, Imposter Syndrome comes up time and time again in conversations between members and coaches. You aren’t alone if you are experiencing these feelings of self-doubt—we all struggle with it! 

Below, learn more about what impostor syndrome is, how to overcome it, and how to boost your confidence as a woman leader.

What Is Imposter Syndrome   

Imposter Syndrome is an incredibly common occurrence for high-achieving people, and was defined by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes as being “the belief that one’s academic or professional accomplishments are not due to their own capability, such as skill or intellect, but rather external factors, such as luck, effort, and receiving help from others.” 

Imposter syndrome can stem from internal beliefs, messages in childhood, and external factors. It’s a self-limiting belief that can keep you doubting yourself, your goals, and your journey to success. 

How Is Imposter Syndrome Connected with Gender and Race?

The Imposter Syndrome thought pattern can manifest in people of all genders and is especially prevalent among high-achieving academics or career-focused individuals. Though it can affect leaders of all gender identities, Imposter Syndrome is especially prevalent among high-achieving women. Women are often subject to societal pressure to “do it all”—managing a social life, career, and family life without any help (and we are expected to look flawless while doing it!) This focus on perfectionism and the impossibly high standards set for women can lead to feelings of shame when you can’t pull everything off single-handedly. 

Imposter Syndrome can also show up more prevalently in other marginalized communities, like People of Color. Despite Imposter Syndrome being defined by a set of internal feelings and thoughts, it’s important to note the external and societal factors that can create an environment where feelings of “otherness” can thrive. When you look around the room and don’t see anyone else who looks like you or who grew up like you, it may reinforce the feeling that you don’t belong. Everyday interactions and environments do play a role in shaping our Imposter Syndrome. 

Our internal landscape can also have an effect on how Imposter Syndrome impacts the thoughts of successful women. If you already have symptoms of anxiety or depression, it may reinforce the thoughts that you lack the talent or drive to succeed. The pattern of doubt in your achievements can be rewritten to accepting and learning from mistakes when they inevitably happen. 

How Does Imposter Syndrome Manifest 

Valerie Young, one of the leading experts on Imposter Syndrome, breaks down the most common ways you might be experiencing these feelings into five categories.

• The Perfectionist: You may feel focused on how your work is done, and how it turns out. If there is one minor flaw in your performance, you are overcome with feelings of shame. You may also have difficulty accepting praise.
• The Expert: You are focused on how much you know about a topic or project. If there is something you don’t know or feel totally adept in, you feel like a fraud. You may undermine your own performance despite high achievement.
• The Soloist: Needing any coaching, help, or peer support brings about feelings of failure and doubt in your own abilities. You may undermine your expertise.
• The Superhuman: You believe that you should be able to tackle every role in your life with ease and without any mistakes. If you fall short in one category, it feels like you are a failure all around. You may put impossibly high expectations on yourself.
• The Natural Genius: You feel like you should master every subject perfectly, the first time you try. Competence for you is measured in ease and speed. You may feel intense pressure to meet social expectations.

How to Boost Your Confidence 

Take one step today to follow the threads of self-confidence, and begin to wipe away the web of self-doubt that Imposter Syndrome spins. 

• Make a list of things that show you are fully qualified: This could look like a folder in your inbox or a list in your planner for “compliments and praise”, where you file emails with positive feedback from leadership and people you admire. If there’s a specific skill you feel you need to advance your knowledge, like the top skills you you need to reach C-Suite, Athena is the perfect place to fill in the gaps and grow your skillset.
• Say your name aloud: Coco (our CEO) likes to do a power pose in the sun when she needs a confidence boost! Bonus points if you work your name into positive affirmations with your morning coffee.
• Own your accomplishments: Next time someone gives you a compliment, try responding with “thank you, I know!” as a way to integrate the positive message to your inner voice.
• Visualize success: You may find yourself ruminating on stressful “what-ifs” or negative situations. Spend some intentional time-shifting that story by picturing a successful presentation, or calmly asking your boss for a raise. You are more likely to succeed if you have envisioned the best-case scenario over the worst.

How to Fight the Imposter Syndrome 

Reflect on the goals that you have for yourself. When you stop comparing your journey to others, you can embrace and own your potential. When you need a boost of support, reach for your network. Call a colleague or friend (or hop in an Athena Peer Group). Practice pitching your ideas, ask for feedback in a low-pressure situation, and embrace their positivity. This is a great way to use the Athena community on your journey! 

If feelings of unworthiness or fraud creep in take a moment to make sure you aren’t confusing doubt with Imposter Syndrome. If you are tackling something you haven’t done before, it’s normal to feel unsure at first. Don’t hold yourself back from growth or new opportunities because you feel afraid to take a risk. Your confidence will only grow with new success! A new model of leadership will help support you as you take on new job duties. 

When you take that new leap, be sure to remind yourself that you are good at what you do. Break the cycle of dismissing positive feedback or success by really taking a moment to reward yourself for a job well done. Practicing this will help you to step away from perfectionism, and forgive yourself for any mistakes or growing pains. 

If you are spiraling in self-doubt or negative self-talk, fight through by separating feelings from facts. Consider asking yourself “Where is the proof that I am unable to do this?” or “Where is the proof I don’t deserve this?” When you have the courage to look towards the root of your insecurity, you find the ways you can be the most brave. 

Maya Angelou, who spoke very openly about her experiences with imposter syndrome, helped fight these feelings by reminding herself “I believe what I have to say is important, and I believe the people coming to hear me are important.” Honor your feelings, but keep the big picture in mind. Stop comparing your journey, there are so many ways to define success for yourself. Connect with Athena to empower yourself to overcome Imposter Syndrome, and reach your personal and professional goals.