Impostor Syndrome - The Silent Struggle
Volume 18: Telling it Like it Is - Impostor Syndrome - The Silent Struggle
This is Emotional Adventures in the Office, where we are committed to addressing real struggles that people face at work. Our approach will vary. Sometimes we will ask questions, other times we will make bold statements. We're always looking for new topics to delve into, so if you have any suggestions, please let us know.
Impostor Syndrome- The Silent Struggle
In boardrooms, classrooms, and homes across the nation, a silent struggle is taking hold. Many women, regardless of their achievements and accolades, are fighting an internal battle against imposter syndrome. This pervasive feeling of self-doubt can undermine success and stall careers. But what exactly is impostor syndrome, and how can women combat it effectively?
Impostor syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud.” Despite evidence of competence, those with impostor syndrome believe they do not deserve their success. They often attribute their achievements to luck rather than ability, leading to chronic self-doubt and anxiety.
The Unique Impact on Women
While impostor syndrome can affect anyone, studies show that women are disproportionately impacted. Factors that contribute to this include:
Societal norms and expectations that place higher scrutiny on women, especially in male-dominated fields. The pressure to 11prove11 themselves can intensify feelings of inadequacy.
Gender Bias and lack of representation can reinforce the belief that women are not as capable as their male counterparts.
Role balance as many women juggle professional careers with family responsibilities. The constant balancing act can lead to feelings of not excelling in either role, further fueling impostor syndrome.
The Impact
Impostor syndrome can have far-reaching impacts on a woman's professional and personal life. It can lead to feelings of burnout, chronic stress and stagnation which prevent women from pursuing opportunities and/or promotions. Drops in confidence caused by persistent self-doubt may impact decision making abilities or the ability to assert themselves.
While impostor syndrome can be challenging to overcome, there are strategies that can help women combat it effectively:
Recognizing it, acknowledging its presence and naming it and then asking yourself these questions: what of this is true and/or what evidence do I have of my success in these areas? What evidence do I have of my lack of success?
Understanding that these feelings are common and do not reflect reality is crucial (see #1)
Keeping a record of your accomplishments and regularly reviewing them. Celebrating successes, no matter how small, can help reinforce self-worth and counteract feelings of inadequacy.
Talking about it with trusted colleagues, mentors, coaches or friends can provide reassurance and perspective.
Replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations. For example, instead of thinking, 11 1 don't deserve this promotion,11 reframe it to, 11 1 earned this promotion through hard work and dedication ...
Understanding that perfection is unattainable. Accepting that mistakes and setbacks are part of the learning process can alleviate some of the pressure to perform flawlessly.
Engaging in continuous learning and professional development. Building skills can boost confidence and reduce feelings of inadequacy.
What have you done when Impostor Syndrome has reared its head for you? Tell us below.