How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome at Work

Imposter Syndrome can be described as a person's inability to believe that their success is deserved and has been achieved because of their own efforts. In more simple terms, Imposter Syndrome is believing that you are not good enough and therefore do not belong in the position you are in. Anyone can experience it, no matter the social status or skill level.

As a 23-year-old in the Social Media Marketing Industry, I have felt Imposter Syndrome from time to time since starting my first full-time role. Even though I have completed a MA degree in the field, have work experience and have essentially grown up using social media my whole life, I still felt as though I was underqualified for my role and started the job feeling extremely anxious and overwhelmed. These feelings still creep up on me from time to time, but I have learned to accept that everyday is a learning curve and that I would not have been hired if I wasn’t more than capable of doing the job. Here is a list of things that have helped me curve my Imposter Syndrome:

Sharing my feelings

Speaking to other people about how you are feeling will help a lot. Keeping it all inside allows the thoughts to fester in your mind instead of letting them out and thinking rationally about them. I personally shared my feelings with a social media group for women in marketing, not only did this help me get things off my chest, but it also showed me how many people feel the same, helped me discover how to overcome it, and allowed me to receive tips on how to upskill myself within the industry and feel more like I belong.

Taking baby steps

Take each day as it comes. No day is going to be the perfect day and some days are going to be significantly worse than others, but it is ok. We are only human and making mistakes is a big part of that. Each new day will allow you to learn new things from others and yourself. It may take some time, but you will soon adjust from a task feeling impossible, to being able to do it in your sleep. Another important point is to not put too much pressure on yourself, trust the process and things will work out exactly the way they are supposed to.

Stop comparing yourself to others

In a world surrounded by social media it is significantly hard to not compare yourself to others and their successes. Its important to remember, for the most part, we only see the positives in other people’s lives, and not the struggle it took for them to get there. When I first began my journey into the marketing industry, my friend already had two years of experience behind her and was absolutely killing in her role. At the beginning, this was intimidating to me. I felt as if I would never be as knowledgeable as she was and at some points I thought why even try. Then, I realised, instead of wishing I could be as successful as her, I should recognise that we are on different paths, and both have the potential to be equally as successful. This also pushed me to be open and honest with her about my worries and Imposter Syndrome, which then led to a conversation with her admitting she feels the same all the time and giving me some great advice! Always remember, even the most successful and intelligent people in the world will have moments of self-doubt, even if they don’t show it.

If you are experiencing Imposter Syndrome, it means you have achieved some sort of success in your life. Try turning your doubt into gratitude for the position you are in. Don’t let the self-doubt hold you back or stop you from pursuing your goals, you are capable of anything you put your mind to.