Imposter syndrome

Following on from International Women's day there has been a lot of rumblings about imposter syndrome and how this can affect confidence so I've put my thoughts down in a blog to help those who may struggle with the internal dialogue that tells them they aren't good enough.

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have an internalised fear of being exposed as a "fraud." While it affects both men and women, research and personal narratives suggest that women, in particular, are more likely to experience this pervasive self-doubt. The impact of imposter syndrome on women’s confidence can be profound, influencing not only their personal growth but also their professional success.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is characterised by feelings of inadequacy despite evident success or qualifications. Individuals with this condition often attribute their achievements to luck or external factors rather than their own abilities. This cognitive distortion leads them to believe they don’t truly deserve their accomplishments and are on the verge of being “found out.”

For women, this phenomenon can be especially challenging. Society often places immense expectations on women to be both nurturing and successful, making it difficult for them to reconcile their achievements with their inner doubts. This leads to a pattern of self-questioning that diminishes self-esteem and can prevent them from seizing opportunities or speaking up in environments where their contributions are needed.

The Root Causes of Imposter Syndrome in Women

Societal Expectations and Gender Norms: From a young age, girls are often conditioned to be "perfect," to excel academically, and to be emotionally attuned to the needs of others. As they progress in their careers, these ingrained societal expectations can create a sense of constant self-scrutiny. Women are often judged more harshly for making mistakes or displaying vulnerability, which heightens the feeling of being an imposter when they do not meet these standards.
Underrepresentation in Leadership Roles: In many industries, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions. As a result, when women find themselves in roles of power, they may feel like they don’t belong or that they’re not “qualified” enough to lead, despite their skills and accomplishments. The absence of female role models in high positions can create a feeling of isolation and perpetuate the belief that they are the exception, not the rule.
The "Likeability" Dilemma: Women often face a complex balancing act in the workplace. They are expected to be competent, assertive, and capable, but they also must navigate the fine line between being too ambitious or too aggressive. Studies have shown that women are often penalised for demonstrating leadership qualities that are seen as "too strong" or "unlikable." This dichotomy can fuel self-doubt, as women may question whether their actions or behaviour are seen as appropriate in professional settings.

How Imposter Syndrome Affects Confidence

Imposter syndrome directly impacts a woman’s confidence in numerous ways, creating a cycle of self-doubt that undermines her potential.

Fear of Failure: Women experiencing imposter syndrome are often paralysed by the fear of failure. The belief that they don’t deserve their success can make them hesitant to take on new challenges or assert themselves in situations where they could excel. The fear of making mistakes, particularly in front of others, can prevent women from stepping out of their comfort zones and pursuing opportunities for growth.
Perfectionism: The pressure to constantly prove oneself can lead to perfectionistic tendencies. Women with imposter syndrome might feel the need to be flawless in everything they do, often spending excessive time on tasks to ensure they meet their high standards. This can result in burnout, frustration, and a feeling of never being "good enough," even when their accomplishments are undeniably impressive.
Difficulty Accepting Praise: One of the clearest signs of imposter syndrome is the inability to accept compliments or recognition. Women often dismiss praise, attributing their success to external factors such as luck or the support of others, rather than acknowledging their own skills. This self-deprecating behaviour not only prevents women from enjoying their accomplishments but also reinforces the belief that they are undeserving of success.
Isolation: The internalised fear of being exposed as a fraud can lead women to isolate themselves. They may avoid seeking help or collaborating with others, worried that doing so would reveal their perceived inadequacies. This isolation only exacerbates feelings of imposter syndrome and hinders their ability to network, share ideas, and grow professionally.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

While imposter syndrome can be overwhelming, there are ways for women to reclaim their confidence and break free from the cycle of self-doubt.

Recognise the Pattern: The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is recognising its presence. Women must acknowledge that the feelings of inadequacy are not a reflection of their true abilities, but rather a distortion in their thinking. Becoming aware of the pattern is empowering and can help women challenge these negative beliefs.
Reframe the Narrative: Instead of attributing success to luck, women can reframe their internal narrative by focusing on their hard work, skills, and contributions. Reminding themselves of past achievements and the effort behind those successes helps reinforce the idea that they deserve their position and accomplishments.
Seek Mentorship and Build a Support Network: Women who experience imposter syndrome can benefit from mentorship and support networks. Surrounding oneself with positive, like-minded individuals who uplift and validate accomplishments can help counter the isolating effects of imposter syndrome. Mentors, especially those who have experienced similar struggles, can offer invaluable perspective and guidance.
Practice Self-Compassion: Women should practice self-compassion and be kind to themselves when they make mistakes. Accepting that no one is perfect allows women to see setbacks as opportunities for growth, not as evidence of failure. A compassionate mindset reduces the self-criticism that often fuels imposter syndrome.
Celebrate Achievements: Regularly acknowledging and celebrating personal and professional successes—no matter how small—can help women internalise their accomplishments. By recognising and appreciating their hard work, women can begin to see their value and embrace their achievements with pride.

Conclusion

Imposter syndrome is a pervasive issue that affects many women, undermining their confidence and sense of self-worth. However, by recognising the signs, challenging negative thought patterns, and building supportive networks, women can overcome the damaging effects of imposter syndrome. Ultimately, by acknowledging their value and embracing their achievements, women can cultivate a deeper sense of confidence and unlock their true potential. It’s time for women to stop questioning whether they belong in their success—and start owning it.

Support

If you, or someone you know struggles with imposter syndrome please put them in touch with me. In just one hour I can help them understand what's holding them back, reframe the negative internal dialogue,

then teach them how to be confident as and when they need it.

Get in touch at andrew@kandrynperformance.co.uk

Thanks for reading.

Diesel.