5 Practical Ways to Beat Imposter Syndrome in 2024

How many times have you recently felt that you have lost your career edge? Do you feel like others are more confident and overtaking you to achieve greater success? You are not alone; self-doubt has crept in, and we’re here to help you banish it!

As experienced recruitment specialists, we understand that individuals often face moments of self-doubt in their careers. Our role is to know our people, listen to them carefully, and provide the necessary support to help them put their best foot forward.

We meet leaders from various backgrounds at all levels and observe a common trend of imposter syndrome, which may arise due to the impact of living in a fast-paced world. However, we want to assure you that you are good enough and that with our expertise and support, you can achieve your big goals.

We know that it can be tough to overcome the feeling of self-doubt, but we believe in all our candidates, and we’re here to support you.

Does this sound like you?

Have you ever walked into a room filled with your peers at work and felt like you didn’t belong?

It’s okay to feel this way, even if you’ve been working at the company for a while.

You might look around and see everyone else seems so confident and knowledgeable, while you feel like you’re just pretending to know what you’re doing. During the meeting, you might find it difficult to keep up with the conversation and be too afraid to ask questions for fear of sounding foolish. By the end of the meeting, you might feel drained and unable to shake the feeling that you don’t deserve to be there.

If this sounds familiar, please know that you’re not alone. Many people experience these feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy, and they are often the most highly qualified and capable.

We want you to remember that if you are feeling this way, know that a stretch is coming, you are about to go through a period of growth which will benefit you. Overcome these feelings by following our proven five-step guide below.

Let us show you how to break free from self-doubt once and for all. We’re here for you.

5 ways to beat imposter syndrome

#1 – Check-In With Yourself Regularly 🧠

Our minds can be tricky, giving rise to self-doubt. Remember, your emotions may not always match the facts, so challenge negative thoughts regularly by reflecting on your internal dialogue. Set aside 15-30 minutes each week to identify negative thought patterns that have come up and explore them from these different angles:

• Is there any actual evidence for these feelings? How much of your perception is grounded in facts rather than emotions?

• What could have led to these thoughts? What external factors or circumstances may be influencing your feelings?

• What advice would I give a colleague if they confided they were feeling like this? What positive aspects or strengths would I highlight to them in this situation?

• How might this negative thought be an exaggeration? How can you reframe the thought to present a more balanced and helpful perspective?

This exercise will help you truly understand the why behind your feelings which in turn will help you to be kinder to yourself and push you in the right direction.

#2 – Build a Support System 🤝

Did you know that 76% of us believe mentors are crucial for our career success? When it comes to overcoming imposter syndrome, 7 out of 10 women leaders say they turn to the guidance of a mentor when they feel unsure of their abilities to take on new roles.

To create a support system, find potential mentors within your organisation or field who inspire you. Schedule a mentorship meet-up to discuss your career goals and challenges. Be ready with specific questions to make the most of your time together.

Also, building a supportive network of peers who understand the pressures you face is extremely invaluable. Just having someone to listen when you feel stuck can make a big difference. These spaces allow for honest, open conversations and ultimately remind you that it’s okay to feel unsure sometimes.

#3 – Set Realistic Goals 🎯

Setting realistic goals helps you to focus on doable steps, easing the pressure you put on yourself. Break tasks into smaller parts to avoid feeling overwhelmed. This way, you can build confidence with each step you take. A helpful way to do this is by making SMART goals:

• Specific – State clearly what it is you want to achieve.

• Measurable – What numbers will you use to track your progress?

• Achievable – Make sure the goal is doable with what you have, such as skills or tools.

• Relevant – Connect your goal to your bigger plans and priorities. What is it helping you to achieve?

• Time-Bound – Set deadlines, always.

A practical example could be: “We want to enhance cross-department collaboration (specific) by 15% (measurable) in the next quarter (time-bound). The leadership team will do this by organising regular inter-departmental workshops and team feedback sessions (achievable). Achieving this goal will lead to more streamlined processes and improved overall team satisfaction (relevant).”

#4 – Celebrate Your Wins 🎉

Celebrate the small stuff, as your wins don’t happen by accident. Regularly acknowledge your positive impact and reflect on the decisions, mindsets, choices, and events that have paved the way for your success.

Creating a “win journal” is a helpful way to capture these moments and identify patterns. Dedicate a few minutes each day to jot down any positive experiences, compliments, or achievements, no matter how small. This journal will act as a daily confidence boost, remind you of your talents, and build a positive view of yourself to keep you moving forward.

#5 – Adopt a Growth Mindset 🌱

Imposter syndrome can start to creep in when you feel you need to constantly prove yourself. Change your perspective by prioritising continuous learning and development. See challenges as chances to grow and actively seek opportunities to boost your skills and knowledge.

Take courses, attend workshops, or join webinars aligned with your interests and career goals. Set up reminders for upcoming events to stay on track, and follow relevant newsletters or publications that can notify you of new ones that pop up.

Remember, you are not alone in battling imposter syndrome and overcoming it is an ongoing process.

These strategies can help you build confidence and resilience as you navigate your career, paving the way for you to reach your full potential.

Embrace the fact that caring about doing a good job is your superpower, and let it drive you to success.