Practical steps to take imposter syndrome head on
Do you often struggle with feelings of self-doubt or fraudulence? Learn how strategies like mentoring or mental resilience practices, can help you take imposter syndrome head on and reclaim your confidence.
Have you ever felt as though you’re taking praise where you don’t deserve it? As if your career achievements are the result of luck rather than skill? You're not alone. Imposter syndrome affects an estimated 82% of people, casting a shadow over their professional lives. For CAs, this can be especially daunting, but understanding and addressing imposter syndrome can help you reclaim your confidence and thrive in your career.
What causes imposter syndrome?
There isn't a single reason why imposter syndrome occurs. Factors like personal experiences, social pressures, and cultural background can all play a role. For minority groups, the lack of representation and the discrimination they face can exacerbate these feelings. Frequent self-doubt is what distinguishes imposter syndrome from occasional insecurity. Understanding this can be the first step towards addressing it.
How to manage imposter syndrome
While there's no ‘one size fits all’ solution, several strategies can help you manage and overcome imposter syndrome:
- Talk about it: Share your thoughts with a trusted friend or mentor. Voicing your thoughts helps you scrutinise them and external perspectives can offer valuable insights.
- Set realistic goals: Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid burnout and disappointment. Recognise and celebrate your progress along the way.
- Challenge negative thoughts: Just because you think you're not good enough doesn't mean it's true. Compare your self-assessment with the realistic goals you've set and recognise the value you bring.
- Acknowledge your achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments to build a more accurate self-image. Sharing these successes within your organisation can also bolster your confidence.
- Embrace failure: View failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. Understanding your areas for development can help you grow professionally.
- Change your mindset: Recognise how self-doubt hinders your progress and focus on adopting a more positive and productive outlook.
Mentoring and imposter syndrome
Mentoring can often be your most valuable tool for addressing imposter syndrome, both for mentees and mentors. For mentees, it can normalise feelings by reassuring them that many successful people experience imposter syndrome. It helps to dissect and counter their negative self-assessments and consistently acknowledge and celebrate their successes. Relating your own imposter syndrome moments can show they're not alone and encourage mentees to recognise their own contributions to their successes.
For mentors, overcoming self-doubt is essential. High achievers can sometimes feel unqualified to mentor due to imposter syndrome. Mentoring someone in an earlier stage of their career can reassure them of their value and boost personal growth by reinforcing their knowledge and skills. As mentors see their mentees flourish, they often gain confidence in their abilities, helping to diminish their own imposter syndrome.
Start tackling imposter syndrome:
Whether you need guidance or are ready to offer your expertise, the ICAS mentoring programme allows you to select the topics you need help with or those you are happy to assist others with, including imposter syndrome. By understanding and addressing these feelings, we can build a stronger sense of self-worth and navigate careers with renewed confidence.
