Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: Recognising and Conquering Self-Doubt
Introduction
Have you ever felt like a fraud in your professional life, doubting your abilities despite clear evidence of your success? Do you secretly believe that you’re not as competent as others think and that one day, they’ll "find out"?
If so, you’re not alone. Many high-achieving professionals experience impostor syndrome—a psychological pattern where individuals dismiss their own achievements and attribute success to external factors like luck, timing, or the help of others.
What Is Impostor Syndrome?
Impostor syndrome, originally called the impostor phenomenon, was first identified in 1978 by Dr Pauline Rose Clance and Dr Suzanne Imes in their research on high-achieving women. Their study found that despite objective success, many women felt intellectually fraudulent and feared being exposed as a fraud (Clance & Imes, 1978).
Since then, research has shown that impostor syndrome affects both men and women across various professions, from CEOs and executives to entrepreneurs and academics (Bravata et al., 2020).
📌 Key Characteristics of Impostor Syndrome:
Persistent self-doubt despite success
Attributing achievements to luck rather than ability
Fear of being "exposed" as an intellectual fraud
Overworking to "prove" worthiness
Avoiding challenges due to fear of failure
The Five Types of Impostor Syndrome: Science or Theory?
Dr Valerie Young, an expert on impostor syndrome, introduced the five types framework in her book, The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women (2011). She categorised impostor feelings into distinct subtypes:
1️⃣ The Perfectionist → Feels like a failure if their work isn't flawless.
2️⃣ The Superwoman/Superman → Feels they must overwork to prove their worth.
3️⃣ The Natural Genius → Believes they should excel effortlessly and struggles with failure.
4️⃣ The Soloist → Feels asking for help is a sign of weakness.
5️⃣ The Expert → Believes they must know everything before feeling qualified.
While this framework is widely used in self-help and coaching, it is based on Young's observations and experiences, not formal scientific research. However, the psychological patterns underlying these types align with existing research on perfectionism, fear of failure, and self-efficacy (Neureiter & Traut-Mattausch, 2016).
Case Study 1: The Executive Who Believed She Didn’t Deserve Her Success
One of my clients, Sarah (not her real name), was a senior leader in a FTSE 100 company. Despite climbing the corporate ladder, she was convinced her success was due to luck rather than ability.
💬 Her thoughts: "I don’t belong in this role. One day, they’ll realise I’m not as good as they think."
Sarah’s impostor syndrome led her to:
🚫 Work excessively to compensate for her self-doubt.
🚫 Avoid taking credit for her achievements.
🚫 Feel stressed before every leadership meeting.
How We Helped Sarah Overcome Impostor Syndrome
✅ Reframing Success → Instead of “I’m just lucky,” she practised saying, “I worked hard and earned this role.”
✅ Tracking Wins → She kept a success journal to document her achievements.
✅ Developing Self-Compassion → We shifted her mindset from perfectionism to progress—leadership isn’t about knowing everything, but about learning and adapting.
Today, Sarah leads with confidence, delegates effectively, and no longer feels like she has to "prove" herself in every meeting.
The Impact of Impostor Syndrome on Mental Health & Performance
Research has shown that impostor syndrome is linked to anxiety, burnout, and lower job performance (Vergauwe et al., 2015). A meta-analysis by Bravata et al. (2020) found that individuals with impostor feelings are more likely to experience high stress levels, perfectionism, and self-sabotage.
🔍 Key Findings from Research:
High achievers are more prone to impostor syndrome (Kolligan & Sternberg, 1991).
It is correlated with higher levels of workplace anxiety (Rohrmann et al., 2016).
Women and minorities often experience it due to stereotype threat—the fear of confirming negative group stereotypes (Cokley et al., 2013).
If left unchecked, impostor syndrome can lead to burnout, avoidance of career opportunities, and chronic self-doubt.
Case Study 2: The Entrepreneur Who Felt He Wasn’t "Qualified Enough"
James (not his real name) was a successful entrepreneur running a profitable online business. Yet, he constantly felt like an impostor because he didn’t have a formal business degree.
💬 His thoughts: "I don’t have the right credentials. I’m just making it up as I go."
Because of his self-doubt, James:
🚫 Turned down speaking opportunities because he feared not being "qualified enough".
🚫 Avoided networking with other CEOs—he thought he wouldn’t belong.
🚫 Micromanaged his team, afraid they would notice his "lack of expertise".
How We Helped James Build Confidence
✅ Recognising Experience Over Credentials → We shifted his mindset from “I don’t have a business degree” to “I built a business through real-world experience.”
✅ Exposure Therapy for Self-Doubt → He started networking in small settings, gradually increasing his confidence.
✅ Speaking Strategy → Instead of avoiding public speaking, he prepared a framework to confidently share his expertise.
Today, James speaks at industry conferences and embraces his leadership role without self-doubt.
How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome: Research-Backed Strategies
1. Reframe Your Self-Talk
❌ "I don’t know enough." → ✅ "I am always learning and growing."
❌ "I just got lucky." → ✅ "I worked for this success."
❌ "I don’t deserve to be here." → ✅ "I bring value and expertise to this role."
2. Track Your Achievements
Research suggests that self-reflection and journaling can significantly reduce impostor feelings (Clance, 1985). Keep a "Success Journal" to document:
✅ Projects you’ve completed
✅ Positive feedback you’ve received
✅ Promotions, awards, or milestones
3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Studies show that social comparison increases impostor feelings (Parkman, 2016). Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own growth and progress.
4. Get Support
Having a mentor or executive coach can help reframe impostor thoughts and develop confidence (Hutchins, 2015).
Final Thoughts: You Are More Capable Than You Think
Impostor syndrome is common—but it doesn’t have to hold you back.
If you recognise yourself in these stories and want personalised coaching to overcome impostor syndrome, I’d love to help.