If so, you’re not alone.
According to a 2023 study by Executive Development Network of 5,000 UK adults, 85% have experienced imposter syndrome in their workplace: that persistent feeling that your success is down to luck rather than ability, the nagging fear of being exposed as a ‘fraud,’ or the belief that others overestimate your capabilities.
Surprisingly, even top executives experience it. A June 2024 Korn Ferry survey of 400 executives found that 71% of US CEOs experience imposter syndrome. Success, status, and multi-million-pound salaries don’t make it go away. Even the legendary Maya Angelou, who despite winning five Grammys, admitted, ‘I have written eleven books, but each time I think, uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’
The moment I chose not to listen to fear
I completely get it. Back in 2007, I did something that had all the ingredients for imposter syndrome. I’d pitched three times to be a guest on BBC Radio 2 as a dog training expert and they invited me onto the live show two days later. The only problem was that I didn’t have a business, a following, or any media training, just a strong belief that I had a powerful message.
I had two days to stew, for my mind to fester, to doubt myself and create worst-case scenarios. Who do I think I am? I’m not qualified. I’m a fraud and people are going to find out.
As I sat in the BBC studio, headphones on, waiting to be introduced to millions of listeners, you’d have thought I’d have raging imposter syndrome, right?
But I didn’t.
Becuase I’d embarked on my personal development journey several years earlier and had even been on a spiritual pilgrimage across India, so I was practised at reassuring myself. Instead of spiralling into what if it goes wrong, I was playing the what if it goes right game in my head. Not just right but amazing. Life-changing.
When the interview was over, everyone was smiling and congratulating me. That one moment changed my life overnight. It launched my new business and led to more media features and celebrity clients.
Don’t wait to be validated by others or ask for permission
This might surprise you, but I didn’t tell anyone I was going on BBC Radio 2 until afterwards. I knew people would ‘lovingly’ want to reason with me, make me see sense and save me from making a fool of myself on national radio. What if it goes wrong? What if you don’t know the answer? It’s live, what if you say the wrong thing? I could hear their words, and I knew they’d project their own fears onto me.
So, I didn’t tell anyone. I wasn’t going to wait to be validated by others or ask for permission. I was listening to me. I’d practised my positive story, but I was stepping way out of my comfort zone; it was a fragile time, and I knew I could be easily influenced, so I kept quiet.
Imposter syndrome isn’t who you are, it’s programming
Like most people, I was brought up not to be big-headed, to be humble and to fit in. I wasn’t encouraged to back myself and be my biggest cheerleader. That was something I learned later. My study of NLP and neurolinguistics showed me that imposter syndrome isn’t ‘who you are,‘ it’s programming. Those feelings were often instilled in childhood through critical feedback, watching others succeed, or being overlooked while you felt invisible. Your brain simply learned a pattern: ‘I’m not good enough.‘
People are applauded today for being self-deprecating. It’s thought to be a good quality. I think it’s overrated and cringe at the consistent negative programming.
How about flipping the switch instead and using positive words such as ‘I am good enough exactly as I am‘ to rewire your brain. Consistent repetition is the key to success, so practice a new thought and a new story daily. Within weeks, your brain starts to change. Keep going and soon it becomes your programmed response.
If you resonate with imposter syndrome, here are three practical things you can do to overcome it.
- Awareness is key
Start to observe your thoughts, not in a judgmental way, but simply become aware of what you’re saying to yourself. When you catch yourself being self-critical or self-doubting, gently reassure yourself that all’s OK, you can do this and you are good enough.
The self-sabotaging story you’re currently telling yourself has momentum. You’ve probably been practising it for years, possibly even going back to childhood, so be gentle with yourself. It may take a little time to change those knee-jerk thought patterns. Keep going. Every time you do it, it will become easier.
Becoming self-aware creates a small pause in your thinking. This is powerful because it gives you a choice, either to continue berating yourself or to show yourself kindness instead. Be prepared for this negative self-talk to be happening in your head without you even realising it. It often feels normal, and many people are shocked when they first start noticing it.
- Meditation
Meditation is a particularly good way of increasing self-awareness, as it slows down the racing thoughts that fuel self-doubt. When your mind is constantly jumping ahead, playing out negative outcomes and reminding you of times when things didn’t go the way you wanted, imposter thoughts can run wild.
Whether it’s a 15-minute guided meditation or simply focusing on your breathing first thing in the morning, you’ll find that you start your day feeling calmer, more grounded and clear-minded. This makes it much easier to show up and stop second-guessing yourself.
- What do you actually need?
Taking on new responsibilities or stepping into a new role will almost always trigger imposter syndrome. The question to ask yourself is, “What do I need to make me feel confident in this role?”
Do you need more qualifications or education? Do you need to put yourself in similar situations or spend time around people who have already done what you’re learning to do? Or is it simply that you need to reassure yourself and give yourself a break from the harsh, unrealistic and often impossible standards you’re putting on yourself?
Whatever it is you need, do it. And remember, it’s about what you feel you need to get there, not what others or society say you should need.
So, what story are you telling yourself? Are you being self-critical, judgmental and damn right nasty? Or are you being kind and supportive, like you’d be to someone you love?
If not, the time to start is now. It’s way overdue.
About Sharon
Sharon Bolt is The Mindset Media Expert and Founder of Get Free Publicity Today. She’s spent over two decades securing regular BBC features and national media coverage for her celebrity dog training business, Good Dogs! and uses that proven record to mentor established entrepreneurs towards the same high-level media visibility. Through her exclusive Magnetic Media Review, Sharon reveals the strategy for becoming a regularly featured authority with powerful expert positioning. Sharon writes dual monthly columns for Sussex Exclusive on mindset/PR and dog training. Her dog training methods have been trusted by celebrity clients and over 26,000 students across 175 countries. https://www.getfreepublicitytoday.com/
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