Do You Feel Like an Imposter? Here’s the Cure
If you feel like a fraud, and worry that you don’t deserve your success, you’re in good company. High-achievers, including famous people like John Steinbeck, Jodie Foster, Sheryl Sandberg, and Tom Hanks have all felt like imposters. There’s even a name for this: Imposter syndrome. Here are 9 ways to cure imposter syndrome.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
People with imposter syndrome often believe they are not good enough, no matter their achievements. Psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes first described imposter syndrome in 1978.
Steinbeck, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, wrote in his diary that he wasn’t a writer, and that:
“I’ve been fooling myself and other people. I always feel like something of an impostor.”
When actress Jodie Foster won a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs, she called it a fluke:
“I thought everybody would find out, and they’d take it back. They’d come to my house, knocking on the door, ‘Excuse me, we meant to give that to someone else,’” she said.
Actor Tom Hanks and Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg have both admitted to imposter syndrome. Hanks said:
“No matter what we’ve done, there comes a point where you think, ‘How did I get here? When are they going to discover that I am, in fact, a fraud and take everything away from me?’”
Adds Sandberg:
“There are still days when I wake up feeling like a fraud, not sure I should be where I am.”
How Common Is Imposter Syndrome?
Studies show that up to 70 percent of people have experienced imposter syndrome at least once. Some experts believe it’s even more widespread. This feeling is not limited to beginners or those with little experience. It affects successful and experienced people, too.
Signs of Imposter Syndrome
People with imposter syndrome often:
- Doubt their achievements
- Fear being exposed as a fraud
- Downplay their skills and hard work
- Feel they don’t deserve their success.
Practical Steps to Cure Imposter Syndrome
Over the years, I’ve coached hundreds of freelancers, most of whom lacked confidence in their ability to succeed. But when I learned about their background and experience, and talked with them, they usually already had most of they needed to succeed. And they always had more going for them than they thought they did. What they needed was a cure for imposter syndrome, which was sapping their confidence.
You can cure imposter syndrome by following these steps:
1. Recognize You Are Not Alone
- Most freelancers, and many successful people, feel self-doubt at times. If famous people and other freelancers have been able to cure imposter syndrome and succeed, you can too.
2. Take Action Even When Unsure
- Start small and set achievable goals. Once you start taking action, it’s easier to keep taking action
3. Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others
- Focus on your own progress instead of what others have achieved. You can’t see the self-doubt that most freelancers faced before they achieved success.
4. Let Go of Perfectionism
- Aim for good work, not flawless results. Striving for perfect sets you up for frustration.
5. Accept and Learn from Mistakes
- Mistakes are normal. Forgive yourself, learn from them, and use what you learn to improve.
6. Talk About How You Feel
- Share your feelings with other freelancers who understand what you’re going through, or friends or family.
7. Challenge Negative Self-Talk
- Replace harsh inner talk with positive, realistic statements.
- For example, say, “This project is an opportunity to learn new skills,” instead of, “I’ve never done this before. I can’t do it.”’
8. Learn What You Don’t Know
- If you doubt your skills, take time to learn or practice them. Knowledge reduces fear.
9. Recognize Your Wins
- List your achievements and remind yourself of your progress. You have the skills to succeed.
Tips and Actions to Cure Imposter Syndrome
Tips |
| Recognize you are not alone |
| Take action even when uncertain |
| Avoid comparison |
| Let go of perfectionism |
| Accept mistakes |
| Talk about feelings |
| Challenge negative self-talk |
| Learn what you don’t know |
| Recognize your wins |
Actions |
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Key Takeaways about Imposter Syndrome
- Imposter syndrome is common among freelancers.
- Taking action and focusing on progress can help reduce feelings of self-doubt.
- Comparing yourself to others makes imposter syndrome worse.
- Building confidence comes from accepting mistakes and sharing your feelings.
- Learning new skills and celebrating your progress can help you move forward.
Learn More About Imposter Syndrome
From The Mighty Marketer
The Ultimate Guide to Goals for Freelancers
4 Ways to Become a More Positive Thinker
7 Ways to Boost Your Confidence as a Freelancer
Other Resources
12 Leaders, Entrepreneurs and Celebrities Who Have Struggled With Imposter Syndrome
Is imposter syndrome a sign of greatness?
Ed Gandia, “Do You Feel Like a Fraud? Struggle With Self Confidence? Welcome to the Club!”
Carol Tice, “Imposter Syndrome: Fighting Self-Doubt as a Freelance Writer”
FAQ
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the ongoing feeling that you are not as skilled or capable as others think you are, despite proof of your abilities.
How do I stop feeling like a fraud?
Take action and break your work into smaller steps. Talk with others about your feelings. Pay attention to your real achievements rather than only your doubts.
Does everyone experience imposter syndrome?
Most people, including successful professionals, feel it at some point in their careers.
Should I talk to others about imposter syndrome?
Yes, sharing these feelings can help you see you’re not alone and get useful perspectives from people who have felt the same way.
Can I ever fully get rid of imposter syndrome?
Yes, but even if you can’t remove it completely, you can manage it. Over time, you can reduce its impact by taking steady action, learning new things, and accepting your successes.