Believe it or not, Imposter Syndrome seems to be more common in women than men. Oftentimes we tend to confuse self-doubt with Imposter Syndrome so let’s unpack the key difference, causes and how we as women can work through self-limiting thoughts to live happier meaningful lives.
So what exactly is the connection between the two? Well, as a start both are merely thoughts. And thoughts can be changed!
Simply put, both self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome are the result of whirling and unwelcomed negative thoughts that swim through our minds. They’re usually triggered and amplified by anxiety.
Self-doubt: Can I do this? I’m not good enough.
Imposter Syndrome: I don’t deserve this. I’m a fraud.
Both are self-limiting thoughts that inhibit our sense of self-worth and steal our joy!
Having self-doubt in your abilities
Self-doubt, by definition, is a lack of faith in oneself: a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about one's abilities, actions, etc. It is something that we all may experience at certain times in our lives. It’s that little annoying and unwelcome voice inside our heads that repeatedly tells us we are not good enough or that we are unable to achieve something. Self-doubt can be caused by a number of factors or experiences from your past, but that’s exactly it, in your past. It doesn't need to dictate and control your future.
The sneaky Imposter Syndrome unpacked
Imposter Syndrome. Now here’s the sneaky thing connection between self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome; after persistent self-doubt, you may start believing that your achievements in life aren't deserved. Chronic self-doubt is linked to Imposter Syndrome so no matter what level of success you’ve achieved you don’t believe you deserve it. You may even feel like a fraud despite your accolades and achievements. Starting a new job might leave you feeling as though you don't belong and are incapable of doing the work required of you. You may also experience the same feelings if you get promoted at work. Imposter Syndrome can be linked to high-performing women who are perfectionists.
“Women, women of colour, especially black women, as well as the LGBTQ community, are most at risk,” says Brian Daniel Norton, a psychotherapist and executive coach. “When you experience systemic oppression or are directly or indirectly told your whole life that you are less-than or undeserving of success and you begin to achieve things in a way that goes against a long-standing narrative in the mind, Imposter Syndrome will occur.”
How does Imposter Syndrome impact women in the workplace?
It is no secret that women might feel that they have more to prove in the workplace in order to gain equal recognition to men. Given this backdrop, you might feel underqualified or even a fraud despite your growing accolades and achievements. Yet still, this nagging feeling of inadequacy might linger. These learned thought patterns might take a bit of time to unlearn. Unlearning negative thought patterns can be changed. Possibly through cognitive behavioural therapy or daily positive reinforcing self-talk.
If you are experiencing Imposter Syndrome know that this can change through positive reinforcement. Reminder yourself daily, even hourly, that you have earned a seat at the boardroom table. Your experience and knowledge are of value and you deserve all that you have achieved and more. Celebrate you!
