You Can't Out-Achieve Imposter Syndrome

Most people are familiar with the term "imposter syndrome" and many have experienced it. Simply put, imposter syndrome is a collection of thoughts and emotions that arise when you don't think you belong. Scholars originally attributed it to internal failures and a lack of confidence. According to those researchers, it is a failure to internalize successes and take credit for those successes that leads to feeling like an imposter despite one's accomplishments. This, essentially, blames the victims. However, there are often people and events that can undermine a person's ability to take credit and internalize successes. Recent scholars have suggested that imposter syndrome results from gaslighting or undermining comments and behaviors that create doubt in the environment. Examining imposter syndrome from a different angle suggests new ways of understanding the experience and new paths for coping with it.

What if imposter syndrome weren't bad?

Recently, I found myself in a room full of impressive women who were actively working to reduce barriers to women in higher education leadership. On the dais sat women chancellors and presidents and they praised us for our work. I felt like an imposter. Among all these high-energy achievers and leaders, I felt that my middle-management position left me with little opportunity or energy to be as influential and powerful as others. I wondered if I belonged in that room. I felt like I had received an invitation under false pretenses, I felt like an imposter. Recognition of my experience surprised me. Should middle-aged women still be feeling like imposters? After 20 years in higher education, how can I possibly still feel I need to prove myself, to myself?

At the same time, I recognized that I had accepted the invitation to this event, I walked into this room and talked to my neighbors at my table, despite my self-doubts. I had placed myself in a situation with high achievers who could serve as role models and inspirations. My experience of imposter syndrome might say that I am a high achiever who has difficulty claiming credit for my accomplishments and it says that I am a person who puts myself out there. I am a person who strives. I am a person who puts myself beyond my comfort zone to accomplish my goals. Striving feeds my imposter syndrome. I felt this way because of my positive traits.

From that view, I was able to create a new framing for my imposterism and turn it around. First, a common concern of those experiencing imposter syndrome is that advances are undeserved because they occurred because of luck or pity of others. I flipped that script by realizing that many people have mentors, guides, and chances given to them. Why shouldn't I? And, I realized that even when others offer a hand, people have to be willing to accept it. They have to take the chance. Yes, with gratitude I acknowledge the assistance I have in my life and the paths that were smoothed. I also know that I had to work hard and persevere to take those paths, and hopefully smooth them for others.

Second, just as there are people who offer help, there are people who are undermining. People who disregard and prevent credit-taking. I keep a running resume document that lists my accomplishments. Perhaps there are things that "anyone" could do, and that doesn't matter. These are things that I did. Tasks I completed, things I have built. This running tally of skills, abilities, and talents helps me flip the imposter script. This list helps me know that any task handed to me in this environment, no matter how big, is one that I have the resources to complete. Essentially, this turns difficult tasks from being threatening to my sense of self, into being a challenge. I know that I have faced every challenge thrown at me, no matter what other people think, and I know I can do it again. Stress, doubt, and anxiety are just my body telling me to ramp up the resources.

In summary, feeling like an imposter isn't necessarily a bad thing. It is just self-doubt. People feel like imposters when they care about their performance and when they are among other high achievers. Keeping lists of accomplishments and praising yourself for going into uncomfortable situations won't solve imposterism. But, they are two small steps to reframing feelings of self-doubt as normal, reasonable, and to be expected.