Navigating Imposter Syndrome

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Host Sheila Boysen-Rotelli is talking about that imposter syndrome that plagues so many people. Feelings of self-doubt are not uncommon and usually find themselves in some of the most successful people on earth. Remember, you’re not alone and there are ways to battle Imposter Syndrome!


Episode Highlights:

  • According to research, 70% of people have felt like an imposter at some point in their life

  • Sheila, a professor with a Ph.D. and countless awards, has felt imposter syndrome in her own life

  • Maya Angelou had more than 50 honorary degrees and wrote 11 books and still felt like an imposter

  • Imposter Syndrome causes someone of sound body and mind to attribute their success to luck

  • It’s not a psychological illness, but more a reoccurring feeling of dread that mostly strikes high achieving people

  • People do not own their success, regardless of how successful the outside world views them

  • Feeling overwhelmed in a new venture is very common, but Imposter Syndrome is when those feelings don’t go away

  • There are a plethora of questions that you can ask yourself to find out if you suffer from Imposter Syndrome

    • Are you uncomfortable accepting praise for your accomplishments?

    • Do you doubt your general intelligence?

    • Do you think people would be disappointed if they realized what you really know?

  • Look for patterns in different situations when you feel like an imposter the most

  • Imposter Syndrome feelings are a result of our own life experiences

    • There might be some genetic or physical component that you are born with

    • Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between confidence and serotonin production

    • Socialization, or pressures from the world around us, can help shape the way we view ourselves

  • While it may seem random, there are certain situations that trigger Imposter Syndrome

    • It is very common when you are learning something new or immersed in a new environment

    • Being the only person of your ethnicity or gender can make someone feel like they don’t belong

  • Imposters tend to over-prepare, stay silent, or even avoid situations where they have to speak

  • Many times, the Imposter Syndrome feelings are not even logical, so they can be countered with logic

  • People who stick to only the things that they know and are comfortable with are more likely to leave their jobs

  • There are a variety of strategies to get rid of Imposter Syndrome and recognize the things that make you unique

    • Make a list of the skills that you have developed and training that you have received; research how many people can do this

    • List your accomplishments, the people you’ve helped, past performance reviews, etc.

  • Get unstuck from the fear of failure and take on new challenges

    • Start small and build your resilience from the ground up; hearing “no” is not a failure

    • Most likely, you will not ever stop having Imposter Syndrome feelings completely

3 Key Points:

  1. Imposter Syndrome is a psychological state that makes people think they are a fraud and is not something that is visible from the outside.

  2. Both genetic/physical factors and socialization can contribute to self-beliefs that lead to Imposter Syndrome.

  3. Novelty situations tend to bring about self-doubt, those being, learning a new skill, or working with a new team.

Tweetable Quote

“This can strike people at all levels, from students...all the way up to CEOs.” - Sheila Boysen-Rotelli

“You’re not alone. You’re with a tribe...and this awareness will make it easier for you to deal with Imposter Syndrome thoughts in a healthy way.” - Sheila Boysen-Rotelli

“Self-doubt is magnified whenever your expertise or your ability is challenged.” - Sheila Boysen-Rotelli

“Failure is not the end of the world, so pick something small and just go out and act on it.” - Sheila Boysen-Rotelli

Resources Mentioned: