Discuss strategies for overcoming self-doubt and building confidence.
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Let’s start by defining imposter syndrome as most people think of it. Imposter Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their own accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud,” despite evident success and competence. Those experiencing imposter syndrome often attribute their achievements to luck, external factors, or deception, rather than their own abilities or skills. Some manifestations of imposter syndrome in the work environment can include perfectionism, overworking, fear of failure, lack of confidence, and fear of getting feedback. Imposter syndrome can really get in the way of job satisfaction, professional growth and accepting new challenges.
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I have to do my best
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@mdamanullah54786 Sometimes it seems like the pressure to do your best can be overwhelming, especially when imposter syndrome kicks in. But the fact that you’re putting in the effort shows you deserve to be where you are. It’s all about focusing on your progress and not being too hard on yourself. Do you have any additional strategies that help you push through moments of doubt?
I guess Acknowledge your feelings, keep track of achievements, set realistic goals, seek support, accept mistakes as growth, shift your perspective to see challenges as learning opportunities, and celebrate your wins.
@cleffjhonconcon2001 Imposter syndrome is that sneaky feeling where you doubt your abilities or think you don’t deserve your success, even when there’s plenty of evidence that you’re doing a great job. It’s so common, and what you’ve shared here really hits the mark on how to tackle it.
Starting by acknowledging those feelings is powerful—it’s like saying, “Okay, I see you, but I’m not going to let you control the narrative.” Keeping a list of your achievements is a game-changer too. When self-doubt creeps in, having concrete proof of what you’ve accomplished can help ground you.
Setting realistic goals is such an underrated strategy. It’s not about aiming low; it’s about breaking big goals into steps that feel doable. Every step you take is a reminder that you’re making progress. Reaching out for support—whether it’s a mentor, colleague, or friend—can also give you fresh perspectives and encouragement when you’re stuck in your own head.
I really like what you said about accepting mistakes as growth. It’s a mindset shift that can be tough at first, but it’s freeing once you realize mistakes don’t define you—they’re just part of the process. And celebrating wins? It’s not just about patting yourself on the back; it’s about building a habit of recognizing and valuing your own efforts.
Imposter syndrome might not disappear entirely, but with these habits, you can keep it from holding you back. You’ve got a solid approach here, and the best part is that it’s all about focusing on your progress and strengths rather than letting doubt call the shots.
Already stated or not, it is worth mentioning that the two women who first developed “imposter syndrome” don’t agree with its contemporary usage.
It’s no different than calling an ex a narcissist or a gaslighter; these are terms developed to help people experience them, not something to just say when you’re angry at someone who doesn’t want you anymore.
If we continue to use medical diagnoses in pop culture as ways to despise a former partner, boss, or anyone else, we’ll just need to continue rewriting the book on what makes someone the way they are.
These are truths unavoidable without choosing different behaviors.
@jeffsteel1231 Thank you for your thoughtful post. It’s an important point that neither “imposter syndrome” nor “gaslighting” are medical diagnoses—they’re terms created to describe patterns of behavior or experiences. For example, imposter syndrome was first described as “imposter phenomenon” by two psychologists, and they’ve since expressed concerns about how the term is often misused or over-applied today. I think that is your point.
The same goes for terms like “gaslighting,” which originally referred to deliberate manipulation to make someone question their reality. These concepts are meant to help people understand specific experiences, not to be used casually or as blanket labels for someone we disagree with or don’t like.
While neither imposter syndrome nor gaslighting are medical diagnoses, your point seems to be that being intentional with how we use these words helps preserve their original purpose and value. Have I got that right?