Overcoming impostor syndrome: How to build confidence in your job

Feeling like you don’t belong or aren’t good enough for your job is an unsettling but common experience. It’s called *Impostor Syndrome*, and it affects people across industries, especially in the early stages of their careers. While many believe this feeling is something only a few struggle with, the reality is quite the opposite. In fact, up to 70% of people experience impostor syndrome at some point in their lives, particularly in the workplace. If you’ve ever felt like your accomplishments were due to luck rather than your abilities or worried that someone would “find you out,” you are far from alone. Impostor syndrome can be a hurdle to your confidence and career growth, but there are effective ways to combat it and build self-assurance. Job agencies can play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome impostor syndrome by providing support, guidance, and resources to build confidence and enhance career development. In this post, we’ll explore the phenomenon, its impact, and practical strategies for overcoming impostor syndrome.

Understanding impostor syndrome in the workplace

Impostor syndrome is often defined as a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their skills, talents, or achievements, feeling like a fraud despite external evidence of competence. This doubt can be even more profound in professional settings, where we are often judged by our abilities and performance. Many employees fear they aren’t meeting expectations, even if they are excelling by all objective standards.

There are several signs that you might be dealing with impostor syndrome at work, including:

Constant self-doubt

Feeling unsure about your abilities despite regular praise or success.

Attributing success to external factors

Believing you succeeded due to luck, timing, or external help rather than your own skills.

Fear of being “found out

Constantly worrying that you’ll be exposed as a fraud, even though there’s no reason to believe this.

Perfectionism

Setting impossibly high standards for yourself and feeling like a failure when you don’t meet them.

  If these patterns sound familiar, you’re likely experiencing impostor syndrome. Left unchecked, it can hinder your professional growth, harm your mental health, and create unnecessary stress.

Why do we experience impostor syndrome?

Impostor syndrome can be driven by a variety of factors, including:

Cultural and societal pressures

In a world that often celebrates constant achievement and success, the fear of not measuring up can be overwhelming. For South Africans in particular, dealing with cultural dynamics in the workplace, such as balancing traditional values with modern business environments, can amplify feelings of self-doubt.

High expectations

Whether these are set by ourselves, our employers, or our families, high expectations can lead us to feel that nothing we do is ever good enough. This can be even more challenging in a competitive job market, where landing your first job or succeeding early in your career is seen as a significant milestone. 

New or challenging roles

Taking on a new position, especially one with more responsibility, can trigger self-doubt, as you might question whether you have the skills and experience to perform well.

Recognizing the underlying causes of impostor syndrome is the first step in combating it. By identifying where these feelings come from, you can start to address them in a meaningful way.

The impact of impostor syndrome on your career

Impostor syndrome can have serious effects on your career if it goes unchecked. Here are some of the common ways it can manifest:

Holding back

You might hesitate to put yourself forward for promotions or new opportunities, fearing that you’re not ready or qualified. 

Burnout

Overworking to compensate for feelings of inadequacy can lead to burnout, as you push yourself beyond reasonable limits to prove your worth.

Reduced productivity

Constant self-doubt can affect your ability to focus and perform at your best, as you spend more time questioning your work than actually doing it. 

Lack of confidence

Impostor syndrome reduces your confidence, making it harder to assert yourself in meetings or when interacting with colleagues or clients.

For young professionals, particularly those just starting their careers in South Africa’s rapidly evolving job market, impostor syndrome can be a major barrier to career advancement. Fortunately, it is possible to break free from this mindset.

How to overcome impostor syndrome at work

So, how do you start overcoming impostor syndrome and building the confidence you need to thrive in your job? Here are some strategies to help you regain control of your career:

1. Recognize and reframe your thoughts

The first step is to acknowledge that you’re experiencing impostor syndrome. Once you can recognize those thoughts of self-doubt or inadequacy, it becomes easier to challenge them. 

Try to reframe these thoughts by focusing on the facts. For example, if you’re thinking, “I’m not qualified for this job,” remind yourself of your achievements and the positive feedback you’ve received from colleagues or supervisors.

2. Talk about it

Sharing your feelings of impostor syndrome with a mentor, colleague, or friend can be incredibly liberating. More often than not, you’ll find that others have experienced the same feelings. Talking about it helps you see that these feelings aren’t a reflection of your actual abilities and can reduce the isolation that impostor syndrome can create.

3. Track your successes

Keep a “wins” journal where you document your achievements, big or small. Whether it’s successfully completing a project, receiving praise from a manager, or learning a new skill, writing down your successes can help you build evidence against impostor syndrome.

Regularly reviewing these accomplishments can serve as a reminder that you’re capable and worthy of your position.

4. Set realistic goals

While it’s important to push yourself, setting unrealistic goals can exacerbate impostor syndrome. Break down larger tasks into smaller, achievable goals. This will not only make your work more manageable but also help you celebrate each milestone along the way.

5. Focus on continuous learning

Instead of worrying about being the best right away, shift your mindset to focus on continuous learning and improvement. No one expects you to know everything. Approaching each day as an opportunity to grow can help ease the pressure of perfectionism and impostor syndrome.

6. Celebrate your ahievements

One of the biggest contributors to impostor syndrome is not taking the time to acknowledge your accomplishments. Whether it’s hitting a project milestone, landing a new client, or simply receiving positive feedback, make a point to celebrate these moments. Acknowledge the hard work you’ve put in and the role you played in those successes.

Overcome impostor syndrome and thrive

overcoming impostor syndrome can be a challenge and can sometimes feel like a shadow hanging over your career, but it doesn’t have to define your professional journey. By acknowledging these feelings, reframing negative thoughts, and taking proactive steps to build confidence, you can start overcoming impostor syndrome and thrive in your job.

At MASA, we understand the unique challenges South African professionals face as they navigate their careers, especially early on. Whether you’re starting out or looking to take your next big step, MASA offers support to help you succeed in today’s competitive job market. 

Visit MASA  to learn more about how we can help you grow in your career and reach your full potential.