Well-being
How to overcome imposter syndrome
10 Nov 2025
Have you ever felt like a fraud, waiting to be discovered? Perhaps you've aced an exam but credited it to luck, or landed a promotion and worried you don't truly deserve it. If these feelings of self-doubt sound familiar, you might be experiencing imposter syndrome.
This feeling is surprisingly common, especially among high-achievers, students, and professionals pushing their boundaries. It's the persistent internal belief that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. Despite external evidence of your skills and accomplishments, you live with a nagging fear of being exposed as a fake.
Feeling this way can be isolating and draining, significantly impacting your well-being and progress. It can hold you back from seizing new opportunities, whether that’s applying for a new role or sitting a challenging exam.
The good news is that you can manage these feelings.
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern. It’s often characterised by intense feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. People experiencing it often dismiss their achievements as a result of luck, timing, or deceiving others into thinking they are more intelligent and competent than they believe themselves.
Everyone questions their abilities from time to time. However, with imposter syndrome, the feelings are persistent and pervasive, creating a cycle of anxiety and fear that can prevent you from reaching your full potential and lead to burnout.
Recognising the signs of imposter syndrome
How can you tell if what you're feeling is imposter syndrome? Recognising the signs is the first step toward managing them. While it manifests differently for everyone, there are several common indicators to look out for.
Common signs:
- Constant self-doubt: You frequently question your skills, knowledge, and decisions, even when you have a track record of success.
- Attributing success to external factors: You believe your achievements are due to luck, good timing, or others overestimating your abilities, rather than your own hard work and competence.
- Fear of failure: You have an intense and often paralysing fear of not meeting expectations. This can lead to either procrastination or over-preparation (perfectionism).
- Perfectionism: You set excessively high standards for yourself. When you fall short of these impossible goals, you experience major self-doubt and feelings of failure.
- Dismissing praise: You find it difficult to accept compliments or positive feedback, often brushing them off because you don’t feel you deserve them.
- Comparing yourself to others: You constantly compare yourself to peers and colleagues, focusing on where you think you fall short and ignoring your own strengths.
- Fear of being "found out": You live with a persistent fear that others will discover you are not as capable as they think you are.
If these signs resonate with you, remember you are not alone. These feelings are a shared experience for many, but they do not have to define your journey.
Practical steps to overcome self-doubt
Managing imposter syndrome is an ongoing process that requires conscious effort and self-compassion. The goal isn't to eliminate self-doubt entirely, but to develop strategies that prevent it from controlling your life. Here are five practical steps to boost your student confidence and professional self-esteem.
1. Acknowledge and reframe your thoughts
The first step is to simply acknowledge your feelings. When you notice thoughts of self-doubt creeping in, name them: "I'm feeling like an imposter right now." This simple act creates distance, allowing you to observe the thought without letting it consume you.
Next, challenge and reframe these thoughts. Is there actual evidence that you are a fraud, or is this just a feeling? Counter your negative self-talk with objective facts. Instead of thinking, "I just got lucky on that exam," try, "I studied hard for that exam, and my preparation paid off."
2. Track your accomplishments
People with imposter syndrome often have a poor memory for their successes. To combat this, start an "accomplishments log." This can be a document on your computer, a note on your phone, or a physical journal.
Write down every achievement, no matter how small. Did you solve a tricky problem at work? Did you understand a complex topic in your studies? Did you receive positive feedback from a manager or tutor? Document it. When feelings of self-doubt arise, review your log. This tangible evidence of your competence is a powerful antidote to the feeling of being a fraud.
3. Adopt a growth mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This contrasts with a fixed mindset, which assumes abilities are innate and unchangeable.
Embracing a growth mindset helps you see challenges not as threats, but as opportunities to learn. Instead of viewing a mistake as proof of your incompetence, see it as a valuable lesson. This shift in perspective is crucial for building resilience and confidence in learning. Remind yourself that it's okay not to know everything; learning is a continuous journey.
4. Share your feelings with others
Imposter syndrome thrives in isolation. When you keep your feelings to yourself, they can grow and feel overwhelming. Sharing your experiences with trusted friends, family, mentors, or colleagues can be incredibly liberating.
You will likely discover that many people you admire have felt the same way. Knowing you are not alone can normalise your feelings and reduce their power. A supportive network can also offer an external perspective, reminding you of your strengths when you are struggling to see them yourself.
5. Stop comparing yourself to others
The habit of comparison is a direct path to feeling inadequate. You often compare your "behind-the-scenes" reality with someone else's highlight reel, which is a battle you can never win.
Make a conscious effort to focus on your own journey and progress. If you find yourself scrolling through LinkedIn or social media and feeling insecure, take a step back. Remind yourself of your own goals and the steps you are taking to achieve them. Your path is unique, and progress is more important than perfection or comparison.
Build your confidence and thrive
Overcoming imposter syndrome is not about flipping a switch, it's about building a collection of healthier habits and thought patterns. It requires patience, self-compassion, and a commitment to recognising your true worth. By acknowledging your feelings, tracking your successes, adopting a growth mindset, and leaning on your support system, you can quiet that inner critic.
Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. Every time you challenge a negative thought or celebrate a small win, you are taking a step towards greater self-belief. You have earned your place, and you have the skills to succeed. It's time to start believing it.
Progress your career
You’ve worked hard to get where you are, and you’re more capable than you think. Continue building your confidence and skills and browse our courses to take the next step in your journey with the support and structure you deserve.
Well-being
How to overcome imposter syndrome
10 Nov 2025
Have you ever felt like a fraud, waiting to be discovered? Perhaps you've aced an exam but credited it to luck, or landed a promotion and worried you don't truly deserve it. If these feelings of self-doubt sound familiar, you might be experiencing imposter syndrome.
This feeling is surprisingly common, especially among high-achievers, students, and professionals pushing their boundaries. It's the persistent internal belief that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. Despite external evidence of your skills and accomplishments, you live with a nagging fear of being exposed as a fake.
Feeling this way can be isolating and draining, significantly impacting your well-being and progress. It can hold you back from seizing new opportunities, whether that’s applying for a new role or sitting a challenging exam.
The good news is that you can manage these feelings.
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern. It’s often characterised by intense feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. People experiencing it often dismiss their achievements as a result of luck, timing, or deceiving others into thinking they are more intelligent and competent than they believe themselves.
Everyone questions their abilities from time to time. However, with imposter syndrome, the feelings are persistent and pervasive, creating a cycle of anxiety and fear that can prevent you from reaching your full potential and lead to burnout.
Recognising the signs of imposter syndrome
How can you tell if what you're feeling is imposter syndrome? Recognising the signs is the first step toward managing them. While it manifests differently for everyone, there are several common indicators to look out for.
Common signs:
- Constant self-doubt: You frequently question your skills, knowledge, and decisions, even when you have a track record of success.
- Attributing success to external factors: You believe your achievements are due to luck, good timing, or others overestimating your abilities, rather than your own hard work and competence.
- Fear of failure: You have an intense and often paralysing fear of not meeting expectations. This can lead to either procrastination or over-preparation (perfectionism).
- Perfectionism: You set excessively high standards for yourself. When you fall short of these impossible goals, you experience major self-doubt and feelings of failure.
- Dismissing praise: You find it difficult to accept compliments or positive feedback, often brushing them off because you don’t feel you deserve them.
- Comparing yourself to others: You constantly compare yourself to peers and colleagues, focusing on where you think you fall short and ignoring your own strengths.
- Fear of being "found out": You live with a persistent fear that others will discover you are not as capable as they think you are.
If these signs resonate with you, remember you are not alone. These feelings are a shared experience for many, but they do not have to define your journey.
Practical steps to overcome self-doubt
Managing imposter syndrome is an ongoing process that requires conscious effort and self-compassion. The goal isn't to eliminate self-doubt entirely, but to develop strategies that prevent it from controlling your life. Here are five practical steps to boost your student confidence and professional self-esteem.
1. Acknowledge and reframe your thoughts
The first step is to simply acknowledge your feelings. When you notice thoughts of self-doubt creeping in, name them: "I'm feeling like an imposter right now." This simple act creates distance, allowing you to observe the thought without letting it consume you.
Next, challenge and reframe these thoughts. Is there actual evidence that you are a fraud, or is this just a feeling? Counter your negative self-talk with objective facts. Instead of thinking, "I just got lucky on that exam," try, "I studied hard for that exam, and my preparation paid off."
2. Track your accomplishments
People with imposter syndrome often have a poor memory for their successes. To combat this, start an "accomplishments log." This can be a document on your computer, a note on your phone, or a physical journal.
Write down every achievement, no matter how small. Did you solve a tricky problem at work? Did you understand a complex topic in your studies? Did you receive positive feedback from a manager or tutor? Document it. When feelings of self-doubt arise, review your log. This tangible evidence of your competence is a powerful antidote to the feeling of being a fraud.
3. Adopt a growth mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This contrasts with a fixed mindset, which assumes abilities are innate and unchangeable.
Embracing a growth mindset helps you see challenges not as threats, but as opportunities to learn. Instead of viewing a mistake as proof of your incompetence, see it as a valuable lesson. This shift in perspective is crucial for building resilience and confidence in learning. Remind yourself that it's okay not to know everything; learning is a continuous journey.
4. Share your feelings with others
Imposter syndrome thrives in isolation. When you keep your feelings to yourself, they can grow and feel overwhelming. Sharing your experiences with trusted friends, family, mentors, or colleagues can be incredibly liberating.
You will likely discover that many people you admire have felt the same way. Knowing you are not alone can normalise your feelings and reduce their power. A supportive network can also offer an external perspective, reminding you of your strengths when you are struggling to see them yourself.
5. Stop comparing yourself to others
The habit of comparison is a direct path to feeling inadequate. You often compare your "behind-the-scenes" reality with someone else's highlight reel, which is a battle you can never win.
Make a conscious effort to focus on your own journey and progress. If you find yourself scrolling through LinkedIn or social media and feeling insecure, take a step back. Remind yourself of your own goals and the steps you are taking to achieve them. Your path is unique, and progress is more important than perfection or comparison.
Build your confidence and thrive
Overcoming imposter syndrome is not about flipping a switch, it's about building a collection of healthier habits and thought patterns. It requires patience, self-compassion, and a commitment to recognising your true worth. By acknowledging your feelings, tracking your successes, adopting a growth mindset, and leaning on your support system, you can quiet that inner critic.
Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. Every time you challenge a negative thought or celebrate a small win, you are taking a step towards greater self-belief. You have earned your place, and you have the skills to succeed. It's time to start believing it.
Progress your career
You’ve worked hard to get where you are, and you’re more capable than you think. Continue building your confidence and skills and browse our courses to take the next step in your journey with the support and structure you deserve.
