YOU ARE PROBABLY AN IMPOSTOR: How to Stop Feeling Like a Fraud and Start Owning Your Awesome

Did you know 70% of people feel like impostors at work?

Let’s be serious for a second and talk about something we all know too well but pretend we don’t: Impostor Syndrome. Yep, that sneaky little voice that whispers, "You’re not good enough," or "Soon, everyone will realize you’re just winging it." Guess what? That voice is a liar, and it’s time to shut it down for good.

I know this because I’ve been there—many times. Even with my fancy trifecta of certifications—Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL®), Certified Learning and Development Professional (CLDP®), and Elite Certified Recruitment Expert (ECRE)—(okay, let me flex here for a second, because I rarely get to, LOL), I’ve had moments where I’ve felt like I’m the Wizard of Oz, hiding behind a curtain, pulling levers, and hoping no one notices I’m just making it up as I go along. That little voice has tried to convince me I don’t belong, that somehow I’ve tricked everyone into believing I’m more competent than I really am.

But here’s the tea: no matter how many qualifications or achievements we rack up, Impostor Syndrome can sneak in and try to steal our joy. The truth is, it doesn’t stand a chance when you call it out, challenge it, and clap back with a little self-love, honesty, and a good dose of humor.

So, let’s dive into some tips to help you kick that impostor feeling to the curb. These aren’t just feel-good strategies; they’re backed by solid research to show these tricks actually work. Trust me, if I can push past the doubt, so can you!

1. Recognize the Impostor Voice and Tell It to Take a Hike

First things first, recognize when that inner critic starts yapping away. You know, that voice saying, "You only got this job because you tricked everyone," or "If they knew the real you, they’d laugh." Well, jokes on that voice! When it shows up, give it a name—something ridiculous like Chad. Then, when Chad starts ranting, just say, “Not today, Chad. Not today.”

Reflective Exercise: Next time you catch Chad talking, write down what he’s saying and then write a response that directly challenges it. Turn this into a daily habit to diminish his power over time.

Research Insight: Recognizing and reframing these thoughts is a superpower. Studies show it can significantly reduce anxiety and impostor feelings by challenging irrational beliefs and fostering a more positive self-view. Learn more about the research from the Journal of Behavioral Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry here.

2. Keep a "Brag Book" – Yes, It’s Time to Toot Your Own Horn

Look, I know we’re all about humility, but sometimes you’ve got to hype yourself up. Start a “Brag Book.” This isn’t some dusty journal; this is your superhero manual. Write down every win—big or small. Closed that sale? Write it down. Nailed that presentation? Write it down. Got out of bed and managed to look like a functioning adult? Yep, that goes in too. When Chad (remember him?) comes knocking, flip open your Brag Book and remind yourself that you’re not just doing okay; you’re crushing it.

Next Steps: Start your Brag Book today. Write down three wins from the past week, no matter how small they seem.

Research Insight: Keeping a record of achievements helps reinforce self-efficacy and reduces impostor feelings. A study in the Journal of Positive Psychology explains how documenting successes can boost self-esteem and diminish impostor syndrome. Check it out here.

3. Reframe Those “I Got Lucky” Thoughts – Luck? Really?

Whenever you feel like you’ve only succeeded because you were “lucky” or “in the right place at the right time,” ask yourself this: “Would I really bet on me being this lucky, this often?” Unless you’ve got a leprechaun on speed dial, the answer is probably no. Your success is a result of hard work, preparation, and maybe a little caffeine.

Reflective Exercise: Write down a recent success you’ve labeled as “lucky.” Now, list three reasons why it was actually due to your skills, effort, or preparation.

Research Insight: Fostering an "internal locus of control" (believing you control your own success) leads to higher self-esteem and less impostorism. The Journal of Applied Psychology delves into this concept more deeply here.

4. Find Your Tribe and Share the Crazy

Here’s a secret: Almost everyone feels like an impostor sometimes. Even that person you think has it all together is probably secretly sweating it, just like you. So, find your people—the ones who are just as beautifully flawed and fantastic as you are. Share your impostor moments with them. You’ll find that talking about it not only normalizes the experience but also makes it a lot less powerful. Plus, you might end up laughing about it over drinks, and that’s always a win.

Next Steps: Reach out to a friend or colleague today and share a moment when you felt like an impostor. You’ll be surprised by how much it helps!

Research Insight: The American Psychological Association emphasizes that social support is key in mitigating impostor syndrome. Engaging with a supportive community can reduce feelings of isolation and self-doubt. More on this can be found here.

5. Laugh at Your Mistakes – Seriously, It’s Better Than Crying

Look, we all mess up. Nobody, not even Oprah, got to where they are without a few stumbles. The trick is to laugh it off. Did you send an email to “All Staff” instead of “Alan Staff”? Oops. But also, LOL. Mistakes are proof that you’re trying, learning, and, most importantly, human. So, the next time you slip up, shrug, chuckle, and keep it moving. The universe has already forgiven you.

Reflective Exercise: Write down a recent mistake and then write how you’d explain it to a friend in a funny way. Reframing errors as humorous stories can help reduce their emotional weight.

Research Insight: Studies from the Self and Identity Journal show that self-compassion and humor help reduce impostor syndrome and anxiety. Read more about how embracing self-compassion works here.

6. Accept the Compliment, Don’t Dodge It Like a Dodgeball

You know when someone says, “Great job!” and you’re like, “Oh, it was nothing,” or “I just got lucky”? Stop that. Next time someone compliments you, resist the urge to dodge it like a rogue dodgeball flying at your face. Instead, say, “Thank you. I worked really hard on that.” This isn’t bragging; it’s acknowledging reality. Chad hates reality, so this is how we win.

Next Steps: The next time you receive a compliment, pause and say, “Thank you. I appreciate that.” Try it three times this week and notice how it feels.

Research Insight: Research published in Psychological Science suggests that accepting positive feedback improves self-esteem and reduces impostor feelings. The study details how accepting compliments can be a significant step in combating self-doubt. Find out more here.

7. Remind Yourself: Everyone is Faking It Until They Make It—Even Beyoncé

Yes, even Queen Bey has had moments of doubt. And if Beyoncé can occasionally feel like an impostor, then so can you. The trick isn’t to avoid the feeling—it’s to dance through it like you’re in a music video. Remember, confidence isn’t about never doubting yourself. It’s about owning that doubt and still strutting like you’ve got your own wind machine.

8. Pretend to Sleep So You Can Fall Asleep—The Impostor Syndrome of Bedtime

Ever notice how sometimes you have to pretend to be asleep in order to actually fall asleep? It’s like you’re in bed, lights out, lying there like, “Shhh, I’m totally asleep,” hoping your brain doesn’t catch on. The irony is you have to fake it until you make it—even with sleep! The same principle applies to dealing with impostor syndrome. Sometimes, you have to act like you believe in yourself until one day you wake up and realize you actually do. It’s a slow game of tricking your brain into calmness—whether it’s falling asleep or owning your awesomeness. Just like sleep, confidence comes easier when you stop overthinking and let it happen naturally.

Key Takeaways

• Recognize and name your impostor voice to reduce its power.
• Keep a "Brag Book" to reinforce your achievements and boost self-confidence.
• Reframe thoughts of luck to recognize your hard work and preparation.
• Lean on your support network to normalize and lessen feelings of impostorism.
• Laugh at your mistakes to cultivate self-compassion.
• Accept compliments to affirm your worth and achievements.
• Remember, everyone feels like an impostor sometimes—even the most successful people.
• Sometimes you have to pretend you’re confident (or asleep) until it becomes real.

Final Thought: You’re Not an Impostor—You’re a Work in Progress

Friend, here’s the deal: You’ve got your trifecta of certifications, tons of achievements, and probably more untapped potential than you even realize. Impostor Syndrome is like that unwanted guest who shows up, eats all your snacks, and never leaves. But now you’ve got the tools to show it the door. So, own your success, hype yourself up, and keep leveling up. After all, the only real impostor would be the one who stops trying. And that’s definitely not you.

Remember, you’re a badass. Chad can go suck it.

With these research-backed strategies, you've got everything you need to tackle Impostor Syndrome head-on and start living your best, most authentic life. Keep rocking, and don’t let anyone (especially Chad) tell you otherwise!

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