Managing Imposter Syndrome in High-Stress Roles

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There's a lot of literature about imposter syndrome.

"Everyone feels this way", "You'll get over it in time"

What I often wonder is: What if imposter syndrome is a signal?

Is it a signal that you need to build credibility or...

Is it a signal that you have an entirely different calling?

It's easy to feel like an imposter when chasing money, titles, and material goods.

You're doing this to prove to others that you deserve respect and belonging.

But when you chase purpose - it might feel scary but things feel more natural. Like you were meant for this.

It's sustainable happiness.

This week we’re talking about imposter syndrome.

Ok, let’s go!

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Quote

Question

When do you most feel like you’re not good enough, and how can you reframe those thoughts?

Action Step

Write down three achievements you’re proud of and remind yourself of your qualifications when self-doubt creeps in.

Let's practice — reply to this email and share one accomplishment that makes you proud.

Statistic

70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives, according to the Journal of Behavioral Science.

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Resources to Check Out

🎧 Podcasts

• TED Radio Hour: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

• The Happiness Lab: You Aren't Alone in Feeling Like a Fraud

📚 Books

1. The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women by Valerie Young

2. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

3. Imposter Syndrome Remedy by Emee Vida Estacio

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Feeling like a fraud? You're not alone:

82% of people have imposter syndrome.

It’s the self-awareness and actions to address it that matter.

The common signs of imposter syndrome:

Perfectionism:
↳ Setting excessively high standards
↳ Feeling disappointed when standards are not met

↳ Do this:
✅Set realistic goals
✅Celebrate your achievement
✅Accept that mistakes are part of learning

Attributing Success to External Factors:
Believing these are the reasons for your success.
↳ Luck
↳ Timing
↳ Help from others

↳ Do this:
✅Write down your achievements
✅Reflect on how your skills and work leads to success

Fear of Failure:
↳ Avoiding challenges due to fear of not succeeding.

↳ Do this:
✅Reframe failures as learning opportunities
✅Understand setbacks are a natural part of growth

Discounting Praise:
↳ Brushing off compliments as people being nice.

↳ Do this:
✅Respond with a simple “Thank you”
✅Practice accepting compliments graciously
✅Avoid downplaying your accomplishments

Overworking:
↳ Putting excessive effort to cover up for inadequacies

↳ Do this:
✅Set boundaries and prioritize self-care
✅Recognize that overworking is not sustainable
✅Know your worth is not solely based on productivity

Fear of Being "Found Out":
↳ Thinking others will realize you are not competent

↳Do This:
✅Share your feelings with friends, mentors, therapists
✅Voicing fears can diminish its power
✅Recognize others feel the same way

Self-Doubt:
↳ Persistent doubt about your abilities
↳ Feeling undeserving of success

↳ Do this:
✅Challenge negative self-talk
✅Surround yourself with supportive people

Comparing Yourself to Others:
↳ Constantly comparing your achievements to others

↳ Do this:
✅Set personal benchmarks
✅Focus on your own progress
✅Remember everyone’s journey is unique


It’s natural to have self-doubt.

In fact, it’s human.

Know you’re not alone.

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Thanks! Until next week.

Thanks
Laura

Certified Executive Coach | Advisor | Author
Visit lauranguyen.co