It’s Not Luck, It’s You: Breaking Free from Imposter Syndrome

You got the promotion. You aced the presentation. Your manager is singing your praises. On the outside, everything is going right. But on the inside, a quiet, nagging voice whispers, “I just got lucky. I don’t deserve this. It’s only a matter of time before they find out I’m a fraud.”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This powerful feeling of being an intellectual phoney is called imposter syndrome, and it's far more common than you think, especially among high-achievers.

Imposter syndrome makes you believe you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. Despite a mountain of evidence showcasing your success, you feel like you’re just faking it. Your mind becomes a battleground of fear, self-doubt, and immense pressure to constantly prove yourself, preventing you from ever truly enjoying the success you've earned.

The Roots of Imposter Syndrome

This feeling doesn’t appear out of nowhere. It’s often nurtured by a combination of past experiences and present pressures.

• Early Upbringing: Growing up in an environment where love or approval was directly linked to achievement, or when mistakes were not tolerated, or praise was rare, can create a deep-rooted belief that your worth is tied to flawless performance.

• The Trap of Constant Comparison: Being constantly compared to siblings, classmates, or colleagues can foster a toxic mindset where you’re only worthy if you’re “the best.” Anything less feels like a complete failure.

• New or High-Pressure Roles: Stepping into a new job, a leadership position, or a challenging academic program is a common trigger. The unfamiliarity of the territory can make even the most competent people question their own abilities.

• The Social Media Effect: Scrolling through the curated highlight reels of others can create a distorted reality where it seems like everyone else has it all figured out. This feeds the feeling that you are falling behind or somehow pretending to keep up.

• The Widening Inner-Outer Gap: Over time, the difference between the successful person you appear to be on the outside and the doubtful person you feel like on the inside can grow wider. Imposter syndrome thrives in this gap.

  
  

How Imposter Syndrome Shows Up in Daily Life

It’s not just a vague feeling; it has real-world consequences.

• A student who earns an 'A' on a difficult exam might dismiss it, thinking, “The professor must have graded easily this time.”

• A talented professional might over-prepare for days for a simple meeting, terrified that a single mistake will “expose” their incompetence, even though they are more than qualified.

These individuals aren't faking anything, but imposter syndrome convinces them that they are.

From Fraud to Fact: Your Action Plan to Counter Imposter Syndrome

The good news is that you can fight back. You don’t have to let these feelings dictate your life. Here are six practical steps to reclaim your confidence.

1. Name It to Tame It: The first step is simple awareness. The next time that feeling of dread creeps in, pause and identify it: “This is imposter syndrome talking.” Recognising the pattern separates the feeling from the fact. It’s a common psychological experience, not a personal flaw.

2. Become a Reality-Checker: Instead of blindly accepting self-critical thoughts, challenge them with evidence. Ask yourself:

• “Was it really just luck that I got this job, or did my years of experience and preparation for the interview play a role?”

• “Is there actual evidence that I am incompetent, or am I just feeling anxious?” Look at the facts - past projects, positive feedback and qualifications to bring balance back to the conversation in your head.

3. Keep a "Wins" Folder: This is a game-changer. Create a digital folder, a document, or even a physical journal where you save every piece of positive feedback. Screenshot complimentary emails, jot down verbal praise, and list your achievements, big and small. On days when self-doubt is loud, open this file. It’s a powerful, tangible reminder of your competence and worth.

4. Break the Silence: Imposter syndrome thrives in isolation. It wants you to believe you're the only one who feels this way. Defy it by talking to a trusted peer, mentor, or therapist. More often than not, you'll be met with a relieved, “I feel that way too.” This shared vulnerability instantly reduces shame and builds connection.

5. Let Go of Perfectionism: Imposter syndrome often stems from the belief that you must be perfect to be worthy. This is an impossible standard. Give yourself permission to be human. Making mistakes, asking for help, and not knowing everything are essential parts of growth. Embrace being a work in progress - it’s where all the learning happens.

6. Learn to Own Your Success When you receive a compliment or achieve something great, your instinct might be to deflect ("Oh, it was nothing"). Practice a new response. Try a simple but powerful, “Thank you. I worked hard on that.” Accepting praise and celebrating your wins, no matter how small, helps you to accept what you truly deserve.

Note to Self

Feeling like a fraud doesn’t mean you are one. In fact, it often means you’re pushing boundaries, growing, and tackling challenges you care about. Doubt is a normal part of the journey, but it doesn't have to lead our journey. It's time to stop feeling like you're faking it and start owning the success you've rightfully earned.