Every day, people achieve amazing things, get promotions, and lead successful projects. But Still, a lot of people believe they don't deserve it.

Some even think their success is just “luck.”

But it’s totally wrong!

This feeling is known as Imposter Syndrome, or the Impostor Phenomenon.

If the goal is overcoming imposter syndrome, remember it’s not about being perfect. It’s about learning to trust your abilities and remove unnecessary self-doubt.

In this guide you’ll discover how to recognize Imposter Syndrome, understand its types, and overcome it step by step. As well as how managers can help to overcome their employee’s imposter syndrome feelings.

Let's dive into it.

Common Characteristics of Imposter Syndrome

Everybody has a slightly different experience with imposter syndrome. According to surveys, 71% of CEOs in the US have suffered from imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. However, the majority of those who experience it have some ideas and behaviors in common.

Here are some common signs that can help recognize imposter syndrome:

• Self-doubt: Have concerns about your abilities and feel inadequate.

• Blaming Luck: Believe that your success came from your effort, not luck.

• Lack of Confidence: Struggle to have faith in your own skills.

• Isolation: Steer clear of close collaboration or idea exchange.

• Perfectionism: This is the fear of small mistakes and the desire for perfection.

• Overwork: When you give too much effort, you become tired.

• Fear of failure: Anxiety over making errors or disappointing other people.

Professionally, imposter syndrome can manifest in some of the following ways: 

• Working long hours and taking on extra projects to compensate

• Dismissing your accolades and compliments that come your way

• Passing on a job opportunity because you don’t feel good enough

• Being too hard on yourself after making a mistake

5 Types of Imposter Syndrome

Now that you understand what imposter syndrome looks like, let’s explore the five main types people usually experience.

Dr. Valerie Young, Ed.D., an internationally recognized imposter syndrome specialist on the subject and author of "The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Imposter Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It," has found five different categories of imposters in her research:

• The Perfectionist: Wants everything perfect. Feels like a failure if it’s not.

• The Superhero: Works too hard to prove themselves.

• The Expert: Feels they must know everything before starting.

• The Natural Genius: Believes success should be easy. Struggles when it’s not.

• The Soloist: Does everything alone. Afraid to ask for help.

8 Effective Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Don’t be tense. It's time to overcome imposter syndrome. 

Yes, you’re in the right place!

Here you’ll discover the best ways to remove self-doubts and build confidence. These practical strategies will help you try to get over imposter syndrome and build confidence at work.

1. Identify the Signs and Shape Your Thoughts

The first step is recognizing self-doubt early. This is one of the most effective ways to fight imposter syndrome.

Pay attention to moments when you think you’re not good enough or when you believe your success happened just by “luck.” These thoughts can trap you and make you doubt yourself.

When this happens, take a step back and ask yourself, “Is this really true, or is it just fear?”

For example, if you think, “I only got that job because no one else applied,” remind yourself of the skills, hard work, and effort that helped you earn it.

The Conscious Leadership Group calls this idea “facts vs. stories.”

• Facts are what actually happened.

• Stories are the way your mind explains those facts.

When you learn to see the difference, everything becomes clearer. You should write down times when you feel like an imposter and what caused it. Later, you can see patterns and think more positive thoughts.

2. Acknowledge Your Feelings and Let Them Go

It’s completely normal to feel self-doubt sometimes. Pushing those feelings away doesn’t help; it just makes those feelings stronger.

Instead, take a little time to notice what you’re feeling. Then say to yourself, “Okay, I feel unsure right now, and that’s okay.” 
After that, remind yourself that everyone feels this way at times, even the most confident people.

You can’t always stop imposter thoughts from showing up, but you can choose how you respond.

It’s normal to doubt yourself. Instead of pushing feelings away:

• Recognize them

• Say, “It’s okay to feel unsure right now.”

• Then keep moving forward

3. Talk to Someone You Trust

Imposter syndrome can make you feel completely alone. It’s like you’re the only one struggling to fit in. But you might be surprised to see how many people have been there too.

Nearly 62% of professionals around the world have felt the same way at some point.

So, the next time those thoughts come in, try talking about imposter syndrome feelings with someone you trust. Maybe a friend, teammate, or mentor.

There are two big benefits to opening up:

• When you talk about your feelings, imposter syndrome feelings don’t feel so heavy anymore. You start to feel better and more relaxed.

• The person you talk to might have felt the same way too. Their story can remind you that self-doubt is normal and doesn’t mean you’re not good enough.

Remember, sharing how you feel doesn’t make you weak. It’s actually a powerful step toward confidence and self-belief.

4. Focus on Evidence, Not Emotion

Your feelings can sometimes make you a fool, but facts tell the truth.

When those imposter thoughts come to your mind, take a moment to look at winning moments of your hard work. The projects you’ve finished, the kind words from teammates, or the positive feedback you’ve received.

If you notice something you can improve, that’s okay; it just means you’re growing. But most of the time, you’ll realize your self-doubt in the workplace doesn’t match reality.

Action Steps:

• Keep a Win Journal: Use a piece of paper on your desk or on a digital app, and schedule time each week to reflect on your workplace wins. Keeping track of what’s going well keeps it top of mind.

• Keep a Feedback File: Set aside time to reflect on both positive and constructive feedback to understand your growth areas and strengths better.

Leadership coach Dr. Valerie Young says,

“Remind yourself that success isn’t luck; it’s the result of your effort, learning, and persistence.”

5. Reshape Your Self-Talk

We live in a world full of comparisons.

That’s the matter! 

When you constantly compare yourself to others, you start chasing perfection instead of progress. And that’s where imposter syndrome grows. 

The goal isn’t to be perfect; it’s to be hopeful, curious, and open to growth.

You can’t imagine how powerful a voice you have. The way you talk to yourself will affect how you feel about yourself.

So here some common self-doubts to empower talk

• “I got lucky” to “I worked hard for that.”

• “I’m scared I’ll fail” to “Every experience teaches me something valuable.”

• “I’m not ready” to “I’m learning and improving every day.”

• “Things are always hard for me” to “I’m becoming stronger through challenges.”

When you change your self-talk, you change your story.

Confidence doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from speaking kindly to yourself, especially on the hard days.

6. Learn and Grow on Your own

Many people try to fight imposter syndrome by working harder and harder. But sometimes it leads to stress and burnout.

You should focus on learning and improving; don't push yourself too much. Growing your skills is one of the best ways to build real confidence.

Take a course, join a workshop, or ask for feedback from your manager. Every new skill you develop is proof of your abilities, not just something you hope for, but something you can actually see.

A mentor can make a big difference too. Find someone you respect who is a little ahead in their career. They can guide you, give advice, and remind you that even the most experienced people started as beginners.

Once you start overcoming imposter syndrome, share what you’ve learned! You can even create and teach your own course on EzyCourse.

7. Celebrate Your Wins (Big or Small)

Imposter syndrome makes you forget how far you’ve come. You focus on what’s left to do instead of what you’ve already achieved.
But every step counts, even the small ones.

Take a moment to celebrate your wins like

• Finished a tough task.

• Learned something new.

• Helped your team.

Those all matter.

Write them down, smile about them, and give yourself credit. You earned it.

If you celebrate your every progress of work, it will helps your brain keep growing, improving, and succeeding. Over time, these little celebrations remove that inner imposter voice and replace it with pride and confidence.

Remember: Keep a “win list” or a folder of kind words, compliments, or good feedback you’ve received. Whenever you feel self-doubt, look at your winning list. It’s real proof that you’re capable and worthy.

8. Seek Professional Guidance

Sometimes, imposter syndrome can become too heavy to handle alone. 

If it’s affecting your peace of mind, confidence, or performance at work, it might be time to reach out for professional help, and that’s completely okay.

Talking to a therapist or counselor can really help you understand where your self-doubt comes from. They can guide you to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with healthier, more empowering ones. 

For example, Dr. Pauline Clance, one of the psychologists who first studied imposter syndrome, suggests keeping a journal of your successes and positive feedback during therapy. This helps your brain see the truth that you are capable and deserving.

So, asking for help isn’t weakness; it’s a sign of courage and self-awareness.

8 Books to Help You Overcome Imposter Syndrome

If you love learning through stories and expert insights, books can be your best friend on this journey. Here are some inspiring book list that will help you understand, manage, and finally overcome imposter syndrome.

1. The Impostor Phenomenon, by Pauline Rose Clance

• Clance’s three-part book begins by examining the nature of the phenomenon and discusses how and why people develop imposter syndrome.

2. The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brené Brown

• Each chapter includes learning points and exercises that help you develop self-compassion, which Brown explains is a key practice against imposter syndrome.

3. Educated: A Memoir, by Tara Westover

• This book encourages college students in particular, though it has the potential to inspire all. It tells the real story of someone who felt like an imposter and overcame their doubt to eventually find success and a new home.

4. Own Your Greatness, by Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin and Dr. Richard Orbé-Austin

• This workbook will help you get to the source of your issues and learn what your real strengths are. You’ll even learn how to accept a compliment gracefully.

5. Year of Yes, by Shonda Rhimes

• In this book, television showrunner and director Shonda Rhimes writes an account of her struggles with insecurity.

6. The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women, by Valerie Young

• A leading expert in imposter syndrome literature, Young combines analysis, advice, and anecdotes to help you quiet your inner critic. 

7. The Imposter Cure, by Jessamy Hibberd

• Psychologist Jessamy Hibberd explains how to break out of a fixed mindset and think differently about yourself.

8. The Practice: Shipping Creative Work, by Seth Godin

• Written with creatives in mind, marketing leader Seth Godin tackles the obsession with outcome instead of process, which can contribute to imposter syndrome.

How Managers Can Help Employees to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

One of the best things you can do as a team leader or manager is to make your employees feel safe and confident.

Imposter syndrome can keep good workers from doing their best, but you can help them get over it with the correct support.

Here are some practical responsibilities you can learn:

1. Describe Clear Expectations 

When goals aren’t clear about what and how employees do the work, they often may confuse themselves.

As a manager, you should explain what success looks like, how their work will be measured, and what progress means for them.

You can even create a simple 30-60-90 day plan to guide their first few months. Once they’re settled, set them your expectations.

When employees know exactly what’s expected, they feel more confident and less anxious about their performance.

2. Make a Good Connection Early

New jobs can feel lonely. Some people may doubt themselves when they don’t know anyone yet.

You can help by introducing new team members to peer members early on. Pair them with a friendly mentor or invite them to join small groups, like coffee chats or team hangouts.

When people feel welcome and connected, they start to feel like they belong, and that belonging helps remove self-doubt.

3. Keep Communication Open and Simple

People sometimes stay quiet when they don't know who to talk to or how to ask questions. This silence can make them feel like an imposter even more.

As a manager, you can help by making communication clear and easy.

Let everyone know:

• Where to ask questions

• Who to reach out to for help

• When it’s okay to speak up in meetings

When team members know how to communicate, they feel more confident and included.

4. Give Feedback Early and Often

People with imposter syndrome often work hard but still doubt themselves. When they don’t get feedback, they start to assume they’re not doing well.

That’s why quick, regular feedback makes such a big difference. A short message like “Nice work on that project!” or a small tip for improvement can help employees know where they stand.

When feedback is clear and consistent, it replaces self-doubt with confidence.

5. Support Their Growth and Belief in Themselves

Many people doubt their abilities because they don’t see their own potential. Managers can help by showing trust and giving them chances to grow.

Talk with team members about their career goals and help them take small steps forward. You could let them 

• Lead a project, 

• Mentor a new hire, or 

• Teach a short session on something they’re good at.

These small opportunities build confidence and remind them that they’re skilled and capable.

You’re Now in Final Place

Your success isn’t luck; it’s proof of your hard work and talent. 

Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Surround yourself with support, celebrate your wins, and take bold steps to prove your abilities to yourself.

By following these overcoming imposter syndrome strategies, it becomes easier to trust personal growth, embrace achievements, and build lasting self-belief. 

As a manager, your goal isn’t just to lead, it’s to help your team grow with confidence. That’s where EzyCourse becomes your all-in-one partner.

With EzyCourse, you can easily manage communication, learning, and professional development in one simple place. It’s designed to help you build stronger teams, improve engagement, and support everyone’s growth without juggling multiple tools.

Here’s how you can use EzyCourse every day:

• Private communities for team discussions.

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• Email automation through built-in email marketing tools.

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Your journey starts now. Step up, trust yourself, and let your expertise shine!

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