Imposter Syndrome
The big one. What is it? How can we deal with it as working professionals in our field?
Oh, to have the confidence and self-assurance of Andy Dwyer.
Every time I sit down to plan out or write an article for this blog I think to myself, “What authority do I even have to be talking about these topics? Why would literally anyone read or care about what I have to say?” So I count back my experience to myself.
I created a brand and started marketing myself as an artist and cosplayer in 2015 and then rebranded in 2022 in conjunction with launching my Twitch channel.
I completed my Associate’s degree and Bachelor’s degree in relevant programs.
I pursue certifications and education opportunities in my field.
I successfully sold upper-management on the advantages of social media marketing as whole and earned buy-in to spearhead the program.
I created a personal brand and marketed myself as a job-seeker before graduation.
I landed my first official position with “Marketing” in the title (aka, they hired you for a reason, KP).
So why the imposter syndrome? Maybe I feel like less of a professional because I started my career later than most of my colleagues. It could be that thinking creatively is something that comes naturally and I feel my job should be “harder” for some reason. Maybe because my foundation of knowledge is self-taught and I think that delegitimizes my experience and expertise.
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter Phenomenon - commonly referred to as “imposter syndrome” - was first described by Suzanne Imes, PhD and Pauline Clance, PhD in 1978 and is the sense that you feel undeserving of your achievements or that you’re a fraud and will soon be found out by colleagues. While the original study was conducted with a group of women, obviously anyone can experience the phenomenon.
I’ve dealt with these feelings in the cosplay world as I start to tackle a new costume, when I’ve applied for and interviewed for jobs, and even when I first entered the dating world. Something I still struggle with is accepting praise and undermining my own achievements - don’t do this to yourself!
Tip: Take Clance’s IP Scale Test if you’re unsure that you’re experiencing this phenomenon yourself.
How do you combat those feelings of inadequacy?
Acknowledging and then managing the doubt you have in your skills and your experience is so important. Self-doubt can hold you back from milestones or achievements in your career and personal life so it’s important to address it ASAP (and any underlying/untreated general anxiety or burnout, but that’s a different topic for a different day!).
But what can you do?
Don’t stress over perfection
Look, work can be hard enough sometimes. Don’t pressure yourself to expect perfection in every single thing you do. In the words of Pam Beesly, “Pobody’s nerfect”.
Be kind to yourself; you’re not alone in this
In a world where so few people can be kind to you, choose to be kind to yourself. Also know that your struggle is shared by around 82% of the population and experiencing these kinds of thoughts about yourself and your worth are completely normal.
Track your success and celebrate wins!
Did you totally nail that campaign you’ve been working on for months and receive praise from your boss? Please celebrate yourself! Take a moment to recognize that your actions were so worthy of praise that they were verbalized to you and that is huge. Go get yourself a coffee or a drink after you log off for the day, superstar.
Decide to be confident in all things
Did you know you could just…decide to be confident? I didn’t. You have to realize that you were hired/chosen for a reason and trust yourself and your skills. Move and make those decisions proudly because believe it or not, you do actually know what you’re doing.
Know what signs to look for
So this goes back to recognizing those feelings of inadequacy, feeling like you don’t deserve to have a voice, or someone is going to “find out” that you’re a fraud. Acknowledge those thoughts and promptly kick them to the curb because your anxiety is lying to you.
Accept opportunities outside your comfort zone
This is a big one and helps with growth! Push yourself to do something new or take up your colleagues on that after work happy hour. Don’t let the fear of not doing a good job keep you from opportunities that could propel your career or personal life forward!
Share your wins, fails, and overall feelings
Sharing how you’re feeling with either trusted colleagues, a mentor, or a friend outside your work circle can help shape your perspective. Having that open conversation can show you that other folks are out there fighting the good fight, just like you. Plus, there’s the added bonus of gassing up your friends and providing a shoulder when they/you need one. Never hold your burdens alone.
Look at you.
I see the confidence, already! Now go out there and slay the day. Let me know in the comments below if you have a go-to for when the big IP hits you whether it’s a mirror pep talk or taking a mental health day to focus on things that bring you joy.
Kiersten “KP” Pavoncello
KP is a Digital Marketing Coordinator from York, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Southern New Hampshire in 2022 with high honors and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. When she’s not knee-deep in social strategy, KP is usually playing her favorite video games and spending time with her husband, son, and two cats.