Impostor Syndrome Still Showing Up? Here’s What To Do

Earlier this week, I shared my thoughts on the difference between my Inner Critic and Impostor

The Inner Critic can be a useful guide for spotting areas to grow. But the voice of the Impostor? Well, that’s a whole different story

Ignoring it? I’ve tried. It doesn’t work

So, when your impostor shows up, what can you do?

Here are 8 strategies that have helped me manage those feelings:

1. Acknowledge it.

Name the feeling — whether it's inadequacy or self-doubt. Labelling your emotions can help you deal with them more effectively in the long run

2. Look for evidence.

Challenge those negative thoughts. Where’s the proof to support or refute what you’re feeling?

3. Keep a journal. Track your accomplishments (big or small). Research in Positive Psychology suggests focusing on strengths can boost self-esteem

4. Ask for feedback. Get insights from a mentor or trusted colleague. A study from the Journal of Career Development found that positive feedback helps internalize success and reduce feelings of fraudulence

5. Set realistic goals. Break goals into smaller, achievable steps. Success builds momentum

6. Practice self-compassion. Forgive your mistakes and avoid unfair comparisons — don’t compare your back office to someone else’s front office

7. Visualize success. Get detailed: Picture where you are, what you're doing, and how it feels to achieve your goals. Visualization can improve performance and reduce anxiety

8. Connect with others. Talk about your feelings. Studies suggest that 70% of adults experience some degree of impostor syndrome. Social support helps normalize those feelings

By integrating these habits, you can quieten the noise of the impostor and embrace a more positive version of yourself. You may not eliminate the impostor entirely, but you can manage it

Do you have any tips for dealing with impostor syndrome?

Drop them in the comments!