It’s something even the most successful have experienced. Harry Potter star Emma Watson, tennis legend Serena Williams, actor Tom Hanks and music icon David Bowie have all openly admitted to feeling like impostors at times, despite their extraordinary achievements. If they can feel it, so can we.

Imposter syndrome is often misunderstood. It’s easy to dismiss feelings of doubt as “imposter syndrome,” but is it really? In our latest blog, ema consultancy’s Anne Elliott takes a deeper look at what imposter syndrome truly is, how it affects people and, most importantly, how to overcome it.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is the feeling that, despite success or recognition, you don’t deserve it. It’s when you constantly feel like a fraud, like someone will discover that you’re not as capable or skilled as others think you are.

This condition is often linked with high achievers, but it can affect anyone. Even the likes of Tom Hanks, Emma Watson and Serena Williams have confessed to moments of self-doubt, questioning whether they deserve their fame and accolades.

Psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes first coined the term in 1978. They described it as a pattern of self-doubt, a feeling that accomplishments are due to luck or external factors rather than talent or hard work. It’s a silent struggle, one that can stop people from pursuing their goals or reaching their potential.

Labels and Misunderstandings

One of the challenges with imposter syndrome is the way it gets labelled. These days, many people identify with it, but often, they may be misapplying the term. Feeling nervous before a presentation or anxious about starting a new job doesn’t automatically mean you have imposter syndrome. In fact, many of us feel apprehensive at different stages of our careers or lives. The real danger is when people label themselves as having imposter syndrome without fully understanding it, which can cause unnecessary stress or a limiting mindset.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, especially in the age of social media. Scrolling through LinkedIn or Twitter can lead you to believe that everyone else has it all figured out while you’re struggling. But remember, success on social media is often a curated image, not the full picture.

The Impact of Social Media and Comparisons

The rise of social media has only fuelled the perception of imposter syndrome. On platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram, it’s easy to compare your own behind-the-scenes moments with others’ highlight reels. When you see people sharing their career milestones, it’s natural to think, “I could never achieve that.” But this can create an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt.

However, it’s important to remind yourself that seeing someone else’s success doesn’t mean you’re lacking in any way. What’s more, confidence and experience do not always equal competence. People are all on their own journey and each of us has our own unique set of experiences and strengths.

Fear and the Growth Mindset

At its core, imposter syndrome is often rooted in fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, or fear of being ‘found out.’ But fear isn’t inherently bad – in fact, it’s a sign that you’re pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. The trick is not to let it control you.

Rather than letting fear limit your progress, use it as fuel to develop a growth mindset. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed over time. Embrace the discomfort that comes with learning new things, whether it’s stepping into a management role, delivering your first presentation or networking for the first time. These moments of discomfort are growth opportunities.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Practical Tips

So, how can we overcome imposter syndrome when it strikes? Here are some strategies to keep in mind:

1. Acknowledge your Feelings
   It’s important to recognise that self-doubt and fear are completely normal. Even the most successful people have moments of insecurity. When you acknowledge those feelings, you can better understand why they’re happening and begin to address them.
2. Shift your Perspective
   Instead of focusing on the fear of being ‘exposed’ as a fraud, shift your focus to the positive impact you’re making. Remind yourself of your achievements and the skills you bring to the table. Reframe your thinking to embrace your growth rather than worrying about perfection.
3. Avoid Comparisons
   As mentioned earlier, social media can make us feel inadequate when we compare ourselves to others. But remember, everyone’s journey is different. Focus on your own progress and appreciate the steps you’ve already taken. Avoid putting yourself up against someone else’s timeline.
4. Embrace ‘Firsts’
   Everyone experiences their firsts—first management role, first presentation, first board meeting. These moments are opportunities for growth, not tests of your worth. Accept that you’re in a learning phase and give yourself permission to be imperfect.
5. Be kind to Yourself
   We often judge ourselves far more harshly than others do. Be compassionate with yourself. It’s okay to feel uncertain or inexperienced. Embrace it as part of the process and trust that you will improve over time.
6. Seek Support
   You don’t have to go through it alone. Whether it’s a mentor, coach or simply talking to friends or colleagues, having someone to share your feelings with can help you gain perspective and move forward.

Embracing Growth

Ultimately, overcoming imposter syndrome is about embracing a growth mindset and cutting yourself some slack. You’re not alone in feeling like you don’t measure up. We all experience it at some point, no matter how successful we are. Just look at Harry Potter star Emma Watson, who once admitted feeling like a fraud when she was cast in the iconic role, despite being an incredibly accomplished actor.

In the same way, Serena Williams has shared how she feels like she doesn’t belong at times, despite being one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Tom Hanks, too, has talked about the constant worry of not being ‘good enough’ for the roles he’s given.

The key takeaway? Feeling like an imposter is normal. The trick is not to let those feelings stop you from achieving your goals. Recognise the fear, embrace the challenge and know that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

By adopting a growth mindset, focusing on your unique strengths and allowing yourself to learn from every step, you’ll eventually see that you have what it takes. Imposter syndrome is a temporary feeling – growth and success, however, are lifelong journeys.