Understanding Impostor Syndrome to Prevent It from Holding You Back

I’ve invested considerable time exploring impostor syndrome, doubt, and fear. Here’s how I’ve come to understand these concepts.

Impostor syndrome is not synonymous with a lack of confidence. In fact, you possess confidence. Why? Because it takes some level of confidence to envision pursuing all those exciting creative projects you dream about. You have a mental image of yourself successfully following through.

You haven’t entirely given up, evidenced by your interest in reading articles like this. Those who abandon hope don’t seek solutions. You are seeking solutions.

Tina Fey aptly captures the essence of impostor syndrome:

“The beauty of the impostor syndrome is you vacillate between extreme egomania and a complete feeling of: ‘I’m a fraud! Oh god, they’re on to me! I’m a fraud!’ So you just try to ride the egomania when it comes and enjoy it, and then slide through the idea of fraud.”

I’ll delve into this further later, but I thrive by riding the waves of confidence when they arise and accepting impostor syndrome when it presents itself.

Impostor syndrome is simply a part of me, like a birthmark. It only becomes problematic when I inflate its significance. The real issue arises when I transition from “I have impostor syndrome” to “I am an impostor.”

I’ve discussed this in my book and various articles. Experiencing negative thoughts isn’t inherently harmful (often, it’s quite healthy), but transforming those thoughts into definitions of your character can jeopardize your future.

So, I still haven’t provided a solution... What should you do?

Utilize This Ancient Method to Alleviate Self-Doubt

Before I continue, let me clarify that I haven’t eradicated my impostor syndrome. However, I have managed to pursue my goals despite — and perhaps even because of — it.

I spend significant time processing my thoughts, employing a reasoning technique to navigate through spirals of self-doubt. I learned this method from a philosopher of old.

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” — Socrates

Socrates is often hailed as the master of debate.

His Socratic method — a tool for dialogue — can be applied internally to scrutinize your own beliefs.

Here’s a simplified, jargon-free version of this method: Take any negative thought about yourself and interrogate it thoroughly.

For example:

“You’re unfit to write and coach others because you’re not successful.”

Haven’t your clients expressed satisfaction with your guidance? Haven’t readers worldwide reached out to share their success stories?

“Well... yes... but my book didn’t make the NYT bestseller list, so why should I teach others how to write if I lack the top credentials?”

Is the NYT bestseller list the sole measure of writing and teaching ability?

“Well... no... but I haven’t achieved that much success yet; why should I assist others?”

You’ve published two books, reached over a million readers, and been featured in numerous major publications. Do you lead a life your clients aspire to?

“Okay, yes... I suppose you’re correct.”

Yes, I am correct, and by this reasoning, I conclude that your initial assertion is unfounded and incorrect.

Once I calm myself, I channel my doubt into motivation to forge ahead.

Impostor Syndrome Can Become Your Ally

My desire to deliver exceptional results for my clients (and the underlying fear of being exposed) drives me to invest extra effort to ensure their success.

The same applies to my writing. I continuously study techniques to enhance my prose, engage readers, and expand my online presence.

My apprehension serves as a motivator. It can motivate you too... if you avoid letting it devolve into perfectionism and “paralysis by analysis.”

How do you prevent falling into the perfectionist trap?

You need to find a way to metaphorically “put a gun to your head.” I don’t mean to be harsh, but you must create a scenario where backing out becomes so uncomfortable and embarrassing that taking action is less painful.

That’s how I secured my TEDx talk. I registered for a “pitch night.” Twenty-four speakers were assigned to present their ideas that evening, and they even created programs featuring our photos. On the night of the event, I felt an overwhelming urge to withdraw, but it was a local event where people I knew would attend.

There was no escape. I won the pitch night and earned the speaking opportunity.

James Altucher encapsulates this idea well:

“Ready, fire, aim!”

Don’t aim. Just fire.

By diligently working, over-preparing, and committing to hard-to-back-out-of obligations, I gather something incredibly valuable — evidence.

As you begin to build momentum and achieve your goals, you’ll accumulate more and more “evidence” that you are not a fraud.

You may never completely eliminate your impostor syndrome, but you’ll possess more resources to mentally talk yourself down from the ledge.

Another useful strategy to pair with your evidence-based reasoning is to remind yourself of the following.

You’d Be Worse Off Without Impostor Syndrome

“The counterfeit innovator is wildly self-confident. The real one is scared to death.” — Steven Pressfield

Who lacks impostor syndrome? Counterfeit innovators, fraudsters, swindlers, and hacks.

Psychopaths don’t experience it. Individuals in positions they are overqualified for don’t feel it. Overly confident individuals, to the point of delusion, are free from it.

Is this the kind of company you wish to keep?

While I’m sure there are individuals who don’t suffer from it, I’d be intrigued to meet them and explore how they maintain unwavering confidence. I’m genuinely curious.

As many successful individuals have noted, fear signals that you should persevere. If you doubt your credibility and qualifications for something, it indicates you are engaged in something meaningful.

“If I only did things I was qualified for, I’d be pushing a broom somewhere.” — Kamal Ravikant

Without impostor syndrome, you’re either an anomaly who feels entirely secure or resigned to your current situation — numb and devoid of the need to feel any discomfort because the bar is set so low.

Although I loathe the sensation of doubt, the thrill of overcoming it is exponentially more rewarding than 99% of my emotions and experiences, which is great but ultimately less significant because it’s not solely about me.

Get Over Yourself, Will You?

“Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.” — Marianne Williamson

We are often consumed by our own thoughts. It’s always about me, me, me. We oscillate between arrogance and self-consciousness. How does that even make sense?

Ultimately, you have more people to serve than just yourself.

There’s no virtue in succumbing to the weight of your doubt. You might try to rationalize your avoidance of dreams as a pursuit of safety and security. You’re not. You’re deceiving yourself.

Plenty of time exists to pursue what you love in a low-risk manner.

I feel confident asserting this because I’m just an ordinary person. I recognize that I’m nothing extraordinary, indicating that my feelings are likely common. I’m terrified of living a meaningful life — yet I yearn for it simultaneously.

Most of us share this sentiment.

I’ve simply decided to embrace that pool of doubt permanently and go for it. Why not? What’s there to lose? I haven’t felt comfortable or secure in a long time. My comfort zone has vanished. I don’t possess one.

I strive to give more. Someone out there needs my help. Someone out there needs you as well.

It could be as simple as one person needing your support. So, offer it to them.

I understand that self-improvement can sometimes make you feel inadequate. I empathize with you. However, that’s not the focus of this article. The goal is to encourage you to reflect on your actions and decide whether you will allow fear to be your ally or your adversary.

I’ve continually examined my relationship with fear, all while making progress in my life.

I remain here, terrified yet incredibly confident simultaneously. I’m not attempting to resolve the paradox either. I’m just living it to the best of my ability.

And that’s all you can do.

Ayodeji is the author of You 2.0 — Stop Feeling Stuck, Reinvent Yourself, and Become a Brand New You. Want a free copy of my first book? Get it here.