With decades of experience in my professional and personal life, I have witnessed that one of the greatest obstacles to success does not come from the outside; it starts from within: impostor syndrome.
This phenomenon, which affects leaders in any industry, manifests as a persistent inner voice whispering that we are not good enough, that our achievements are due to luck, and that at any moment we will be “found out” as frauds. It’s a silent battle many of us fight, but few talk about openly. We don’t want to be perceived as weak or insecure.
The Perfection Trap
A few days ago, I talked about The Perfection Trap and the Power of Effectiveness. The harm of feeling inadequate and how an effective leader recognizes that progress is more important than perfection. With this in mind, I understood how this pursuit of perfection often leads us to fall into impostor syndrome.
That’s why I want to talk about this syndrome, which has been studied since 1978 when clinical psychologist Pauline Clance first discussed the term, later revealing that she also suffered from it.
In her blog, Dr. Clance recalled the moment when one of her students approached her and said, “I feel like an impostor around all these brilliant people.”
It was then that, along with Dr. Suzanne Imes, she decided to write a paper to speak openly about the disorder. They became pioneers of this concept and thoroughly studied what is now known as impostor syndrome.
Impostor syndrome often stems from a fixed mindset, which makes us believe that our abilities and intelligence are innate and unchangeable. This perspective leads us to fear failure, avoid risks, and attribute our successes to external factors. As a result, we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of constant doubt and relentless self-criticism.
Dr. Sahar Yousef, a cognitive neuroscientist, speaker, expert, and leader in productivity at the University of California Berkeley, points to a concerning connection: “When you see a person suffering from impostor syndrome, they are more likely to suffer from professional burnout. And people who are exhausted are more likely to suffer from impostor syndrome.” This vicious cycle can be very dangerous for our mental health and productivity.
The Path to a Growth Mindset
It’s all in the mind. We must recognize a problem and seek a solution. In my case, whenever I feel insecure, I remember that I need to adopt a growth mindset. This perspective, in contrast to the fixed mindset, is based on the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed and improved through effort, feedback, and continuous learning.
Here are some strategies I have found effective in fostering this mindset:
- Embrace Challenges. Instead of avoiding situations that make us feel like impostors, we should actively seek them out. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Value the Process, Not Just the Result. Success is not measured solely by final achievements but by the growth and learning that occur along the way.
- Cultivate Self-Reflection. Regularly taking time to examine our thoughts and feelings helps us identify and challenge limiting beliefs.
- Seek Constructive Feedback. Honest feedback from trusted mentors and colleagues can provide a more objective perspective on our abilities and areas for improvement.
- Celebrate Every Triumph. Recognizing and celebrating our achievements, no matter how small, reinforces our confidence and motivates continuous progress.
From Doubt to Innovation
By adopting a growth mindset, we transform impostor syndrome from a paralyzing force into a catalyst for innovation and personal development. Doubt becomes curiosity, fear of failure becomes courage to experiment, and excessive self-criticism becomes a healthy drive for continuous improvement.
As leaders, we have the responsibility to cultivate this mindset and foster it in our teams. Creating an environment where failure is seen as a necessary step toward success, where vulnerability is considered a strength, and where continuous learning is the norm, we can unlock the full potential of our people. The result? A powerful team with kick-ass ideas.
The journey from impostor to innovator is neither easy nor quick, but it is infinitely rewarding. It requires courage to face our fears, humility to acknowledge our limitations, and determination to keep moving forward despite the doubts.
Remember, the only true failure is letting fear stop you from trying. So the next time you feel like an impostor, recognize that feeling as a sign that you are about to grow. Embrace the challenge, learn from every experience, and keep moving forward. Because in the end, it is not our achievements that define us, but our ability to grow, adapt, and persevere in the face of adversity.
Have you ever felt the impostor syndrome?
Carlos Cobián
