Embrace Your Success: Overcoming Impostor Syndrome and Owning Your Journey

Have you ever felt like a fraud in your career, despite your accomplishments? You're not alone. As women navigating career transitions, particularly later in life, we often grapple with impostor syndrome. But here's the truth: you belong exactly where you are, and your success is no accident.

After 25 years in marketing, I've learned that embracing our achievements and owning our journey is the key to pushing past self-doubt. Throughout my career, I’ve had moments where I questioned whether I deserved the opportunities I was given, despite the hard work and dedication I poured into every project.

Let’s explore impostor syndrome and discover how to overcome it.

Understanding Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome is that nagging feeling that you're not as competent as others think you are. It's the voice in your head whispering, "You just got lucky," even when you've worked incredibly hard. According to Verywell Mind, impostor syndrome is a form of chronic self-doubt that can significantly impact mental health if left unchecked.

Why does it persist, even later in life? Well, there are a few reasons:

• Career Transitions: Whether you're switching industries, starting a business, or stepping into a leadership role, change can trigger self-doubt. I’ve been there; every time I transitioned to a new role or took on a significant project, I’d find myself battling those familiar feelings of “Am I really good enough for this?” But with time, I’ve come to realise that each new challenge is a testament to my skills and experience.

  
  

• Ageism: Let’s face it, age-related biases in the workplace can make us question our worth. As we grow older, we may feel the pressure to constantly prove that we’re still at the top of our game, despite years of experience. However, it’s crucial to remember that with age comes a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resilience—qualities that are invaluable in any professional setting.

  
  

• Perfectionism: We set high standards for ourselves, don’t we? But when reality doesn't match our expectations, it can leave us feeling like we've failed. I used to be a perfectionist to a fault, constantly pushing myself to meet impossible standards. Over time, I’ve learned that striving for perfection is less important than making progress. It’s about learning and growing, not about getting everything right all the time.

  
  

  Recognising the Signs

  
  

  How do you know if you're experiencing impostor syndrome? Look out for these telltale signs:

  
  

  • Constant self-doubt

  • Attributing success to luck rather than skill

  • Avoiding challenges due to fear of being "exposed"

  • Overworking to prove your worth

    
    

  If any of these resonate with you, don’t worry. We've got strategies to help you embrace your success and silence that inner critic.

  
  

  Strategies for Embracing Your Success

  
  

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognise that impostor syndrome is common and doesn't reflect your true abilities. It’s important to discuss these thoughts with trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends who can provide perspective and support. Remember, you're not alone in this. I’ve found that opening up about these feelings with peers has often led to surprising realisations. Many of the women I admire most have dealt with similar doubts.

  
  

• Focus on Facts: Keep a record of your achievements—big and small. On days when self-doubt creeps in, refer to this list. Cognitive behavioural techniques, often used in therapy, can be helpful in challenging negative thoughts by focusing on factual evidence of your capabilities. Personally, I’ve kept a “success list” for years, documenting important milestones and positive feedback. It’s been a powerful tool for me.

  
  

• Talk About It: There’s power in sharing our experiences. Throughout my career, I’ve both mentored others and been mentored myself. These relationships have been invaluable—not only have they helped me grow professionally, but they’ve also provided a safe space to discuss and overcome the doubts that sometimes arise.

  
  

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you catch yourself thinking, "I'm not qualified for this," stop and reframe. Affirm your skills and experience. Actively reframing negative thoughts can work wonders. One technique I’ve used is to flip the script on my inner critic—reminding myself that if I wasn’t capable, I wouldn’t have been given the opportunity in the first place.

  
  

• Seek Professional Development: Continuing education isn’t just about learning new skills—it’s about boosting your confidence. Lifelong learning is key to maintaining relevance in your career. What new skill could you learn this month? For me, staying curious and continuously learning has been a cornerstone of my career. Whether it’s a new marketing trend or a leadership course, each learning experience reinforces my confidence and keeps me at the top of my game.

  
  

• Embrace Imperfection: Here’s a liberating truth—mistakes are part of growth. Be kind to yourself, just as you would to a friend. I’ve learned to embrace the fact that perfection is an illusion. Mistakes are where the real learning happens, and over the years, I’ve found that being kind to myself in those moments is crucial for continued growth.

  
  

Moving Forward with Confidence

Impostor syndrome may be common, but it doesn’t have to define your career. Your achievements are the result of your hard work, talent, and resilience. After a long career in marketing, I can tell you that owning your journey and believing in your worth is the most empowering thing you can do for your career. Trust in your experience, celebrate your successes, and remember, you’ve earned your place.

Have you experienced impostor syndrome in your career? Join our community and share which strategies have helped you overcome it?

Join Our Community