Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough, despite evidence to the contrary? Well, you’re not alone.  You could be experiencing Imposter Syndrome. That chronic self-doubt is not a figment of your imagination. Nor is it your fault. It’s a survival mechanism, which has been triggered by working in a complex, competitive environment where you are ‘different’ to your peers. You’ve probably been exposed to years of subtle pressure, criticism and social shaming without even knowing it.

I want you to remember this. Imposter Syndrome is not your fault. There are three factors that greatly increase your chances of developing it. None of these are ’caused’ by you. So, you don’t need resilience training or years of therapy.  Instead, you need to minimise your exposure to these three factors.

Paradoxical social norms

These are unspoken social ‘rules’ that make you feel conflicted. Why? Because they put you in a damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation. For example, as a woman in the workplace, you might be told to be assertive and confident. But when speak assertively, people may label you as ‘bossy’ or ‘abrasive’. This constant push and pull can lead to self-doubt and make you feel like an imposter.

The talent factor

You are a talented professional who knows your stuff.  But did you know that talent can also be a curse? It can lead to overcommitment, overwork and a constant state of ‘striving’ to be great. This relentless pursuit of perfection can leave you feeling perpetually ‘not good enough’. Sounds familiar? Yep. That’s Imposter Syndrome again.

Context and circumstance

Successful professionals and leaders are often thrust into high-pressure roles without adequate support. This can breed self-doubt and drive the thinking that causes Imposter Syndrome. The problem doesn’t originate from within you.  It is a result of organisational culture and pressure to perform in an increasingly complex world.

So, if you’re feeling like a fake, remember the problem is NOT you.  Three very real factors spark this feeling. But you can take back control and build true confidence. It’s surprisingly simple to do once you understand the root cause. To combat paradoxical social norms, challenge them. Speak up and challenge double standards in the workplace. To overcome perfectionism and self-sabotage, learn to use attention direction techniques. These help you hardwire you brain for confidence, by changing the way you interact with the world.

Finally, to reduce the impact of situational pressure, build a support network. Seek out positive people and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember that Imposter Syndrome is a common experience and it’s not your fault. But you can take steps to overcome it by understanding the root causes and taking control of your mindset and environment. You are capable, talented, and deserving of success. Keep pushing forward and trust in yourself.

This article was created by Eleanor Shakiba

Eleanor is a leadership trainer and success coach. Her mission is inspiring talented people to become leaders who make a difference.  Since discovering her passion for training and development, Eleanor has trained more than 60,000 people. She delivers face-to-face workshops for corporates, online masterclasses for leaders and Positive Psychology retreats for trainers, HR practitioners and leaders.