How Women Can Stop Falling Prey to Imposter Syndrome
Written by
Gabrielle Olya
Edited by
Levi Leidy
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
In today’s column, we’re chatting with Dr. Scyatta Wallace, an award-winning psychologist, scientist, social entrepreneur and CEO of Janisaw Company, whose mission is to highlight the importance of developing leadership skills in young women. One barrier that many women face in their careers — regardless of age or experience level — is imposter syndrome, the feeling that you aren’t qualified to hold a certain role and are therefore a fraud. Although anyone can feel imposter syndrome, women — and especially women of color — are more at risk. Wallace is breaking down the signs that you’re suffering from imposter syndrome and how you can overcome it.
Keep Up With the Latest: Sign Up for The Financially Savvy Female Newsletter
Stay in the Know: Read More From the Financially Savvy Female
Are You Suffering From Imposter Syndrome?
You might have imposter syndrome and not even be aware of it.
“Imposter syndrome is like looking in a warped mirror where you see yourself, but the reflection is distorted, blurry and out of proportion,” Wallace said. “It’s a feeling that you are not up to the task or if you are doing well on the job, that it’s not because of your skills but luck or other people propping you up.”
Imposter syndrome often pops up in a work situation where the task is challenging or high stakes, and women are more likely than men to feel imposter syndrome in these scenarios.
“Everyone feels imposter syndrome at some point in the workplace, but it’s more common in women and people of color,” Wallace said. “This is because these feelings of doubt often come about when someone has internalized negative stereotypes about their group. Many times women are stereotyped as not being leaders and not good under pressure. So when a woman takes a role where that’s what she is being charged with doing, she may feel inadequate, like she’s not up to the task.”
Read More:
How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome
“[The] first step is knowing what it is,” Wallace said. “By identifying that it’s not you but the feeling of imposter syndrome that’s taking over your mind, you are able to begin getting past it.”
Next, Wallace recommends listing all the things you have accomplished in your current position and previous roles.
“You haven’t come this far without doing great things at work in the past, so the list will be long,” she said. “And by writing it all down, you see in plain view a track record of success. It will make it clear that you are not an imposter because you have done many things in the past like a pro. Whenever you start to feel like you just aren’t able to do the tasks at your job, remind yourself of your list to get your mind off the ‘false’ feelings.”
See:
Another way to help counter imposter syndrome is to seek out colleagues and mentors that recognize how valuable you are.
“Be sure to surround yourself with positive people and role models that can lift your spirits,” Wallace said. “Being around other people who see the value that you bring to the job allows you to add more proof to the list of who you really are.”
Some of these people have likely experienced imposter syndrome themselves, so having an open dialogue about your feelings can help you to feel less alone.
“Talking to others who have similar experiences will help you see that what you are feeling is normal and something that you can move away from too,” Wallace said. “As mentioned, imposter syndrome is something most people have struggled with at some point in their schooling or career. So if you talk to others you trust and respect, you are bound to find that they have felt the same.”
Although it’s definitely possible to overcome imposter syndrome, it’s not something that will happen overnight, so it’s important to be patient with yourself.
“Imposter syndrome is not something that you will get over immediately,” Wallace said. “Be gentle with yourself if you have days where you look in the mirror and see a leadership rock star and other days where that person isn’t there. Keep focusing on your list, and soon the imposter reflection will be a thing of the past.”
GOBankingRates wants to empower women to take control of their finances. According to the latest stats, women hold $72 billion in private wealth — but fewer women than men consider themselves to be in “good” or “excellent” financial shape. Women are less likely to be investing and are more likely to have debt, and women are still being paid less than men overall. Our “Financially Savvy Female” column will explore the reasons behind these inequities and provide solutions to change them. We believe financial equality begins with financial literacy, so we’re providing tools and tips for women, by women to take control of their money and help them live a richer life.
More From GOBankingRates
- How Much You Should Have in Your Savings Account at Every Stage of Life
- Find Out Which Banks Are the Top 100 Banks Leading the US in 2022
- How Has COVID-19 Impacted the 2022 Tax Season?
- 35 Useless Expenses You Need To Slash From Your Budget Now
