Using Strengths to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

“One day they’re going to find me out.” This thought runs on loop in the minds of people who experience the pervasive and self-confidence destroying imposter syndrome. You are never good enough. You’re not really smart, just excellent at faking intelligence. Every success was just a lucky break, and any failure a confirmation that you are absolutely, positively, unequivocally a fraud.

Sounds heavy, right? It is. And the worst part is that far from being a rare experience, imposter syndrome is all too common. Research suggests that 70% of people will experience it at some point in their lives, and it seems to be especially rampant among women. 

Not only does imposter syndrome eat away confidence, it can reek real havoc on careers and prevents people from maximizing their own potential. Rather than apply for an exciting new job, you tell yourself, “I’m not 100% qualified, so I’m not even going to bother.” It can stop you from advocating for a promotion, exploring a new career path, and even keep you from voicing your opinion. It also affects your current work, often leading to procrastination, perfectionism, and overwork because you’re trying so hard to avoid failure (which will expose you as a fake).

So what can be done to combat this corrosive syndrome?

As with many things, the first thing you need to do is acknowledge it. Heather Whelpley, a coach and speaker that helps women who are struggling with imposter syndrome, recommends “whenever you hear those imposter thoughts start to circle in your head, stop and NAME IT. Say to yourself ‘that’s just my inner critic talking. That’s just imposter syndrome. It’s there. That’s cool. I hear you, but you’re not going to make decisions for me.’ ” 

The next step? Own your strengths.  

One of the most powerful things about CliftonStrengths is that it gives you the language to clearly articulate your value. With imposter syndrome, all of your perceived flaws seem to just flow off the tongue. When you know your strengths, you have the verbiage to not only understand, but also clearly describe where and how you shine. This allows you to show your worth to others while simultaneously combatting that crippling negative self-talk with very real, very tangible strengths.

Because when you know what your strengths are, it’s easier to believe in them and in yourself. The thoughts of “oh I just got lucky!” or “I don’t know if I can do this” melt away when you’re able to put language to the reasons you’re excelling in your career. “I just got lucky they picked me” turns into “they sent me to this conference because WOO is my number one, and I’m great at networking and making connections.” And the doubt about whether you deserve a promotion or not, can become “I’ve been using my Strategic, Achiever, and Individualization to excel in this role, and I know I will be an excellent manager with these same strengths.”

Naming, understanding, and communicating your strengths can be a powerful antidote to the kryptonite that is imposter syndrome. It’s a way to remind yourself that you are worthy and capable, right now, exactly as you are. Imposter syndrome is not going away over night, but by repeating and reaffirming your talents, eventually that pesky voice of doubt will start to quiet down until it’s almost imperceptible. And the new, confident language of what you do well will take over!