Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Your Career

Imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon that affects many people, from accountants to voice actors, regardless of their industry, achievements, or success—sometimes characterized by self-doubt, insecurity, and the fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of competence and accomplishments. It’s heaps of fun!! Just Kidding. It’s hard. The thing to remember though, is that if you’ve experienced imposter syndrome, you are not alone.

One of the leading causes of imposter syndrome is perfectionism. People who strive for perfection may set unrealistic expectations for themselves and are highly critical of their performance. This constant self-criticism can lead to a perpetual cycle of self-doubt, a fear of failure, and taking creative risks. The chef getting glowing reviews from her new restaurant might be sweating in the kitchen crying over wilted rosemary, and telling herself that it’s all her fault that rosemary is green, and throwing out a fantastic new recipe and vowing to never cook again. The moment passes of course, but you get the point.

The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is recognizing and acknowledging your achievements. Take the time to reflect on your past successes and remind yourself of the skills and qualities that have brought you to where you are today. Remember that you are not an imposter but someone who has worked hard and deserves recognition. Hey, write yourself a nice letter if that helps!

Dear Me,

You did great today during that recording session. It’s no surprise business is really starting to take off.

Sincerely,
Me
P.S. I left some cake in the fridge for you.

It can also be helpful to talk to someone you trust about your feelings of self-doubt. Sharing your thoughts and fears with a supportive friend, family member, or mentor can give you a fresh perspective and reassurance that you are not alone in your experiences.

Another strategy for combating imposter syndrome is to reframe your thoughts and focus on the positive aspects of your accomplishments. Instead of dwelling on what you could have done better, acknowledge the effort you put into a project or task and the lessons you learned. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.

Additionally, developing a growth mindset can be beneficial in overcoming imposter syndrome. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning rather than threats to your self-worth. View setbacks as stepping stones towards improvement and use them as motivation to keep moving forward. To take a creative leap and learn from it, even if it doesn’t land the way you had hoped for, can show you that it’s okay to take creative leaps in the first place. I was chatting with a voice actor who recently took a leap out of her comfort zone and auditioned for a comedic voice over role, when she is admittedly not funny..like, not at all. She went for it and gave it her all anyway! She did not get the part, but she did get a compliment and recognition for a great performance. She was too busy “doing” to let herself sit and stew in a stinky imposter syndrome.

Lastly, it is important to practice self-care and prioritize your well-being. Taking care of your mental and physical health can significantly impact your confidence and overall outlook on life. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation (see past blogs for some good old-fashioned inspiration), and surround yourself with positive influences and supportive individuals.

Remember, imposter syndrome is a common experience that many people face. You are not alone, and with the right mindset and support, you can overcome the feelings of self-doubt and embrace your true capabilities. You got this!

We welcome you to join us for an introductory Voice Over class HERE