Episode Transcript
I’m guessing you have first-hand knowledge of what imposter syndrome is.
I’m guessing you’ve been there.
I’m guessing you’ve been where you just can’t believe you’re a legitimate engineer.
Where you just can’t believe you’ve earned your place. That you’re capable.
It’s an appropriate term. Because you really do feel like an imposter.
Like you’re just pretending to be who you are. And that people are gonna find out that you’re not the real thing.
It’s fascinating, really.
Because you’re not an imposter. You’re just fooled into thinking you are.
You’re fooled into thinking there’s something wrong with you. Something you have to fix so you can move forward.
For example you think you’re missing some key training. So you need to go back and take it.
Or you need more experience. So you’re stuck in place until you have it.
Or you need approval or qualification or certification or whatever. So you deny yourself an opportunity until you can check those boxes.
But even though these things feel very real, they’re all lies.
As hard as it is to shake that feeling that you’re an imposter, you’re not. It’s all an illusion.
Fascinating.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome in Your Engineering Career
I’ve held myself back many times because of imposter syndrome.
It’s worth it to learn how it affects you. And take intentional action to cure it.
I’ve learned that overcoming imposter syndrome requires that you be open to looking at your situation from a different perspective.
A more realistic perspective.
And that you be willing to see the truth.
I’ve learned that it requires you to play the role of who you truly are.
Because, for some reason, you’re thinking you can’t do that.
And overcoming imposter syndrome means changing that thought.
And I’ve learned that to be who you truly are means you have to trust the opposite of what you’re feeling right now.
You’re feeling that you’re an imposter. And it’s a very convincing feeling.
But it’s a lie.
You have to trust that your true self is not an imposter.
The 4-Step Cure for Imposter Syndrome
So what should you do when you’re in the throes of imposter syndrome?
Let me distill this down into 4 actionable steps:
STEP 1: Disbelieve the Lies
The lies that say you can’t. Or you lack. Recognize them as lies.
Trust that they are not the truth.
Call it out to yourself. That you’re under an illusion.
See that you’re feeling like an imposter. And know you need to believe you’re not.
Accept the truth. Accept that you are worthy and capable.
STEP 2: Understand the Source
There are lots of common causes for imposter syndrome. But they’re not the same for everyone.
It comes from your inner critic. It comes from your mindset of fear, unworthiness or scarcity.
From your insecurities or traumas. From your beliefs.
It comes from un-belonging. From the attitudes people may have toward you. Or the environment you live and work in.
It comes from your upbringing. Your culture. How you were treated. Or how you were told the world is.
It comes from the stories you were told. And the stories you tell yourself.
Whatever the case, figure out the source of your imposter syndrome.
Then take the next step to un-tell that story.
STEP 3: Change the Story
Change your imposter story to a truth story. And reinforce it with affirmations.
The truth is: you know.
You have knowledge, training, experience, insight, and intuition.
You know things that you don’t even know how you know.
The truth is: you can.
You’re perfectly capable. You have everything you need to have and know everything you need to know exactly when you need it.
And the truth is: you are.
You’re worthy and gifted…and ready.
Change your story. Write your truth. And believe it.
STEP 4: Play the Main Character…with Feeling
Finally, see yourself as the true person you are. And put yourself in that role.
Be the engineer and leader you want to become. Right now.
See yourself as the capable one. The worthy one. The one with the gift.
And be her.
Believe and be. No one will question it. Because it’s the truth.
Don’t Let Imposter Syndrome Hold You Back in Your Engineering Career
If you’re suffering from imposter syndrome, you’re being held back.
You’re holding yourself back.
Let’s make sure imposter syndrome and other obstacles don’t waylay your engineering career.
Find out more about working with me here. You can start the process by filling out an application. Or book a Strategy Session directly.
I began to notice that once I faced imposter syndrome head on, whatever caused it became less of an obstacle and more of a stepping stone.
Less of a roadblock and more of a puzzle to solve.
Now I recognize the resistance and tell a different story. I clarify the truth and see it for what it is.
And I know I can work it out with ease.
Follow the 4 steps. Realize your gifts. And your responsibility to share them with the world.
The more you confront imposter syndrome, the easier it will be to overcome.
Next time on Her Engineering Career Podcast we’ll explore taking on the big thinker role. How to stay in the big-picture mindset and spend less time in the weeds.
I hope you’ll join me for Episode 149.
