Have you ever felt like you don’t deserve your achievements? That you’ve somehow “tricked” others into believing you’re competent, even though you secretly doubt your skills? That, in a nutshell, is imposter syndrome-a phenomenon affecting around 70% of people at some point in their careers, according to the International Journal of Behavioural Science.
Imposter syndrome can creep in just when things seem to be going well-when landing your first internship, stepping into a new role, or even running your own business. You may downplay success by saying, “It’s only a small team,” or “I just got lucky.” In reality, you’re likely far more capable than you give yourself credit for.
Imposter syndrome, also known as “fraud syndrome”, is the internal belief that you’re not good enough-even when all evidence suggests otherwise. This mindset is especially common among graduates, interns, and early-career professionals, who often compare themselves to more experienced peers or attribute their success to luck, charm, or timing.
You might hear a voice in your head say:
- “I don’t belong here.”
- “I’m not ready for this.”
- “I’ll be exposed as a fraud any day now.”
These thoughts often appear when stepping into new environments or taking on new challenges. But here’s the truth: you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not a fraud. You’re navigating change, which is where growth happens.
Why Does It Happen?
Imposter syndrome can stem from:
- Personality traits (e.g. perfectionism)
- Upbringing and cultural pressures
- Unrealistic expectations of success
Over time, this internalised doubt can spiral, impacting mental wellbeing and holding you back from seizing opportunities. But the good news? It can be managed and overcome.
Break the Cycle with These Steps
1. Self-Awareness
The first step is recognising the feeling. Once you acknowledge imposter syndrome, you can start reframing the way you think. Catch yourself in moments of self-doubt, and ask: “What evidence supports this fear?”
2. Share How You Feel
Talk to mentors, peers, or trusted friends. You’ll either get encouragement, or find others feel the same way-which is incredibly validating. At Lateral Connect, mentors are a safe space to talk through these thoughts.
3. Self-Reflect with Purpose
Stop hyper-focusing on what you “lack.” Instead, list your strengths. What can you do well? Reflect on times you solved problems, showed initiative, or helped others. This mental habit builds resilience and confidence.
4. Accept It’s OK to Doubt Yourself
Feeling unsure from time to time doesn’t make you a fraud-it makes you human. Confidence isn’t the absence of doubt, but the ability to act in spite of it.
From Doubt to Empowerment – We’re With You
Imposter syndrome can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t define you. Everyone, from students to CEOs, has moments of self-doubt. The key is learning to challenge those thoughts, reflect on your strengths, and surround yourself with support.
At Lateral Connect, we don’t just build technical skills-we build self-belief. With mentor support from day one, our students grow not only in knowledge, but in confidence. We help you develop the tools to push past doubt and realise your potential.
Responses