Are you having fraudulent feelings even when you’ve done the work?
You’re not alone—and you’re not broken. Impostor syndrome affects people across industries but is especially common in fast-moving fields like tech.
If you’re feeling like a fraud and stuck in this headspace, there are 10 steps you can use to overcome impostor syndrome and finally feel at home in your career journey.
Whether switching paths, studying IT for the first time, or stepping into a new tech role, that voice of doubt can appear. But the good news? You don’t have to listen to it forever.
Everyone faces a different journey with unique challenges and experiences, so avoid comparing yourself to others.
Let’s break down and define impostor syndrome:
- What it is
- Where does it come from
- How to beat it—one step at a time.
Impostor Syndrome Meaning
Impostor syndrome is the persistent belief that you’re not as capable as others think you are—and that sooner or later, someone will “find out.” Even when you’ve earned achievements or recognition, you might feel like you got there by luck, timing, or even a mistake.
People with this kind of syndrome often feel like they’re faking it, even when they’re performing well. They think they don’t deserve their job, praise, or opportunities—and live in fear of being “exposed.”
It’s common among high achievers and career changers. Many people have experienced impostor syndrome, making it a widespread issue. In tech, especially, where things move fast and there’s always more to learn, it can creep in fast and hard.
The Psychology Behind Impostor Syndrome and Self-Doubt
So, what causes that impostor feeling?
Psychologists link it to several overlapping factors:
- Perfectionism – The belief that anything short of perfection equals failure
- High expectations from self or others – Especially early in life or in competitive environments
- Comparing your process to someone else’s results – Particularly harmful in online communities or social media
- New environments – When you’re the “newbie” or part of an underrepresented group in the workplace
It’s not about being weak. It often affects competent people. The stronger your ambition, the louder your self-doubt can become. Negative thoughts can amplify this self-doubt, making it crucial to challenge and reframe these thoughts to foster a more positive outlook.
Symptoms
You may not realize you’re dealing with impostor syndrome until it shows up in your day-to-day life. Some signs to watch for:
- You feel like your success is due to luck, not skill.
- You constantly compare yourself to others who “seem smarter.”
- You beat yourself up over small mistakes or things you don’t know.
- You can’t accept praise without minimizing it or feeling embarrassed.
- You worry that people will “find out” you’re not as good as they think.
- You avoid applying for jobs or speaking up unless you’re 100% sure you’re qualified.
- These feelings of inadequacy can be misleading because what you feel does not always reflect reality.
10 Steps You Can Use to Fight Impostor Syndrome: Effective Tips
These steps aren’t magic, but they work. Real people use these techniques in real jobs where they have pushed through self-doubt and succeeded, one small win at a time.
1. Call It What It Is
Labeling your experience as impostor syndrome can be powerful. It shapes your struggle and shows you it’s not just “you”—it’s a common, named pattern. This recognition alone can take away some of its power.
2. Keep Track of Your Wins
Start a “brag book.” Write down every accomplishment, new skill, or praise you receive.
Whether you completed a task, asked a great question, or helped someone else, record it.
On tough days, revisit your list. Celebrating your successes can help normalize the experience of imposter syndrome and empower you to acknowledge your achievements.
3. Reframe Failure as Feedback
Failures aren’t proof you’re a fraud—they’re evidence that you’re growing.
When you make a mistake, ask yourself: What can I learn here? Switching from shame to strategy builds confidence over time.
4. Stop Comparing
Everyone’s learning curve is different. Comparing yourself to someone further down the road is like comparing your Chapter 1 to their Chapter 20.
Focus on your progress, not someone else’s highlight reel. Remember, everyone has a different journey, facing unique challenges and experiences.
5. Accept That Learning Never Stops
Even top-tier engineers and developers Google things daily. Feeling like there’s more to learn doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re normal. Embrace your role as a lifelong learner.
Setting attainable goals is crucial in this journey. Aligning these goals with your skills helps break down larger objectives into manageable tasks, making it easier to achieve them and reducing feelings of being overwhelmed.
6. Share What You’re Feeling
Talk about it. With friends. With mentors. With fellow students. Saying “I feel like I don’t belong” often leads to hearing “me too”—and that shared experience is healing.
Sharing impostor feelings can significantly impact workplace dynamics and personal development, as it helps individuals realize they are not alone and fosters a sense of belonging.
Yellow Tail Tech’s programs offer a community for this very reason—because support systems matter.
7. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Outcomes
Don’t wait for big wins. Celebrate completing a course module, submitting your resume, or just showing up. Small progress is still progress, which adds up fast to job satisfaction.
Visualize success by identifying what achieving your goals looks like; this will help you to:
- Have a growth mindset
- Acknowledge your accomplishments
- Stay motivated throughout your journey.
8. Ask for Feedback (and Believe It)
Ask people you trust for honest feedback about your performance. When it’s good—believe it. When it’s constructive—use it. Your brain might dismiss praise, but written and spoken feedback helps rewire that thinking. For example, a manager can provide specific instances where your contributions led to successful project outcomes, reinforcing your value to the team.
9. Teach What You Know
Helping someone else understand a topic solidifies your knowledge and reminds you how far you’ve come. Mentoring or explaining things out loud boosts confidence in what you know.
Self-reflection allows you to:
- Acknowledge your feelings
- Challenge negative self-talk
- Recognize your accomplishments.
10. Keep Investing in Yourself
The more you learn, the more confident you become. Not because you’re chasing perfection but because growth gives you evidence to fight self-doubt.
Enroll in programs providing:
- Real support
- Fundamental skills
- Real-world experience.
Addressing your mental well-being is equally important, as it can significantly impact your daily life and professional performance.
The Importance of Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is a crucial component in fighting impostor syndrome.
It allows you to develop a more positive and realistic self-perception. Self-compassion means treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and patience rather than judgment and criticism. It’s about recognizing that everyone makes inevitable mistakes, and it’s part of the learning process.
By cultivating self-compassion, you can begin to separate your feelings of self-doubt from your actual abilities and accomplishments.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Creating a supportive environment is essential for overcoming impostor syndrome.
It provides you with the encouragement and resources you need to succeed.
Surround yourself with positive and supportive people like mentors, friends, and family.
Their encouragement can boost your confidence and help you see your worth.
Additionally, it creates a physical environment that promotes productivity and well-being.
A comfortable and organized workspace can reduce stress and increase your sense of confidence and self-worth.
A supportive environment also provides opportunities to take risks, learn from mistakes, and develop new skills. By fostering such an environment, you can reduce feelings of self-doubt and build a more positive and realistic self-perception, helping you overcome imposter syndrome and achieve your goals.
Real-World Case Studies
Here are a few real examples of people who pushed through impostor syndrome and launched successful careers:
Sarah (not her real name)
Sarah, a 38-year-old senior consultant, was struggling with impostor syndrome.
Despite her success, she believed she didn’t deserve her role and feared someone would expose her as a fraud. The anxiety kept her up at night, drained her energy, and affected her relationships. She worked long hours to compensate for her self-doubt, but it only made things worse.
After six coaching sessions, Sarah understood that many high-achievers feel the same way.
She learned tools to manage her anxiety, set healthy boundaries, and rebuild her confidence. Three months later, she felt calmer, more present, and finally believed in her abilities.
She started painting and doing yoga again, enjoyed quality time with family, and no longer let fear dictate her choices.
Howard Schultz
Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, often emphasized the value of failure.
He viewed setbacks as essential lessons that fueled personal growth and helped him build Starbucks into a global brand. His mindset proves that embracing mistakes as part of the process can help silence impostor syndrome.
Emma Watson
Emma Watson, who rose to fame at age 11 as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, has openly discussed her experiences with impostor syndrome. Despite her early success, she often feels undeserving of her recognition for acting, admitting, “I feel like an impostor” when praised. This sense of self-doubt is not uncommon among high-achieving individuals and is a hallmark of impostor syndrome.
Watson’s role as a U.N. Women Goodwill Ambassador and her impactful speech on feminism at the U.N. headquarters gave her a renewed sense of purpose. She described the experience as a moment when “everything clicked into place,” helping her channel her energy into meaningful advocacy work. This shift has contributed to a greater sense of peace and clarity in her career.
You Belong Here
Impostor syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not qualified—it means you care.
But that care shouldn’t turn into that tremendous feeling of self-doubt. You’ve earned your seat at the table. You have value. And you are not an impostor.
When those fears creep in again (and they probably will), come back to these 10 steps you can use to overcome impostor syndrome. Use them to quiet the doubt, remember your wins, and keep growing.
And if you’re ready to invest in yourself in a real, structured, and community-supported way? Let’s eliminate that low self-esteem and book a free 10-minute intro call today.
You’ve got what it takes—and we’ll help you prove it to yourself.
