When a senior executive recently told me, “I keep waiting for someone to figure out I’m not as good as they think,” I wasn’t surprised. Despite leading a department of over 200 people and consistently exceeding targets, she still felt like an imposter. It’s a sentiment I hear frequently from the most accomplished professionals – from investment bankers to tech entrepreneurs, from legal partners to corporate executives.
The High Achiever’s Paradox
Here’s what’s fascinating: imposter feelings often intensify with success. The more you achieve, the more you feel like a fraud. Why? Because high achievers are usually excellent at spotting gaps – it’s what makes them so good at their jobs. The problem starts when they turn this hyperaware analysis inward.
Why Success Makes It Worse
Think about your journey. Each promotion, each achievement, each new responsibility raises the stakes. You find yourself in rooms with people you once admired from afar. The questions creep in:
- “Do I really belong here?”
- “What if they discover I’m not as smart as they think?”
- “Everyone else seems so confident…”
The irony? The very qualities that make you successful – perfectionism, attention to detail, high standards – are the same ones feeding your imposter feelings.
The Hidden Advantage
But here’s what most people don’t realize: imposter feelings can be a secret weapon. They keep you humble, drive you to prepare thoroughly, and push you to constantly improve. The goal isn’t to eliminate these feelings entirely – it’s to harness them while preventing them from holding you back.
Practical Strategies for High Performers
1. Create Your Evidence Bank
Start keeping a “wins folder” – emails of praise, successful project outcomes, positive feedback. Your brain is wired to dismiss successes and focus on failures. Counter this by building concrete evidence of your capabilities.
2. Reframe the Internal Narrative
Instead of: “I got lucky with that project.” Try: “I was prepared when the opportunity arose.”
Instead of: “They’re going to find out I don’t know everything.” Try: “Nobody knows everything. I bring valuable expertise and know how to find answers.”
3. Use the Mentor Mirror
Imagine giving advice to a junior colleague expressing the same doubts you’re feeling. You’d likely be compassionate and logical. Apply this same perspective to yourself.
The Power of Strategic Vulnerability
One of the most effective ways to deal with imposter feelings is to have honest conversations about them with peers you trust. You’ll often discover that the people you admire most have similar feelings. This doesn’t just provide relief – it creates deeper professional connections.
The Competence Evolution
Think of competence as a moving target. As you grow into new roles and face new challenges, it’s natural to feel uncertain. This isn’t proof that you’re an imposter – it’s evidence that you’re evolving.
Consider this framework:
- Conscious Incompetence: You know what you don’t know
- Conscious Competence: You know what you know
- Unconscious Competence: You’re so good, you make it look easy
- Learning Agility: You’re comfortable not knowing but confident in your ability to learn
The goal isn’t to eliminate doubt – it’s to build confidence in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.
Turning Points into Power
Key moments when imposter feelings typically spike:
- After a promotion
- When leading more experienced team members
- During public speaking
- In high-stakes meetings
- When receiving recognition
Instead of seeing these as threat points, reframe them as growth markers. Each is an opportunity to expand your comfort zone.
The Executive Presence Paradox
Many high achievers believe everyone else has it figured out because they appear so confident. Here’s the truth: executive presence isn’t about feeling confident all the time. It’s about acting with conviction even while navigating uncertainty.
Moving Forward
Remember:
- Your imposter feelings are a sign you’re pushing boundaries
- Perfection isn’t the goal – impact is
- Your value comes from your unique perspective and experience
- Growth happens outside your comfort zone
The Next Level
Instead of asking, “Do I deserve to be here?” ask:
- “What unique value can I bring?”
- “How can my perspective enhance this discussion?”
- “What can I learn from this situation?”
Your New Relationship with Success
Success isn’t about never feeling like an imposter. It’s about learning to act powerfully even when those feelings arise. Let your drive for excellence fuel your growth rather than feed your doubts.
The next time imposter feelings surface, remember: they’re not a bug in your system – they’re a feature of high achievement. The question isn’t how to eliminate them, but how to use them to fuel your next level of growth.
Are imposter feelings holding you back from your next big move? Let’s explore how targeted coaching can help you transform these feelings into fuel for growth. Reach out for a confidential discovery session.