How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome in Your Career
He impostor syndrome It affects a wide range of professionals worldwide, leading them to question their achievements and abilities despite the successes achieved.
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This psychological phenomenon, which impacts more than 70% of people at some point in their lives, according to the International Journal of Behavioral Science, is not a simple passing doubt, but a recurring pattern of insecurity that can sabotage the progress of a brilliant career.
In Mexico's competitive work environment, this problem can be even more pronounced, as social and professional demands strongly influence how people perceive their abilities.
How to transform the feeling of being an “impostor” into the firm confidence of an emperor in your professional career?
What is impostor syndrome really?
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The term impostor syndrome It was coined by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in the 1970s, referring to the persistent feeling of being a fraud, despite objective evidence of success.
Those affected believe that their success is due solely to luck, chance or the overestimation of their abilities by others, instead of recognizing their true effort and merit.
This leads them to constantly doubt themselves, attributing their achievements to external factors and fearing being “discovered” as incompetent.
In the specific case of Mexico, where the work culture is often based on public recognition and external success, this phenomenon is exacerbated.
The pressure to meet family, social and work expectations can generate a cycle of self-criticism and constant comparison, key elements of impostor syndrome.
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Factors that fuel impostor syndrome
Although anyone can experience the impostor syndrome, certain factors and work environments tend to promote its appearance. Among them, the following stand out:
- Highly competitive environmentsIn industries where success is defined by strict metrics or where comparisons between peers are inevitable, the perception of being “less” than others is amplified.
- Perfectionism:People who tend to set unattainable standards for themselves are more susceptible to suffering from impostor syndrome, since any error, no matter how small, is interpreted as a reflection of his supposed incompetence.
- Insecurity in new roles:Taking on a new job, especially one with increased responsibility, can trigger this syndrome, as people feel they are not fully prepared or qualified for the new tasks.
How Mexican work culture contributes to this phenomenon
He impostor syndrome It does not occur in a cultural vacuum. In Mexico, certain social and work factors contribute to its prevalence. These include:
- Family expectations: Family pressure to achieve high levels of professional and financial success can create a deep fear of failure. Workers who come from demanding family backgrounds may feel like they never meet expectations, thus fueling the fear of failure. impostor syndrome.
- Public recognition: In many Mexican companies, external recognition and visibility within the organization are essential for career advancement. Those who do not receive this validation may begin to doubt their abilities, even if they are objectively doing an exceptional job.
| Influential cultural factors | Impact on impostor syndrome |
|---|---|
| Family expectations | Increased self-criticism and fear of failure. |
| Culture of recognition | Dependence on external validation. |
| Labor competence | Constant comparisons and low self-esteem. |
The impact of impostor syndrome in the professional field
Suffer from the impostor syndrome can have profound consequences on a person's career path.
Constantly living in fear of being “exposed” as a fraud, many professionals make decisions that negatively affect their growth. Here are some of the most common repercussions:
- Procrastination: Fear of not meeting expectations can lead people to put off important tasks in order to avoid facing their own insecurities.
- Avoid new opportunities: Professionals with this syndrome often avoid taking on new responsibilities or seeking promotions, for fear of not being up to the challenge.
- Overwork: Often, those who suffer from the impostor syndrome They feel the need to compensate for their perceived deficiencies by taking on more tasks than they can handle, which over time results in burnout.
| Behavior driven by impostor syndrome | Professional consequence |
|---|---|
| Procrastination | Decreased productivity and career stagnation. |
| Avoid taking on new roles | Lack of growth and missed opportunities. |
| Overwork | Stress, burnout and decreased quality of work. |
Effective strategies to overcome impostor syndrome
Overcome the impostor syndrome It is not a process that is achieved overnight, but with the right strategies it is possible to deactivate its limiting effects and move forward with greater confidence in the work environment.
Here are some of the most effective strategies:
- Restructure your internal dialogue: Many times, the biggest enemy is within our own mind. To counteract this, it is essential to challenge those negative thoughts that say “I am not good enough.” Instead, replace those thoughts with more realistic and positive affirmations, such as “I have worked hard to be where I am.”
- Learn to accept praise: One of the characteristics of the impostor syndrome It is the difficulty in accepting praise in a genuine way. Instead of dismissing it, learn to be grateful and recognize that you deserve that recognition.
- Develop a support network: Talking about your feelings with friends, mentors, or colleagues can give you an outside perspective on your abilities. Sometimes, a simple conversation can help you see your accomplishments in a more objective light.
- Celebrate your achievements, big or small: We are often so focused on what remains to be achieved that we forget to celebrate what we have already accomplished. Take time to reflect on your successes and remember that every step forward is a victory.
Business programs and emotional well-being
In recent years, companies in Mexico have begun to recognize the importance of the emotional well-being of their employees as a key factor for organizational success.
Implementing psychological support and mental well-being programs not only improves productivity, but also helps reduce the prevalence of impostor syndrome on their teams.
In addition, some companies have adopted personal leadership and emotion management workshops, where employees can learn to identify and manage self-critical thoughts and insecurities that fuel this syndrome.
A recent report from the Mexican Social Security Institute He highlighted that companies that invest in emotional well-being programs experience a 25% reduction in work-related stress levels and a 30% improvement in employee productivity.
These figures show that when employees are given the support they need to overcome mental obstacles such as impostor syndrome, the results are palpable at both the individual and organizational level.
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Conclusion
Dealing with it impostor syndrome in your career not only requires self-awareness, but also an active approach to dismantling limiting beliefs that affect your confidence.
The transformation from “impostor” to “emperor” involves recognizing that success is not the result of chance, but of your effort, dedication and skills.
By taking proactive steps to change your mindset, such as accepting praise and learning to value your accomplishments, you can let go of the self-doubt that's holding you back in your career.
In a work environment like Mexico's, where expectations and competition are constant, facing this syndrome can make the difference between stagnating and prospering professionally.
With the right support, both personal and organizational, it is possible to move from self-doubt to authentic leadership, reaching your full potential and becoming the true emperor of your career.
