What Is Impostor Syndrome Costing You?
There I was, standing in front of a room full of sharp business women and men in Dubai talking about something we’ve all faced at some point in our careers…impostor syndrome.
As I started breaking down what it actually means to be an “impostor,” I could see the realization hitting people. One by one, they were nodding, understanding that the label they’ve been carrying doesn’t fit them at all.
It was at that moment I knew that I had cracked the code. The impostor syndrome isn’t just a nagging feeling or personal struggle, rather it’s a lie we’ve been believing. A lie that’s holding us back from reaching our full potential. A lie that keeps us stuck in a cycle of doubt and fear.
Well, it’s time to dismantle this lie and understand what impostor syndrome really is and why it doesn’t define you.
Defining the Impostor:
Now, let’s start with the word “impostor.”
An impostor is someone who deceives others by pretending to be someone or something they’re not. It’s someone who is deliberately faking their abilities or knowledge.
Take a moment and think about this. Ask yourself…
Does this description truly fit me?
Am I really pretending to be someone I’m not?
Or am I simply underestimating my capabilities?
For most of us, the answer is clear: We are not impostors. We are competent, capable female engineers with the experience and knowledge to back up our achievements. But still, the label sticks.
The Anxiety Behind the Mask:
The real issue isn’t that you’re an impostor. It’s the anxiety triggered by chronic self-doubt and the fear of not measuring up that has you believing otherwise. For many female engineers, this anxiety is heightened by the additional pressure to perform in male-dominated environments.
When we experience stress or anxiety, our bodies release cortisol and adrenaline, the fight-or-flight hormones that prepare us for perceived danger. But when these hormones are triggered by self-doubt instead of real threats, they keep us stuck in a cycle of fear. This limits our ability to perform at our best.
Breaking the Cycle with Neuroplasticity:
So, how do we break free from this cycle?
The answer lies in neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself. Our thoughts create neural pathways. The more we think a certain way, the stronger those pathways become.
But here’s the good news…you can change those pathways. By consciously challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with positive, empowering beliefs, you can rewire your brain to support your success instead of sabotaging it.
1.) First, recognize when impostor thoughts arise
2.) Then, consciously replace them with truths about your capabilities
Over time, this practice will weaken the old, negative pathways and strengthen new, positive ones. Ultimately, helping you to step into your full potential with confidence.
Impostor syndrome isn’t about you being an impostor. It’s about your brain being stuck in an outdated loop. By understanding this and using the principles of neuroplasticity to rewire your thoughts, you can break free from the lie and step into the powerful, influential female engineer you were always meant to be.
How do you manage the impostor syndrome?