Written by Paula Alvarez (Psychologist, Dance-Movement Therapist, Emotional Intelligence Specialist & Applied Neuroscience in the Educational Field Specialist)

Have you ever felt like you don’t deserve your achievements, as if you’ve only gotten this far by sheer luck? That feeling, known as Imposter Syndrome, is more common than you might think. Even highly successful people, including Nobel Prize winners and celebrities, have confessed to feeling like “frauds.” This syndrome makes us doubt our worth and abilities, even when the facts clearly show otherwise.

Imposter Syndrome is the persistent feeling of being a ‘fraud,’ regardless of how many accomplishments you achieve or how much evidence there is of your abilities.

This feeling doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. According to Bandura (1986), our experiences and the environment we grow up in shape these beliefs. In particular, the lack of visibility of people like us in leadership roles strengthens these feelings. If we don’t see others like ourselves in important positions, it’s easy to believe that such success is out of reach for us. But this mindset can change, and here’s how.

What Is Imposter Syndrome and How Does It Affect Us?

Imposter Syndrome is the persistent feeling of being a “fraud,” regardless of how many accomplishments you achieve or how much evidence there is of your abilities. It was first described in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, who studied high-achieving women that attributed their success to luck or “faking it,” rather than their own talent.

Today, many people continue to feel undeserving of their accomplishments, which affects their confidence and limits their potential. Research shows that this syndrome is more common among women, ethnic minorities, and individuals in environments where they feel underrepresented. This is often due to a lack of visibility and recognition in their surroundings, reinforcing the belief that they don’t belong.

Seeing someone like you overcome challenges and succeed can completely change your beliefs.

It’s not that there’s something “wrong” with those who experience this; rather, it’s often the attitudes and expectations of others that fuel these doubts. Understanding this is crucial for challenging and transforming these beliefs.

“Success Isn’t for People Like Us”: The Importance of Visibility in Leadership

Seeing someone like you overcome challenges and succeed can completely change your beliefs. When we observe people with similar experiences achieving their goals, we start to believe that we can too. That’s why it’s crucial to surround ourselves with role models we can relate to—people who prove that success is possible.

Social media, for example, frequently presents glossy, instant success stories, but rarely reveals the hard work and setbacks behind them.

Unfortunately, today’s role models often represent unattainable ideals, without showing the struggles and obstacles they’ve faced along the way. Social media, for example, frequently presents glossy, instant success stories, but rarely reveals the hard work and setbacks behind them. This can lead us to compare ourselves to unrealistic versions of success, reinforcing the idea that we don’t deserve it.

Practical Steps to Break the Cycle of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome can be paralyzing, but here are some practical ways to challenge those limiting beliefs and recognize your potential:

• Challenge Stereotypes: Your gender, race, or background doesn’t define what you can achieve. Question limiting beliefs that others try to impose on you.
• Share Your Story: Authentic stories hold power. Share your challenges, successes, and even failures. Opening up about your journey can inspire others and strengthen your own confidence.
• Find Mentors Who Inspire You: Look for people you admire who share similar experiences. Mentors can offer guidance and serve as living proof of what’s possible.
• Practice Positive Affirmations: Remind yourself daily that you have the capacity to grow and succeed. Statements like “I can improve and keep moving forward” help combat negative self-talk.
• Revamp Your Social Media: Clean up your social media feed. Follow people who inspire you without representing unattainable ideals. Find role models who resemble you—people who have faced similar challenges and come from similar backgrounds. Surrounding yourself with authentic examples will help shift your internal narrative.

Remember, changing beliefs about yourself is a gradual process. It’s not easy, but each small step brings you closer to greater self-confidence and unlocking your true potential. Success is for people like you, and it’s time to start believing it.