Have you ever achieved something significant only to wonder, “Was it just a fluke?” As a psychotherapist working with high-achieving professionals, I see this all the time—persistent self-doubt, fear of being “found out,” and refusal to accept that your hard work and skills contributed to your success. This is the experience we call impostor syndrome, and trust me, you’re not alone—almost 70% of professionals, even the most accomplished ones, experience this at some time in their careers.

It’s essential to understand how societal factors affect this. Suppose you’ve ever felt pressure to live up to high family expectations or have experienced stereotyping or prejudice tied to your identity. In that case, these experiences can amplify the feeling that you must constantly prove yourself. This is particularly common for professionals from underrepresented or marginalized groups.

But the good news is, impostor syndrome doesn’t have to ruin your life. Over time, I’ve worked with many clients to develop tools and strategies to manage and thrive despite these feelings. Let me share a few approaches that can make a meaningful difference.

Face the Doubts Head-On

One of the first steps I encourage is acknowledging your feelings rather than shying away. While feelings of “not being good enough” might feel overwhelming, they don’t define you. When self-doubt arises, take a moment and ask yourself: What’s the evidence for this belief? Writing down your thoughts can be a powerful way to gain perspective. Often, you’ll notice that these doubts are rooted more in perception than reality.

See Yourself Clearly

High achievers often fixate on their perceived shortcomings. I’ve found that taking the time to identify and appreciate your strengths is an essential practice. Ask yourself: ”What do I consistently do well? “ What skills or attributes have helped me to get where I am now? Remember, nobody is good at everything, and being realistic about your strengths and growth areas is key to combating perfectionism. 

Challenge Perfectionist Tendencies

Speaking of perfectionism, this is a big one for many high achievers. The drive to “get it perfect” can leave you overworked, anxious, and convinced that mistakes are unacceptable. But this mindset isn’t attainable. I encourage my clients to take regular breaks, set boundaries, and recognize that excellence does not require flawlessness. Mistakes are part of growth and innovation -they’re proof that you’re pushing limits, not failing.

Reframe the Negative Inner Voice

The inner critic that tells you you’re not enough? It’s not speaking the truth. Reframing those self-critical thoughts into more balanced, compassionate ones is a skill you can practice over time. Rather than thinking I only got here by luck, try telling yourself that I earned this through hard work and dedication. It may feel unnatural at first, but with practice, you can quiet the impostor syndrome feelings and reclaim confidence in your abilities. 

Lastly, I want to leave you with this: Imposter syndrome does not mean you are broken or unworthy. In fact, the very fact that you feel this way, despite your accomplishments, means you care deeply about doing good work. You are more than your doubts. You are skilled, capable, and deserving of your success. Remember, you do not have to navigate these feelings alone. As a psychotherapist, I’m here to assist you in unpacking the layers of impostor syndrome so that you can step into you’re successes with the confidence you’ve worked so hard to build. 

If this resonates with you, let’s connect. Together, we can work to quiet that inner critic and help you build a foundation of resilience, self-belief, and empowerment. I can’t wait to hear from you. Call me at (312) 899-1120.

By Wendi Lev, LCSW, ACSW, CADC