Think back on your first week of college. Those introductory courses probably felt pretty easy at first. Maybe you recognized some material you covered in high school or only discussed topics at a high level. Then by your first midterm, you realized how much you had left to learn.
Those same feelings may arise when starting a new job – feeling confident in the interview, then unsure once you get your bearings. But even seasoned professionals experience self-doubt (sometimes more than novices).
Imposter Syndrome, while not an official medical condition, is the feeling that you don’t belong in the space you’re in due to a lack of confidence in your knowledge or ability. One possible explanation for this anxiety is known as the
Dunning-Kruger effect.
It expounds on the phrase, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Individuals unfamiliar with the scope of a topic tend to feel more confident in their expertise than those with more experience. But once they begin to learn, they realize they’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg.
If you find yourself trudging through the “Valley of Despair," remember that it’s only because you’re still learning. With time and by taking opportunities to learn, you’ll build your knowledge and get closer to the “Plateau of Enlightenment.”
To regain confidence and manage self-doubt, keep these things in mind:
You’re in the Room for a Reason
Whether it’s an interview, a new job, a professional event, or an academic opportunity, if you weren’t meant to be there, you wouldn’t have gotten the invitation!
Even the CEO had to Start Somewhere
It’s Impossible to Know Everything About Everything
Anyone can be a jack of all trades, but an expert fills a niche. Hone your skills and knowledge in a specific field you excel in. Without the anxiety of knowing it all, you can lean on the people around you to not only learn from them but also have support in areas where you may struggle.
Focus on Your Strengths
Don’t let your weaknesses overshadow your strengths. No matter where you are on your professional journey, everyone has something they can contribute to the team.
While everyone goes through moments of self-doubt, don’t let it keep you from pursuing opportunities. Usually, the only person saying you can’t is yourself.
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