Why High Performers Struggle with Imposter Syndrome and How to Overcome It

 Imposter syndrome - have you ever felt it? That sneaky feeling that you’re not as good as people think, that somehow, you’ve tricked everyone into thinking you’re more capable than you actually are. If so, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome affects high performers across all levels of success, leaving them questioning their worth and capabilities.

In this blog, we’ll explore what imposter syndrome is, why high performers are especially prone to it, and how to overcome it by tapping into your unique strengths. Even if you’re not sure what your strengths are yet, don’t worry - we’ll help you define them. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer sense of how your strengths can help you navigate imposter syndrome whenever it comes out to say hello.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling that your success is due to luck, timing, or external factors rather than your own skills and talents. Despite achieving things like promotions, awards, or recognition, you might still feel like you don’t deserve it. You may catch yourself thinking:

• “I’ve fooled everyone into thinking I’m good at this.”
• “I’m not qualified for this, and soon everyone will figure that out.”
• “I got lucky this time, but what if I fail next time?”

This internal dialogue can hold you back from fully stepping into your potential. You might avoid taking on new challenges or feel paralysed when facing opportunities because that voice inside keeps telling you that you’re not good enough.

But here’s the truth: imposter syndrome is just a mental roadblock. It’s not a reflection of reality, it’s a distortion of it. Recognising that this is something everyone experiences at one time or another is the first step toward breaking free from its grip.

Why High Performers Struggle with Imposter Syndrome

High performers often set exceptionally high standards for themselves. They strive for excellence in all they do, but this relentless pursuit can sometimes lead to feelings of inadequacy, especially when they face challenges or step into new, unfamiliar roles. Here are a few reasons why high achievers are particularly prone to imposter syndrome:

• Perfectionism: High performers tend to hold themselves to nearly impossible standards. When they don’t meet their own expectations, they might dismiss their achievements and focus only on what they perceive as shortcomings. This fuels imposter syndrome, as they often believe they’re falling short, even when they’ve achieved success.

• Constant Growth Zone: High achievers are often pushing themselves to try new things, stay ahead, and operate in their growth zone. While this drive is essential for development, it also means they are frequently in unfamiliar territory, which naturally comes with discomfort. This discomfort is a sign of growth, but it can also trigger feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome.

• Fear of Failure: The higher you climb, the further there is to fall—or at least, that’s how it can feel. High performers often fear that even a small mistake will expose them as a fraud or somehow negate all their prior success. This fear can make them feel as though their success is fragile, leading to heightened self-doubt.

• External Validation: High achievers frequently receive praise and recognition from others, but if they haven’t internalised their accomplishments, they might feel that they’re only as good as their last success. This creates a never-ending cycle of needing to prove themselves, which feeds imposter syndrome.

• Comparison with Others: In high-achieving environments, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. Even when you’re performing well, being surrounded by others who also excel can make you feel like you’re falling short. This comparison often exacerbates feelings of being "less than" or "not enough."

These factors combine to make imposter syndrome particularly prevalent among high performers. The good news? There’s a way to overcome it - by understanding and embracing your unique strengths.

Discovering Your Strengths: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?

You may be wondering, “What exactly are my strengths?” If you’ve never really thought about it before, that’s okay. A strength isn’t just something you’re good at; it’s a natural talent or ability that energises you and feels effortless when you’re in the flow. Often we don't appreciate our own strengths because they come so naturally to us. 

Here’s why identifying your strengths is so powerful: when you focus on what makes you naturally great, you build confidence in your abilities. You stop trying to be something you’re not and start leaning into what you are. Strengths can look like:

• Adaptability: The ability to stay calm and find solutions in uncertain or changing environments.
• Empathy: A deep understanding of the emotions and needs of those around you.
• Communication: A knack for conveying ideas clearly and engagingly.

Identifying Your Strengths 

If you haven’t taken an assessment like CliftonStrengths yet, don’t worry - there are other ways to start identifying your strengths:

1. Reflect on Past Wins
   Think about a recent success. What did you do to contribute to that outcome? Were you the problem solver, the planner, or the motivator? Chances are, your strengths were at play.

2. Ask for Feedback
   Sometimes others can see strengths in us that we overlook. Ask a few trusted colleagues, friends, or family members what they believe your strengths are. What do they see as your natural talents?

3. Notice What Energises You
   Pay attention to the tasks or situations that leave you feeling energised and motivated. These are often the areas where your strengths shine the most.

By exploring these clues, you can begin to get a clearer sense of your strengths. And once you know what they are, you’ll have a powerful tool to help you push through imposter syndrome.

How Strengths Can Help You Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Now that you’re starting to identify your strengths, let’s talk about how they can help you combat imposter syndrome. When you recognise and lean into your strengths, you shift your focus from what you think you lack to what you naturally excel at. This shift changes everything.

Here’s how using your strengths can help you overcome imposter syndrome:

• Confidence Through Self-Awareness
  Knowing your strengths builds confidence. When you face a challenge, instead of feeling like an imposter, you can think, “I’ve got this - I’m great at handling situations like this because of my strengths.” For example, if you’ve always been great at solving complex problems, you can approach a difficult project with the mindset, “I’m the kind of person who thrives in these situations - this is where I excel.” This kind of self-awareness gives you the clarity to tackle challenges with confidence, rather than being weighed down by fear.

• Leaning Into Your Natural Talents
  Instead of wasting energy trying to be like someone else or focusing on your perceived weaknesses, you can lean into the things that come naturally to you. For instance, if you’re someone who excels at building strong relationships, you don’t need to stress about being overly analytical in every situation. Instead, focus on using your relational strengths to connect with people and build trust. When you work in alignment with your strengths you’ll feel more competent and fulfilled, because you’re playing to what naturally energises and empowers you. 

• Shifting the Narrative
  Imposter syndrome tells you, “You’re not enough.” But when you’re aware of your strengths, you can rewrite that narrative: “I’m not supposed to be perfect at everything, but here’s what I bring to the table.”

Strengths help you see that you don’t have to be everything to everyone - you just need to be the best version of yourself, using the talents you already possess.

Ready to Take It to the Next Level? 

While identifying your strengths on your own is a great start, getting more specific can really elevate your self-awareness. The CliftonStrengths assessment provides a detailed report of your top talents and offers personalised insights on how to leverage them to overcome challenges - like imposter syndrome.

With CliftonStrengths, you’ll uncover the exact words to describe your talents and get actionable strategies for applying them in your everyday life. It’s a game changer for boosting your confidence, knowing your strengths, and combating the challenges imposter syndrome brings.

Take Action: Discover Your Strengths with CliftonStrengths

If you’re ready to overcome imposter syndrome and step confidently into your strengths, I invite you to explore my CliftonStrengths Intro Coaching Pack. Here’s what you’ll get:

• A personalised CliftonStrengths assessment to uncover your top talents.
• A one-on-one coaching session where we’ll dive into how your strengths can help you tackle imposter syndrome.
• Practical strategies to apply your strengths in your personal and professional life.

Understanding your strengths is the key to overcoming self-doubt and stepping into your full potential. You’re already more capable than you think - you just need to tap into your unique strengths.

Final Thoughts

Imposter syndrome is something we all face at times, but it doesn’t have to define your journey. By understanding and embracing your strengths, you can rewrite the narrative, quiet that inner critic, and move forward with confidence. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your strengths or ready for deeper insights with CliftonStrengths, remember: you already have everything you need to succeed -it’s just a matter of uncovering it.