Ever felt like anyone could do your job? Like what you’re doing isn’t that impactful, and your achievements don’t really matter? That creeping feeling that your role is simple or replaceable is one of the core symptoms of Impostor Syndrome, and it’s a silent career killer.
It’s easy to underestimate your contributions, especially when tasks feel simple or routine. But here’s the truth,what’s easy for you often isn’t easy for others. The work you brush off as “no big deal” might be exactly what’s driving things forward. Your skills, approach, and even the way you communicate can create ripple effects that you don’t always see.
Your Work Matters, Even When It Feels Simple
One of the biggest mistakes people make is downplaying their own impact. You might think, “This wasn’t hard, anyone could have done it.” But not everyone can do your job the way you do it. Your unique combination of skills, personality, and dedication brings value that can’t be easily replicated.
When you receive positive feedback, take it in fully. Don’t dismiss it with, “Oh, it was nothing.” At the same time, avoid letting it fuel overconfidence. There’s a balance between appreciating recognition and staying grounded. Think of good feedback as confirmation that you’re on the right track, not a reason to rest on your laurels.
It’s Not Luck, It’s You
Ever chalked up your success to pure luck? “I was in the right place at the right time,” or, “I just got lucky with that project.” Instead of stopping there, dig deeper. How did you get “lucky” in the first place? Maybe you asked the right question during a meeting, built strong relationships that got you involved in key projects, or positioned yourself where opportunities could find you.
Luck isn’t random, it often comes from the actions you’ve taken, even if you didn’t realize it at the time. Recognizing this can help you shift your mindset and own your achievements.
Compare Yourself to the Right Standards
Another trap of Impostor Syndrome is holding yourself to unrealistic standards. Maybe you compare your work to industry leaders or your previous roles and feel like you’re falling short. Instead, focus on the standards that actually matter,your team’s expectations, your company’s goals, and the specific responsibilities of your role.
By understanding what success looks like in your current environment, you can better evaluate your performance. This gives you a clearer, more accurate picture of how you’re doing, rather than relying on external comparisons that might not be relevant.
You’re More Than Just Your Role
Remember, your job isn’t just about tasks and deliverables. It’s also about how you approach your work, the relationships you build, and the way you contribute to the team dynamic. Your personality, communication style, and dedication all play a role in how people perceive your value.
Not everyone will approach your job the way you do, and that’s what makes you irreplaceable in many ways. People notice the details, how you solve problems, how you support your team, and how you go the extra mile.
Owning Your Success Without Overinflating It
The key to overcoming Impostor Syndrome isn’t about swinging from self-doubt to arrogance. It’s about finding that middle ground where you can confidently own your contributions without downplaying them or letting them inflate your ego.
- Recognize the value in what feels easy to you.
- Accept positive feedback fully, but stay grounded.
- Understand the standards that matter for your role.
- Reflect on your “luck” and realize it was likely driven by your actions.
Impostor Syndrome thrives in silence, but when you bring it into the light and start questioning those nagging thoughts, it begins to lose its power. Your success isn’t accidental, it’s a reflection of your skills, your dedication, and yes, your unique approach to your work.
So, the next time you feel like a fraud, remember: It’s not luck, it’s you.