How do we combat Imposture Syndrome? We start by talking about it.   

Before we dig deeper into Imposter Syndrome and how it impacts so many of us, let’s tweak our language. We’ll call this topic the Imposter Phenomenon, because a “syndrome” is often associated with diseases and used for rare conditions in the medical profession. What we’re talking about is not a disease nor is it rare. Unless we start talking about it with our youth and our colleagues, and normalizing these feelings, it can be hard to uncover our full potential.  

Every year Colorado Youth for a Change trains its 150+ AmeriCorps members and staff members on the topic of the Imposter Phenomenon, and January was no different. Except that this year we decided the conversation is important enough to share with others. We hope that you will use this as a catalyst to start more conversations in schools, workplaces, and communities so that everyone can feel like they are capable and they belong.  

Defining this Concept 

When asking AmeriCorps members and staff to define the Imposter Phenomenon, here’s what we heard.  

“Sometimes imposture syndrome looks like you thinking you’re “faking it till you make it” when indeed you are already making it and everyone else can see it but you.”  Shaunie  

“Feeling like you don’t belong.” Anonymous 

“In society we are taught to remain humble. To show confidence, especially in women, is a negative trait. I think these are learned behaviors that contribute to imposter experiences.” Brittany 

For individuals whose identities are marginalized, these feelings of self-doubt and that one’s successes are the product of luck or fraud rather than skill can be especially harmful. We are all susceptible to the feeling of this Imposter Phenomenon, but internalized oppression can exacerbate those feelings.   

“You’re constantly told by media and stereotypes that only people of a certain identity can accomplish things and be leaders in society. Expectations are placed on you that limit you. So if you try to do more and break that expectation, then that can lead to feeling like an imposter.” Anna  

How this shows up for students, staff, and AmeriCorps members 

Anyone who has worked with young people who’ve experienced oppression and trauma has seen “self-sabotage.” Things start going well: grades are up, attendance has increased, relationships are building. And then that young person stops communicating and attending. They make a decision that negatively impacts them. Perhaps they feel like an imposter but have a hard time putting words to their self-doubt and belief that those around them overestimate their abilities.  

Arnold Chandler with Forward Change often talks about this as “meaning-making” in his research: how unconscious meaning can either unleash one’s potential or suppress it. Through CYC’s partnership with the Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions, we’re exploring different ways to acknowledge and talk about meaning-making to complement skill-building.  

Our staff and AmeriCorps members courageously spoke about how these cycles of self-doubt show up their own lives. Some are working hard to chase perfectionism and quit before asking for help, support, or a raise.  

“We can be afraid to ask if we are doing good even when we know we’re doing the job well. Hearing positive feedback helps, and it can be hard to serve in schools where people have more advanced degrees and experience.” Skyla 

“We have a tendency to not allow marginalized people to be mediocre or even just good. We have to be excellent in order to be recognized the same way as someone with dominant identities who is good at what they do.” KJ 

Now What? 

Let’s talk about it!  

As supervisors, mentors, and colleagues, we can create a container to talk about these feelings of being an imposter. Together, we can normalize the feelings of self-doubt and talk about the impacts these have on school, work, and our relationship with self. 

Other ideas to share with colleagues and the youth we support:  

• Value and elevate both lived experience and experience in the field   

• Reframe failure as a learning opportunity and unlearn perfectionism  

• Define success clearly and tangibly 

• Seek out a mentor 

• Break tasks into smaller, more achievable chunks 

• Stop comparing 

• Document accomplishments 

Our team members also shared back some tips of their own. 

Explore self-care and goal-setting tools like Finch or Habitica 

Check out this video  

Showing up counts: “I’ve asked myself, what am I bringing the table that’s new? But I don’t always have to be revolutionary. I’m here and sometimes that’s enough. I’m showing up and doing the work.” KJ 

Know you are worthy: “If we don’t internalize the positive feedback (I am worthy. I am doing a good job. I am…) it’s hard to keep moving forward. There can be a narrative that if I’m not perfect, I not good enough.” Patti 

Talk about internal thoughts to try and understand someone: “With ADHD in school, I was told I was smart and if I tried harder I could do it. But that didn’t change my perspective of feeling like I couldn’t do anything. Finally, a teacher my senior year helped me combat my internal negative thoughts instead of just telling me to try.” Finnley 

To serve in AmeriCorps with Colorado Youth for a Change, you don’t need a degree or direct experience with youth to bring value, expertise, and relevance. Want to learn more about how we’ve shifted training, performance evaluations, affinity spaces, and hiring to open up a year of service to more people?  Contact Senior Training Manager Alayna Shaw at AlaynaS@youthforachange.org for ideas and resources.