When your achievements don't change the way you see yourself
You achieve something.
People congratulate you.
You receive the promotion, qualification, opportunity or recognition.
And somewhere inside, a voice says:
“They don't really know me.”
“I got lucky.”
“Soon they'll realise I can't actually do this.”
That experience is commonly described as imposter syndrome.
You might recognise yourself in this
- Persistent self-doubt despite evidence of ability
- Downplaying your achievements
- Attributing success to luck
- Comparing yourself with others
- Fear of being exposed
- Feeling that you don't belong
- Overworking to prove yourself
- Difficulty receiving compliments
- Constantly needing more evidence that you're good enough
- Feeling uncomfortable owning your expertise
When your identity hasn't caught up with your reality
Sometimes the problem isn't a lack of evidence.
The evidence is everywhere.
You've achieved.
You've learned.
You've been trusted.
You've been recognised.
But the internal story hasn't caught up.
You can intellectually know that you're capable while emotionally continuing to feel like you aren't.
What might be underneath it?
Imposter feelings can be influenced by perfectionism, comparison, fear of failure, expectations, previous criticism and deeply held beliefs about worth, competence or belonging.
The important question isn't:
“Am I actually an imposter?”
It may be:
“What have I learned to believe about myself that makes my achievements difficult to receive?”
How RTT may fit into the picture
RTT can provide a structured space to explore beliefs and emotional associations connected to self-doubt and confidence.
The aim isn't to manufacture confidence through positive thinking.
It is to understand the story underneath the doubt and begin developing a more balanced, intentional relationship with yourself and your achievements.
You do not have to become arrogant to become confident.
You do not have to know everything to belong in the room.
And you do not have to earn your right to take up space by being perfect.
You are allowed to recognise what you have achieved.