My 3-Step Framework to Kill Imposter Syndrome

For the longest time, i was afraid to even talk about feeling like a fraud.

I remember starting a new job, seeing my colleagues use tools with so much ease, and i felt like a zero compared to them. I’d find myself staying quiet in meetings, even when i disagreed with a decision. I was just scared that if i spoke up, they’d see i didn't know what i was talking about.

When i got stuck on a task, i would avoid asking for help until the last minute. What if my question was stupid? What if they discovered i wasn't good enough?

But what if that feeling isn't a weakness? What if it's a sign that you are on the edge of a breakthrough?

Here are a few things that help me use that feeling for growth.

Get Proof When i start feeling like an imposter, i go get proof that i'm not.

I ask for feedback. I go to my colleagues and just ask, "Hey, how am i doing? Are you happy with my work?" This simple piece of information is crucial. If they say i'm doing great, then i know the feeling is just in my head.

I test the market. I go and interview for other jobs. This is like sparring before a real fight. Passing technical interviews and getting an offer proves that my skills are valuable. It gives me a sense of security. I know that if i lose my job, i can get another one. That feeling of independence makes me more confident to ask questions and speak my mind.

Do the Scary Thing I deliberately try to do things that i'm most afraid to do.

I'm doing this YouTube channel, but you can probably tell i'm not a perfect English speaker, and i get anxious being on camera. But i do it anyway.

It's the same in IT. The moment you are afraid to ask for a promotion or negotiate your salary is the exact moment you have to do it. Every time i push through, i prove to myself that the fear isn't in charge.

Remember Your Past If you managed to get a job in IT, you already have what it takes.

Remember all those nights you had to learn and code when you didn't want to? Remember your first interview? You felt like an imposter then, too, but you pushed forward. You have a natural desire to overcome challenges. Use that.

I talk about my full framework for handling this in my new video. Go watch it, before your imposter syndrome convinces you to just scroll past.