Imposter Syndrome
Discussion
I wasn't sure if to put this hear in in Health Matters...mods if you feel it needs to be moved please do.
Does anyone have any experience with imposter syndrome? I've been in my job for four years (police) and current role for a year. I don't feel like I should be where I am though and that I'll get found out. This is despite getting the highest score on the final exam during initial training of the intake along with the highest overall score on the role plays we got assessed on. Feedback has always been good with no issues raised. Probation was the same. Signed off with no issues at all.
Since my probation I had regular one to ones with my supervisor and no issues have been discussed. Same in my new role. Had a course for a month and scored very well on the final exam.
Yet I'm always doubting myself. Even little things that I know the answer to I find myself Googling to make sure. It's clearly a confidence thing, but how do I improve it?
Does anyone have any experience with imposter syndrome? I've been in my job for four years (police) and current role for a year. I don't feel like I should be where I am though and that I'll get found out. This is despite getting the highest score on the final exam during initial training of the intake along with the highest overall score on the role plays we got assessed on. Feedback has always been good with no issues raised. Probation was the same. Signed off with no issues at all.
Since my probation I had regular one to ones with my supervisor and no issues have been discussed. Same in my new role. Had a course for a month and scored very well on the final exam.
Yet I'm always doubting myself. Even little things that I know the answer to I find myself Googling to make sure. It's clearly a confidence thing, but how do I improve it?
I don't think it's uncommon in the police although not many will probably say it and they'll just style it out. Some are from hardened backgrounds and might be quite used to some of the experiences, others just grow into the role
What I will say is that there are many different roles in the job and if all you've done is response, then you might find you suddenly feel much more comfortable doing something else. I had periods during my time in the job where I'd probably say I also had imposter syndrome, and probably most feel it in the probationary years at some point. I then found other roles where I was much more comfortable. Remember, we're all just grown up kids playing at this stuff called life. It's a measure of responsibility which you might grow into.
I know you've been thinking of getting out and that you keep coming back to this problem. If you're young enough, my advice would be to jump into something you enjoy. It doesn't sound like you're keen to go up the ladder and the money as a PC/DC can be earned in a lot of places now. It's no longer a well rewarded role.
What I will say is that there are many different roles in the job and if all you've done is response, then you might find you suddenly feel much more comfortable doing something else. I had periods during my time in the job where I'd probably say I also had imposter syndrome, and probably most feel it in the probationary years at some point. I then found other roles where I was much more comfortable. Remember, we're all just grown up kids playing at this stuff called life. It's a measure of responsibility which you might grow into.
I know you've been thinking of getting out and that you keep coming back to this problem. If you're young enough, my advice would be to jump into something you enjoy. It doesn't sound like you're keen to go up the ladder and the money as a PC/DC can be earned in a lot of places now. It's no longer a well rewarded role.
Yes I have it. Goes along with anxiety and suspected autism.
I found CBT quite helpful. Really imposter syndrome is a distorted thinking pattern. As you have expressed you feel like you shouldn't be there, despite the evidence suggesting that you very much are capable and in the place you should be. CBT teaches you to retrain how you think. Worked for anxiety as well to a degree.
Look at the evidence of your thought. Can you really back it up, or actually can you dispute it.
It really kicked off for me when I became a manager. Didn't know what I was doing, I had no training, I'm going to be found out.
I found CBT quite helpful. Really imposter syndrome is a distorted thinking pattern. As you have expressed you feel like you shouldn't be there, despite the evidence suggesting that you very much are capable and in the place you should be. CBT teaches you to retrain how you think. Worked for anxiety as well to a degree.
Look at the evidence of your thought. Can you really back it up, or actually can you dispute it.
It really kicked off for me when I became a manager. Didn't know what I was doing, I had no training, I'm going to be found out.
I’ve always believed that only idiots are sure, whereas good intelligent people always have a lot of doubts. It’s those doubts that cause you to think that bit more, work a bit harder, check again, and ultimately do a much better job.
If it’s debilitating, then well worth some CBT. Otherwise, I’d expect that over time experience will build your confidence, and one day you’ll suddenly find you’re no longer acting the part, but just doing it naturally.
If it’s debilitating, then well worth some CBT. Otherwise, I’d expect that over time experience will build your confidence, and one day you’ll suddenly find you’re no longer acting the part, but just doing it naturally.
Chicken Chaser said:
I don't think it's uncommon in the police although not many will probably say it and they'll just style it out. Some are from hardened backgrounds and might be quite used to some of the experiences, others just grow into the role
What I will say is that there are many different roles in the job and if all you've done is response, then you might find you suddenly feel much more comfortable doing something else. I had periods during my time in the job where I'd probably say I also had imposter syndrome, and probably most feel it in the probationary years at some point. I then found other roles where I was much more comfortable. Remember, we're all just grown up kids playing at this stuff called life. It's a measure of responsibility which you might grow into.
I know you've been thinking of getting out and that you keep coming back to this problem. If you're young enough, my advice would be to jump into something you enjoy. It doesn't sound like you're keen to go up the ladder and the money as a PC/DC can be earned in a lot of places now. It's no longer a well rewarded role.
I'm currently on traffic which has been my goal from the start (and from when I was a Special for ten years). I love my job. It really is the best. There is a lot of negative bits in the news at the moment and I'm currently reading the Casey Review which is really damming, but I still get excited about going into work and have a great squad of similar minded people who I get on brilliantly with. What I will say is that there are many different roles in the job and if all you've done is response, then you might find you suddenly feel much more comfortable doing something else. I had periods during my time in the job where I'd probably say I also had imposter syndrome, and probably most feel it in the probationary years at some point. I then found other roles where I was much more comfortable. Remember, we're all just grown up kids playing at this stuff called life. It's a measure of responsibility which you might grow into.
I know you've been thinking of getting out and that you keep coming back to this problem. If you're young enough, my advice would be to jump into something you enjoy. It doesn't sound like you're keen to go up the ladder and the money as a PC/DC can be earned in a lot of places now. It's no longer a well rewarded role.
Promotion isn't something I'm thinking of at the moment...mainly because I don't think I could pass the exam (but I also thought I'd failed all my exams I've taken so far...). But I enjoy the PC role and there are a few other roles I'd like to do which would be harder to do as a PS.
Scabutz said:
Yes I have it. Goes along with anxiety and suspected autism.
I found CBT quite helpful. Really imposter syndrome is a distorted thinking pattern. As you have expressed you feel like you shouldn't be there, despite the evidence suggesting that you very much are capable and in the place you should be. CBT teaches you to retrain how you think. Worked for anxiety as well to a degree.
Look at the evidence of your thought. Can you really back it up, or actually can you dispute it.
It really kicked off for me when I became a manager. Didn't know what I was doing, I had no training, I'm going to be found out.
Interesting that you have suspected autism...I've almost certainly got it myself. My ex has it as well and often felt the same about her job...I found CBT quite helpful. Really imposter syndrome is a distorted thinking pattern. As you have expressed you feel like you shouldn't be there, despite the evidence suggesting that you very much are capable and in the place you should be. CBT teaches you to retrain how you think. Worked for anxiety as well to a degree.
Look at the evidence of your thought. Can you really back it up, or actually can you dispute it.
It really kicked off for me when I became a manager. Didn't know what I was doing, I had no training, I'm going to be found out.
67Dino said:
I’ve always believed that only idiots are sure, whereas good intelligent people always have a lot of doubts. It’s those doubts that cause you to think that bit more, work a bit harder, check again, and ultimately do a much better job.
If it’s debilitating, then well worth some CBT. Otherwise, I’d expect that over time experience will build your confidence, and one day you’ll suddenly find you’re no longer acting the part, but just doing it naturally.
Thats a good way of putting it actually. I am very anal with my work which my supervisor says he likes as its rare that I miss something (and if I do its something minor which can be sorted easily). If it’s debilitating, then well worth some CBT. Otherwise, I’d expect that over time experience will build your confidence, and one day you’ll suddenly find you’re no longer acting the part, but just doing it naturally.
I have it and I dont know what to do about it at all really, I’m a field based engineer and everyone thinks I’m very good at my job but I last about 3/5 years in a role and think the longer I stay the bigger chance I have of doing something wrong, then people will always remember the mistake rather than the good stuff.
I think I’ll always be like it lol
I think I’ll always be like it lol
Can relate to this.
I have passed up numerous job opportunities/promotions I could of gone for as I just think I am not good enough for the role even though I know I can do it. Suffered massively in the last 3 years/last job role and thought I was on the edge of a nervous breakdown given the pressures that came with the role and the high expectations of extremely high productivity, switched job roles again into a really nice job role that was on temporary promotion last year and I thought I had a handle on it, but I feel it start to creep back in especially in the last few month. Feedback from my line managers is that I am doing well at my job and there are no concerns.
However, underneath my confident exterior I am an absolute mess who second guesses everything he does and tries to guess what other managers will say/comment on my work several steps ahead.....
It's draining and not a nice place to be.........
I have passed up numerous job opportunities/promotions I could of gone for as I just think I am not good enough for the role even though I know I can do it. Suffered massively in the last 3 years/last job role and thought I was on the edge of a nervous breakdown given the pressures that came with the role and the high expectations of extremely high productivity, switched job roles again into a really nice job role that was on temporary promotion last year and I thought I had a handle on it, but I feel it start to creep back in especially in the last few month. Feedback from my line managers is that I am doing well at my job and there are no concerns.
However, underneath my confident exterior I am an absolute mess who second guesses everything he does and tries to guess what other managers will say/comment on my work several steps ahead.....
It's draining and not a nice place to be.........
Lots of people have it. I certainly did (I'm retired now).
I've always doubted I'm any good at my job, yet I've never had anything but praise from managers and peers.
My biggest fear was someone I saw as good at their job asking my advice. I would think I was going to show my self up, but would be relieved that they only asked about something "easy".
Personally I think it's good to question your abilities. The truth is you're probably far better at your job than you think, and most people have the same insecurities.
I've always doubted I'm any good at my job, yet I've never had anything but praise from managers and peers.
My biggest fear was someone I saw as good at their job asking my advice. I would think I was going to show my self up, but would be relieved that they only asked about something "easy".
Personally I think it's good to question your abilities. The truth is you're probably far better at your job than you think, and most people have the same insecurities.
Sometimes it's about reframing the issue - look at how you good you are, how you often make the right decisions, how your checking of your knowledge proves you were correct. Look at your strengths and weaknesses - which weaknesses do you need to improve on? Which can you leave as they are?
And sometimes you need to look deeper - why do you really have this imposter syndrome? What really comes up when you reflect on this?
)
And sometimes you need to look deeper - why do you really have this imposter syndrome? What really comes up when you reflect on this?
ChocolateFrog said:
Had it a bit in Afghanistan.
s
t got real quick when you realise 30 odd blokes rely on you to make the right decisions literally with their lives.
Element of surrealism comparing the day you filled the application out to the day you do RSOI in Bastion.
Thank you for serving. (Assuming you mean you are in the British Army and not Taliban. s
t got real quick when you realise 30 odd blokes rely on you to make the right decisions literally with their lives. Element of surrealism comparing the day you filled the application out to the day you do RSOI in Bastion.
)Dylano said:
I struggle to see how "Imposter Syndrome" is any different to just generally having low self esteem or lacking in self confidence or suffering with a degree of anxiety?
But I suppose every psychological condition has to have it's own trendy and specific niche label these days.
But I suppose every psychological condition has to have it's own trendy and specific niche label these days.
MitchT said:
Dylano said:
I struggle to see how "Imposter Syndrome" is any different to just generally having low self esteem or lacking in self confidence or suffering with a degree of anxiety?
But I suppose every psychological condition has to have it's own trendy and specific niche label these days.
I suspect you don't have this syndrome.......I'm in the same club, after it was pointed out to me quite bluntlyBut I suppose every psychological condition has to have it's own trendy and specific niche label these days.
.gangzoom said:
I suspect you don't have this syndrome.......I'm in the same club, after it was pointed out to me quite bluntly.
Believe me you'd have to go a long way to find someone who is more introspective, self analytical and generally lacking in confidence in one's own ability than me... I just don't understand why "Imposter Syndrome" is a psychological condition in its own right..Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff