Tom Hanks, Tina Fey, Emma Watson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, Maya Angelou and Lady Gaga — what do these immensely talented individuals have in common? Despite their remarkable achievements, they have all openly acknowledged facing impostor syndrome.

Impostor syndrome is a deeply rooted psychological phenomenon characterized by pervasive self-doubt and an overwhelming sense of inadequacy, despite clear evidence of one’s capabilities and accomplishments. Individuals grappling with impostor syndrome often feel like frauds, attributing their successes to luck, external factors or the belief that they’ve deceived others into thinking they are more competent than they truly are. This internal struggle can lead to a constant fear of being “exposed” as unqualified, fueling anxiety, stress and, in some cases, depression. It creates a cycle where individuals become paralyzed by their perceived shortcomings, leading them to shy away from new challenges or opportunities for fear of failure, further reinforcing their feelings of inadequacy.

If you’ve experienced impostor syndrome, you are not alone. Research suggests that up to 70% of people will experience these feelings at some point in their lives. Personally, I grapple with impostor syndrome daily. With over 15 professional designations and a master’s degree in adult education, my mind sometimes convinces me that my accomplishments are merely the result of being a “good test taker” rather than proof of my capabilities. This self-doubt leads me to overthink and worry about meeting expectations. But when I step back, I remind myself that these achievements are real — I earned them through dedication, time and effort, and they are worthy of pride.

Impostor Syndrome and Training Professionals

Impostor syndrome is particularly prevalent among training professionals, who often face immense pressure to be subject matter experts (SMEs) in their fields. This expectation, coupled with the close scrutiny from learners and employers, creates a high-stakes environment where trainers feel they must constantly prove their competence. In striving to be exemplary educators while fulfilling their roles as effective employees, trainers often engage in rigorous self-reflection and evaluation of their performance. While this process is essential for growth, it can also heighten feelings of inadequacy, as trainers may question their expertise and worry about not meeting the expectations of others. This relentless self-assessment can lead to a cycle of self-doubt, where even small setbacks or challenges amplify feelings of being a fraud despite their qualifications and achievements.

For trainers, impostor syndrome can hinder confidence and impact work performance. Recently, my office held a series of one-hour educational classes on advanced topics. I had developed many of these sessions but felt that a guest speaker might be more qualified to present one specific topic. When I mentioned this to my supervisor, he reminded me why he hired me, saying, “There’s no one better to teach this topic than you.” His words affirmed my role and expertise, and I wrote them down to keep as a reminder.

Beyond affecting work performance, impostor syndrome can significantly hinder career growth for training professionals. Self-doubt often manifests as a reluctance to seek out new opportunities, such as applying for promotions or pursuing leadership roles.  Additionally, the fear of being “found out” can stifle creativity and innovation, as trainers may shy away from taking risks in their teaching methods or curriculum design.

Combating Impostor Syndrome as Trainers

For trainers, addressing impostor syndrome starts with open acknowledgment. Discussing these feelings openly with trusted peers, mentors or supervisors can normalize the experience and break down its isolating effects. By sharing their struggles, trainers can build a culture of mutual support and empathy within their teams, where self-doubt is understood as a common, surmountable challenge rather than a personal shortcoming.

Supervisors play a crucial role as well, creating a safe environment for discussions and showing understanding of the pressures trainers face. When trainers feel supported and encouraged by leadership, they are more likely to feel empowered to address their self-doubt head on.

Here are a few strategies that trainers can adopt to overcome impostor syndrome:

1. Celebrate Achievements

Celebrating achievements is an essential practice for combating impostor syndrome, as it serves as a tangible reminder of the value trainers bring to their work. Recognizing accomplishments helps counterbalance self-doubt by shifting focus from perceived shortcomings to real, meaningful contributions. This practice builds confidence and reinforces a sense of purpose, reminding trainers that their efforts truly make a difference.

One effective way to celebrate achievements is by creating a dedicated “success folder” or “praise file.” This can be a physical or digital collection of positive feedback, such as thank-you notes, emails, evaluations or certificates from learners, colleagues and supervisors. For example, I keep a folder filled with thank-you notes and emails from former students. On days when I’m feeling like an impostor, revisiting these messages helps me remember the positive impact I’ve had and reinforces my commitment to the profession.

2. Maintain a Growth Mindset

Trainers should remain aware of industry trends and strive to enhance their subject matter expertise. Embracing a growth mindset means focusing on continual learning and improvement rather than perfection. Maintaining a growth mindset means acknowledging that everyone, even experts, are on a learning journey. Trainers who practice this perspective remind themselves regularly that learning is a lifelong endeavor and that each experience contributes to their development. This reduces the pressure to have all the answers and opens the door to collaborative learning with students, turning each training session into a two-way exchange of ideas and insights.

3. Seek Constructive Feedback

Seeking constructive feedback is a powerful way to maintain a balanced perspective and combat impostor syndrome. Feedback offers an external, objective view of our performance, helping us recognize both strengths and areas for improvement.

Constructive feedback is particularly valuable because it emphasizes specific, actionable points for growth rather than vague affirmations or criticisms. For instance, one of my supervisors is aware of my struggle with impostor syndrome and regularly provides honest, balanced feedback on my training sessions. Rather than simply saying, “Good job,” or offering overly critical remarks, they highlight concrete strengths and potential areas for growth. This feedback gives me a more accurate understanding of my capabilities, helping me focus on improvement rather than perfection.

For trainers experiencing impostor syndrome, establishing a feedback loop with a trusted supervisor or mentor can be especially beneficial. Regular check-ins, where strengths and progress are acknowledged alongside developmental areas, reinforce confidence and growth.

4. Engage in Professional Development

Continuous professional development is essential for building confidence and combating impostor syndrome. By actively pursuing new knowledge, skills and certifications, trainers reinforce their expertise, affirming their role as knowledgeable professionals. This ongoing commitment to growth also ensures they remain current and relevant in a fast-evolving industry, fostering both competence and confidence. Professional development can take many forms, from formal certifications and degree programs to attending conferences, webinars and workshops.

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Managing impostor syndrome requires self-compassion — an approach that recognizes our imperfections and treats them with understanding, rather than harsh self-criticism. Self-compassion provides a buffer against the self-doubt and negative self-talk that often accompany impostor syndrome, allowing trainers to approach themselves with kindness and encouragement. Rather than viewing mistakes as personal failings, self-compassion helps trainers see them as natural parts of the learning journey.

One powerful tool for cultivating self-compassion is journaling. By taking a few minutes each day to write down thoughts and feelings, trainers can become more aware of and process the emotions that contribute to impostor syndrome. Journaling provides a safe, judgment-free space to express anxieties, work through negative thoughts and explore ways to reframe those thoughts in a positive light. For instance, after a challenging training session, a trainer might journal about what went well, what could be improved and what they can take forward as a learning experience. This practice reinforces a balanced perspective, making it easier to acknowledge both strengths and areas for growth.

Another technique many trainers find helpful is using self-affirmations. Positive affirmations — short, encouraging statements that reinforce self-worth — can be an effective way to counter negative thoughts. Reciting affirmations such as “I am skilled and capable,” “My contributions are valuable” or “I am worthy of my accomplishments” can help trainers replace self-doubt with confidence and positivity. For example, when I was preparing to speak at a conference, a colleague sent me “Snoop Dogg’s Daily Affirmations.” Although these affirmations were designed for children, listening to them made me smile and bolstered my confidence, reminding me that even simple, lighthearted messages can shift our mindset positively.

Final Thoughts

Impostor syndrome may cast doubt on our achievements but it can’t take away the hard work and dedication that brought us here. For trainers, this journey is about more than just expertise — it’s about a commitment to learning, growth and the positive impact we have on others. You are not alone in this struggle; many trainers share these feelings of self-doubt, even those who appear confident and accomplished.

Embracing our achievements, learning from feedback and practicing self-compassion are powerful tools to break through the cycle of doubt and reaffirm our purpose. The next time impostor syndrome creeps in, remember that countless others are navigating the same path. You’ve earned your place in this field, and your journey is a testament to your strength and resilience. Let that be your foundation as you continue to make a difference in the lives of those you train.