My clients are like you. High-achieving women in high-pressure careers that demand a lot from them. They’re doctors, lawyers, and women in tech or academia. And despite their outward success, self-doubt is always there. Many high-achieving women doubt themselves and these feelings can silently fuel anxiety and lead to burnout. So the question is, why do capable, successful women feel like frauds despite their success?

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is common among many high-achievers, but what is it really? Imposter syndrome refers to the experience of high-achieving folks feeling like their success is not due to their own abilities but to external factors like luck. Women who experience imposter syndrome may fear that others will find out that they are not as smart or capable as they think. They usually feel like others are more capable and keep their feelings of self-doubt to themselves, silently struggling.

It’s important to note that imposter syndrome is NOT a personal flaw. And it is not an accurate reflection of your abilities. Imposter syndrome and feelings of self-doubt is a response to high-pressure, perfectionism, and systemic expectations.

Why Imposter Syndrome Shows Up in Women in High-Pressure Careers

For many women in high-pressure careers, there are several reasons why imposter syndrome may pop up.

· Perfectionism and high standards: In high-pressure careers, there can be a constant need to perform at 110%. These unrealistic standards are not sustainable and when my high-achieving clients “fail” to meet these high standards, it’s easy to turn that inward and question if we are doing enough.

· Comparison: It’s common for high-achievers to compare themselves to others in an effort to assess if they are doing enough. Comparison can also be reinforced in corporate culture and high-performing careers, where you are regularly compared to others.

· Lack of representation: For women in high-pressure careers or working in male-dominated fields like tech and law, the lack of representation can make women feel alone, unseen, and work twice as hard for half the recognition that their male counterparts receive.

· External validation: Many high-achievers secretly want external validation. They unconsciously (or consciously) tie their self-worth to praise, promotions, or their productivity. It’s important to mention, too, that many women in high-pressure careers are often rewarded for overworking, which reinforces the cycle.

How Imposter Syndrome Impacts High-Achieving Women

What I have found with many of my high-achieving clients is that they usually suffer in silence with their imposter syndrome and self-doubt. They feel that others are more capable and smarter than they are and they work really hard (hello, overfunctioning) so that others don’t know what they are really feeling and struggling with. Below are a few ways how imposter syndrome impacts high-achieving women in Texas.

· Emotional exhaustion: anxiety, self-doubt, and overthinking every decision can lead you to feel emotionally exhausted

· Behavioral patterns: over-preparing, avoiding risks, not speaking up, and people-pleasing are all behaviors that can put you on the fast track to burnout

· Career stagnation: imposter syndrome, and doubting your abilities, can lead you to staying in your current position, as it feels “safe”

· Physical and relational consequences: difficulty resting without guilt, irritability, and disconnection in your personal relations are all ways imposter syndrome can impact you

Final Thoughts

Self-doubt and imposter syndrome is so common among many women in high-pressure careers. Just because you feel like a imposter or a fraud does not mean that you are one. Remember that imposter syndrome is a normal response to high-pressure environments, perfectionism, and systemic issues. But just because it is common, doesn’t mean you have to suffer alone or silently. So let go of the internal self-judgment and remember the confidence grows from experience and self-compassion.

Let Go of Self-Doubt for Therapy for Imposter Syndrome in Austin and throughout the state of TX!

If imposter feelings are keeping you anxious, overworked, or stuck, therapy can help you reconnect with your worth and step into your success with confidence. If you are a woman in a high-pressure career that struggles with imposter syndrome and self-doubt, I would love to hear from you.

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Other Services Offered by Dr. Molly Moore of Moore Psychotherapy, PLLC

Are you a high-achieving woman who struggles with anxiety, impostor syndrome, and burnout? I’m Dr. Molly Moore, a licensed psychologist in Austin, TX who specializes in working with high-achieving women just like you. In addition to helping clients ditch anxiety with Therapy for Anxiety, I also help women overcome self-doubt and feeling like a fraud with Therapy for Imposter Syndrome. Therapy for Burnout is for women who are exhausted—emotionally and physically—to find relief and be productive without sacrificing their needs. In my practice, I provide Online Therapy in Texas. To learn more about me and the work I do, check out my About Me page and my blog.

Imposter Syndrome in Women in High-Pressure Careers