Imposter Syndrome At Work
(and Why ADHDers Feel It So Deeply)
Imposter Syndrome – that’s the “They are going to find out I’m a fraud” feeling.
Suddenly in the middle of a meeting, or presentation, or even just sitting at your desk – you suddenly feel like you have NO idea what you are doing – and everyone is going to find out!
Nevermind that you are literally the one who fixed the last crisis, or stayed late finishing a project, or came up with an amazing out-of-the-box idea that saved the day.
Yeahhhh that’s Imposter Syndrome – and for ADHD brains – imposter syndrome could feel like a part-time job.
We replay mistakes, downplay wins, exaggerate errors, and assume everyone else is keeping it together better than we are.
Spoiler – they aren’t.
Imposter Syndrome Isn’t A Fact
Feeling like an imposter doesn’t make it so. Struggling with feeling like an imposter isn’t proof that you are a fraud – it’s proof that you CARE. It shows that you have high standards, value integrity, and want to do well. Those are all signs of someone who actually knows what they are doing.
Those of us with ADHD have spent a literal lifetime getting mixed messages from people like, “you could be so successfull if only you applied yourself” That kind of feedback wires your brain to expect criticism even when you are succeeding.
We also tend to forget our wins the second they are done, but hyperfocus on mistakes. We overanalize every piece of feedback, and every criticism feels extra personal. We also tend to feel like our wins or successes don’t always feel earned to us – and we instead credit luck, timing, or someone else’s work.
When you spend years trying to look put together, or focused, or professional, or like an expert….you start believing the act more than the truth – that you are capable, creative, resourcesful, and resilient – even when your process looks different.
Let’s Reframe: You aren’t fooling people, you are functioning differently in a world that wasn’t built for your brain and that takes serious skill.
It’s NOT that you are less capable – it’s that your brain has learned to question your own successes.
Why ADHDers Feel Imposter Syndrome So Deeply
There are many different reasons that ADHD folks, and other neurodivergent brains, may feel this Imposter Syndrom so very deeply. Here are just a few of them.
-
Rejection Sensitivity (RSD): For the reasons mentioned above, that lifetime of negative input, can make even mild feedback feel like proof that you are failing.
-
Working Memory Woes: You literally forget what you’ve accomplished, so it feels like you’ve done “nothing.”
-
Additional Executive Function Challenges: Challenges with time management, prioritization, or organization make you feel “less than” those who appear organized, and are always on time.
- Masking Fatigue: Pretending to be “organized enough” or “normal enough” is exhausting — and it fuels the “I’m faking it” narrative. If you are putting on a mask, it inherently feels like you are being an imposter.
Steps & Tips to Shift the Story
If you are feeling imposter syndrome at work – or anywhere really – here are some steps and tips you can make to shift the story and remind yourself what an amazing person/worker/rock star.
-
Keep A “Proof File” Create a folder, file or notebook filled with good feedback, successful projects, awards, small wins, kind emails, etc. Take it out and review it when your brain starts changing imposter.
-
Practice Evidence-Based Thinking. When you hear the “I’m not good enough” voice, ask: What’s the evidence? ADHD brains love stories – but data helps rewrite them.
-
Say It Out Loud Talk to a mentor, an ADHD Coach (like me), or a trusted friend. Sometimes just saying “I feel like a fraud” out loud makes it much smaller.
- Redefine Competence: Competence isn’t perfection. It’s showing up, adapting, learning as you go – things that ADHDers excel at when supported well.
- Catch The Comparison Trap. You are often comparing your chaos behind the scenes to someone else’s edited highlight reel. That’s not a fair comparison. And you don’t know what’s going on behind their scenes.
Work With Me
If you want some help moving through this imposter syndrome trap – schedule a free consultation with me today.
No obligation! I’d love to help!
Questions? Feel free to send me an email at Kat@AllBelong.com and let’s chat!
Don’t Delay Joy
Kat Sweeney, MCLC