Everyone seems to be talking about Imposter Syndrome these days, so let’s dive in. I encounter it often—both in the people I coach and in myself. Let me walk you through what it feels like to experience Imposter Syndrome and how those affected tend to think.

When someone experiences Imposter Syndrome, their inner dialogue sounds something like this:

“I feel like an intellectual fraud. No matter what I achieve, I fear others will eventually see through me, exposing me as an imposter. Even after accomplishing something impressive, I’m consumed by the fear that my success is undeserved and that I’ll soon be unmasked. Anxiety takes over my thoughts, and before starting any new project or task, I ask myself, ‘Will success be possible this time?’

“From there, I tend to swing between extremes. I might go into overdrive, obsessing over every single detail in pursuit of perfection. Or I’ll procrastinate until the last possible minute, paralyzed by fear. Eventually, procrastination leads to a panicked, frantic rush to prepare. Even when I manage to succeed, I tell myself it wasn’t due to my abilities—it was luck. Or I succeeded only by working myself to the point of exhaustion, nearly burning out in the process.

“When I look at my peers, they seem to be doing ‘the thing’—whatever the task is—with ease. They appear smarter and more capable than me. I feel like I must work twice as hard just to keep up. I’m lucky I’ve managed to fool everyone into believing I have it all together, but the truth is, I’m just putting in long hours, hoping no one notices that I don’t really know what I’m doing.”

Does this sound familiar?

What is Imposter Syndrome, really?

At its core, Imposter Syndrome is the persistent feeling of being a fraud, doubting the validity of your own accomplishments. It’s a widespread experience that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of background. People with Imposter Syndrome are more prone to depression, anxiety, burnout, and job dissatisfaction.

When you experience Imposter Syndrome, you may avoid taking risks that could advance your career. This is especially common in work environments that emphasize precision and results. Imposter Syndrome leads to self-sabotaging behaviors like procrastination, overpreparation, and risk avoidance—habits that limit both personal and professional growth.

If you’re new in a job, faced with increased responsibilities, or expected to take on greater autonomy, Imposter Syndrome might feel like an unwelcome guest at your table. The anxiety and fear about whether you have the necessary skills or knowledge can weigh heavily, making you question your worth.

For those dealing with Imposter Syndrome, unrealistic expectations on job performance can become the norm. It clouds how you evaluate your work, causing you to dismiss even positive feedback. You might think, “I don’t really deserve this,” or “They’ll figure out I’m not as capable as they think.” This mindset blocks genuine learning and growth because you’re too busy keeping up the façade of competency.

The ADHD-Imposter Syndrome Overlap

ADHD thinkers often face unique challenges in their professional lives, particularly when it comes to meeting their own high standards and self-imposed expectations. We tend to be our own harshest critics. Often, past experiences—especially from childhood—fuel feelings of self-doubt, causing us to view ourselves and others through a negative lens.

In my work with doctoral candidates, I frequently observe a lack of confidence when they step into leadership roles, such as becoming a principal investigator in their research. Many are hesitant to take their seat at the table among other scholars, doubting the value of their work and questioning whether their reasoning is sound. This reflects a deeper issue—a widespread distrust of their own brains and abilities.

ADHD thinkers, in particular, often share this distrust. They struggle with focus, motivation, and procrastination—traits that feed into self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. This is especially challenging for adults with ADHD who are newly diagnosed. They face the additional hurdle of understanding how their diagnosis reshapes their self-perception, leading to the inevitable question: “Now what?”

It’s no surprise, then, that Imposter Syndrome often becomes a constant companion for many ADHD thinkers. The overlap between ADHD traits and the feelings of inadequacy that come with Imposter Syndrome creates a vicious cycle of self-doubt and reluctance to embrace success.

Ending the Cycle: Shifting from Self-Doubt to Growth

But I don’t want to leave this conversation on a gloomy note. Let’s pivot and consider some positive ways to address both Imposter Syndrome and ADHD-related behaviors. When you catch yourself feeling inadequate and full of self-doubt, try this approach:

Ask yourself these three questions, and be gut-honest with your answers:

1. What evidence supports my thinking?
2. What else could this situation mean?
3. How can I turn this situation into an opportunity for learning and growth?

Try it and let me know what happens!