Is Imposter Syndrome Driving Your Burnout?

Burnout has become an epidemic problem in workplaces across all industries. In fact I would say that probably most of my clients last week alone said they were feeling burnt out.

If you're one of the countless professionals battling chronic exhaustion and diminished engagement, it's important to examine the roots behind your relentless work habits.

Often, exhausting overwork habits arise from deep-seated self-doubt and fears of inadequacy often described as imposter syndrome. This manifests as feeling like a fraud - that despite your training and track record, you still fear being exposed at any moment as not good enough or smart enough.

This persistent feeling of being an imposter leads high achievers to assume they have to work ever harder and longer to prove themselves. I even saw one post on here suggest this was a good thing…really?

The reality is that these excessive demands only intensify anxiety and emotional depletion over time.

Pushing yourself to unhealthy extremes stops feeling like a choice when imposter syndrome has you convinced you don't deserve rest or contentment until you prove your worth. The internal voice is often along the lines of….

"Taking breaks means you're lazy and incompetent."
"Saying no to extra work means you're not committed enough."
"Setting boundaries signals you can't handle the expectations."

Can you relate to similar fears driving your exhaustive work habits? Know that falling into this pattern of relentless overwork is incredibly common, especially among high performers. But you have the power to disrupt this cycle.

Remind yourself regularly that you are competent, skilled, and deserving of care and contentment right now. Give yourself full permission to step back from frantic overworking.

Scan your schedule and cut unnecessary obligations or meetings wherever possible to open up space for recovery. Do this without guilt or shame - your health and wellbeing must be the top priority.  Keep choosing consistent self-care over unrealistic demands.

You absolutely deserve to take this time to restore yourself. Reclaiming balance and rest now will enable you to show up as your best self long-term, living and leading aligned with your fullest potential.

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