Confident At Work 171. “I Don’t Deserve to Be Here” - How To Stop Impostor Syndrome Thinking At Work
Jan 19, 2026
A deep dive into the intrusive thought “I don’t deserve to be here” and how it shows up in thinking, body signals, and behaviour. They explore why facts alone do not dislodge that belief and where it often comes from. The conversation covers the hidden protective role of the thought and practical steps to notice belonging and shift self-judgment.
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Undeserving Thought Grows With Seniority
- The thought "I don't deserve to be here" can persist despite clear evidence like promotions or positive feedback.
- Believing it often increases with seniority and responsibility rather than disappearing.
Self-Monitoring And Discounted Praise
- People monitor themselves constantly and dismiss compliments as insincere when they think they don't belong.
- They hyper-focus on minor mistakes believing any slip will reveal them as undeserving.
Behavioural Patterns Of Feeling Undeserving
- Behavioural signs include staying quiet in meetings, over-preparing, procrastinating, or deflecting praise.
- People often avoid visible opportunities like chairing events despite being capable.