Minimizing Yourself: The Subtle Side of Imposter Syndrome
If you asked me a few years ago about my achievements, I would probably smile, wave my hand, and say: “Oh, this is nothing.”
A finished project. A kind message from a colleague. A role I worked hard for.
Nothing worth mentioning, right?
Only later did I realize: this, too, is imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome isn’t always loud or dramatic. It doesn’t always sound like “I’m not good enough.”
Sometimes, it’s much quieter.
It’s minimizing your wins.
It’s brushing off compliments.
It’s moving on to the next thing without ever pausing to acknowledge what you’ve already done.
In simple terms, imposter syndrome is the feeling that your success doesn’t quite belong to you — that it’s due to luck, timing, or “someone else helping,” rather than your own skills and effort. And the irony? It often shows up in people who are deeply capable and highly committed.
For me, it showed up as constant downplaying. If something went well, I’d tell myself it was easy, obvious, or not a big deal. If someone praised my work, I felt slightly uncomfortable — as if accepting it would somehow be too much.
Where I Learned That Acknowledging Isn’t Bragging
The turning point came when I started becoming more aware of this pattern. And one thing that helped me tremendously was the #IAmRemarkable movement. It gently challenged a belief I didn’t even know I had: that acknowledging my achievements equals bragging.
It doesn’t.
It equals honesty and reality.
If you’re curious to explore this further, I highly recommend visiting their official site. It’s a global initiative that empowers people — especially those who tend to minimize themselves — to speak openly about their achievements without guilt or apology.
Through workshops and a supportive community, I learned that self-recognition isn’t about ego. It’s about visibility, fairness, and self-respect.
Gentle Practices for Letting Your Wins Count
Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear overnight. For me, it softened through small, repeatable practices — nothing dramatic, just consistent reminders to see myself more clearly.
Here are a few that helped me most:
- Notice your language: Pay attention to how often you say “it was nothing,” “anyone could have done this,” or “it wasn’t a big deal.” What if, just once, you paused and replaced it with: “This mattered.”
- Pause before moving on: We’re often so focused on the next task that we skip acknowledgment altogether. Even 30 seconds — a breath, a thought, a note — can change how a success lands in your body.
- Accept compliments without explaining them away: No justification. No deflection. A simple “thank you” is enough — and surprisingly powerful.
- Write your achievements down (for yourself): Not for your CV. Not for LinkedIn. For the days when doubt creeps in and your memory suddenly gets selective.
- Use your performance reviews as evidence: This is my personal anchor. When my inner voice gets loud, I go back to written feedback — facts, not feelings. It helps me remember how my work actually lands with others.
Remember: confidence is a practice, not a personality trait. You don’t have to feel confident to act confident. You practice it — quietly, imperfectly, over time.
If you’ve ever felt like your success doesn’t quite count, I want you to know: you’re not alone. And you’re not behind. Learning to see yourself clearly — without shrinking, without apologizing — takes time.
So the next time you catch yourself saying “Oh, this is nothing,” maybe pause and try a different sentence:
“This mattered. I did this. And I’m allowed to be proud.”
You are, indeed, remarkable.
A “Try This in Your Next Review Cycle” Mini Ritual
A short ritual tied to performance reviews – An example:
Before submitting or reading a review, write down:
- 3 things you handled well
- 1 moment of courage
- 1 thing you learned
Why it works:
Practical but reflective Anchored in real life Not fluffy
Your Mini Affirmation – If no one has told you this lately
I am allowed to acknowledge my achievements — even if they came easily, even if others did something similar, even if I am already moving on.