Is A 'Sunshine Folder' The Key To My Impostor Syndrome?

Sometimes, we just need a little reminder that we are, in fact, not totally shit at our jobs.

- Words by Jade Biggs

If the thought of your boss asking “can we chat?” immediately sends you into an “omg, I’m getting fired” spiral, then you might have impostor syndrome—the feeling that you’re not worthy of success or not as capable as you really are.

Impostor syndrome sees the doubt you feel over your own abilities overshadow the real, tangible successes you have achieved in work and life. Despite all the evidence proving your fabulousness, your brain simply will not accept it. This can manifest itself in many ways in the workplace—you might avoid speaking up with ideas in a meeting, or talk yourself out of applying for a promotion. As well as being a form of self-sabotage, the stress of covering up this internalised doubt combined with the pressure to just! keep! performing! can lead to burnout. So, what can you do about it?