You’ve built a career, hit the milestones most people only dream about, and yet…you still feel like a fraud. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and imposter syndrome create the perfect storm of self-doubt and trying to achieve self-worth by taking on more and more. You think: “I’m just lucky, one day, they’ll realize I don’t belong here.” So, you push yourself to extremes, and eventually, you burn out.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Let’s explore why the price of success in ADHD leaders who spend too much time achieving and not enough time living.
How does ADHD make imposter syndrome worse?
Everyone doubts themselves sometimes. But people with ADHD doubt themselves more. Decades of hearing that you’re 
different, making mistakes, or not living up to your potential impact how you see yourself. By the time you reach adulthood, some adults with ADHD have learnt to cope by seeking approval through accomplishment. However, once approval and accomplishment arrive, you can’t shake the thoughts of being inadequate. As a result, your brain looks for other reasons you’ve been successful: “it was all luck…”
Leaders with ADHD and imposter syndrome can’t help but compare themselves to others. That person makes better choices, this person works harder than me, I’ll never be as respected as that person, etc. The sense of comparison and despair only reinforced imposter syndrome. No amount of achievement makes you feel good enough.
So what do you do instead of enjoying your success? Work yourself into the ground.
How does imposter syndrome show up for leaders?
Here are some common signs of imposter syndrome in ADHD leaders:
- Inability to accept compliments
- Struggles with work/life balance
- High stress/burn out
- Depression and anxiety despite “having it all together on the outside”
- Toxic shame and ADHD looping (ruminating on failures)
- Overthinking decisions
How does imposter syndrome cause burn out?
Burnout is caused when we have physically, emotionally, and psychologically pushed ourselves to extremes. We empty the cup, but we’re so busy overworking that we never refill it. Difficulties regulating the underlying shame and negative self-talk that fuel overcommitting and not enjoying time off impact work performance and exacerbate imposter syndrome.
How can I overcome imposter syndrome if I have ADHD?
Manage perfectionism: To cope with feelings of inadequacy, many adults with ADHD seek perfection. That is why step one to reducing imposter syndrome is dealing with perfectionism. Learn to meditate and practice mindfulness. Being mindful and self-aware of the voices in your mind fueling perfectionism, begin changing your relationship with those thoughts.
Practice the pause: people with ADHD who feel imposter syndrome often impulsively overcommit. You bite off more than you chew before you have a chance to make another choice.
Detach your self-worth from your professional behavior: it’s critical to detach your self-worth from your professional life. Businesses do well some days and not others. Your staff will love you one week and not the next. To start sleeping at night and improving your relationship with work, find other places in life that give you value: your kids, your sense of humor, hobbies, etc.
Can therapy actually help with imposter syndrome?
Yes, this is the best way to manage imposter syndrome that feels unshakable. Often, imposter syndrome has deeper roots, such as childhood issues that instilled low self-worth, depression, social anxiety, and general anxiety. The best way to deal with imposter syndrome is to take the time you need to process emotions, rather than driving yourself to overwork and burn out. Causing you to feel less than.
Overcome ADHD Imposter Syndrome with Adult ADHD Treatment in Columbus, Ohio
Looking for more individualized support? You don’t have to feel like an imposter forever. ADHD-focused therapy can help improve confidence. Our counseling practice in Columbus, Ohio has caring therapists who specialize in ADHD testing and ADHD treatment. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
- Fill out the contact form to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
- Meet with one of our caring therapists.
- Stop feeling like an imposter. Start embracing your accomplishments.
Other ADHD Services Offered at Focused Mind ADHD Counseling
Adult ADHD treatment is not the only service we offer at our Columbus, OH counseling practice. At Focused Mind ADHD Counseling, we offer a variety of mental health services, including ADHD testing. As an adult with ADHD, we know you may also benefit from anxiety treatment for ADHD, couples therapy for ADHD, counseling for men with ADHD, or depression counseling for ADHD. You can also view our blog for more resources and helpful info!
About the author:
Billy Roberts, LISW-S, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist and ADHD expert in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in ADD/ADHD. He has been seen on CNN, Huffpost, and Forbes discussing topics related to ADHD. See Full Bio
