Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Building Confidence as an Instructional Designer
By Justice Jones
Lead Instructional Designer and CEO
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Building Confidence as an Instructional Designer:
Imposter syndrome is a silent disruptor, affecting countless instructional designers—both new and seasoned. It manifests as persistent self-doubt, a fear of being “found out,” or an overwhelming belief that your accomplishments are undeserved. In a field as dynamic and impactful as instructional design, where creativity and technical skills intersect, imposter syndrome can negatively impact both personal well-being and professional growth.
This post explores how imposter syndrome undermines the lives and careers of instructional designers and offers practical strategies for building genuine self-confidence. With intentional action—like working on real projects, connecting with impactful mentors, and deepening your craft through study—you can push past self-doubt and reclaim your confidence.
The Impact of Imposter Syndrome on Instructional Designers
1. Self-Doubt as a Career Blocker
Imposter syndrome fosters insecurity, making instructional designers hesitant to take on new challenges or showcase their work. You might feel unworthy of leading a project or proposing innovative solutions, even when your expertise qualifies you.
Real-Life Example: A designer might shy away from presenting at a conference, fearing their insights are “too basic” compared to peers. This hesitation prevents valuable knowledge-sharing opportunities.
2. The Fear of Feedback
Constructive feedback is essential for growth, yet imposter syndrome can distort it into proof of incompetence. Instead of welcoming opportunities to improve, designers might become defensive or withdraw entirely.
Real-Life Example: A designer avoids sharing early drafts with stakeholders to escape criticism, leading to misaligned deliverables and unnecessary stress.
3. Overworking and Burnout
To “prove” their worth, instructional designers with imposter syndrome often overcommit or overdeliver, going beyond the project scope to mask their perceived inadequacy. This can lead to burnout and diminished quality in their work.
Real-Life Example: Spending hours perfecting a minor visual element while neglecting critical learning objectives in the process.
Building Self-Confidence: The Foundation of Resilience
Strong self-confidence isn’t innate—it’s cultivated through meaningful experiences, mentorship, and the continuous study of your craft. Here are key pillars for building confidence as an instructional designer:
1. Work on Real Projects with Real Impact
Hands-on experience is the most effective way to challenge imposter syndrome. Real-world projects allow you to see the tangible results of your efforts, connecting your work to measurable outcomes.
Start Small: Volunteer for short-term projects or freelance gigs to build a portfolio.
Track Impact: Document how your work improves learner outcomes, increases engagement, or meets business objectives.
2. Find the Right Mentors
A mentor can provide invaluable guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback. Learning from someone who has navigated similar challenges can offer perspective and reduce feelings of isolation.
Seek Mentorship in Communities: Join instructional design groups on LinkedIn or professional organizations like the Association for Talent Development (ATD).
Collaborate with Experts: Work alongside seasoned professionals on projects to gain confidence in your process.
3. Commit to Lifelong Learning
Instructional design is a rapidly evolving field. Staying current with trends and deepening your understanding of design principles will reinforce your confidence in your abilities.
Continuous Education: Attend workshops, conferences, or webinars to enhance your skillset.
Master the Fundamentals: Develop expertise in instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM), eLearning tools (e.g., Articulate, Adobe Captivate), and learning theories.
Practical Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is recognizing it. When you feel self-doubt creeping in, take a moment to name it and understand that it’s a common experience—not a reflection of your actual abilities.
Strategy: Journal about moments when you felt like an imposter. Reflect on whether your fears were based on fact or perception.
2. Recognize Your Negative Self-Talk
Pay attention to the language you use internally. Are you constantly questioning your qualifications or downplaying your successes?
Example: Instead of thinking, “I was lucky to get this job,” reframe it to, “I earned this role through my skills and effort.”
3. Reframe Your Narrative
Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with affirmations. Focus on your growth and accomplishments rather than perceived shortcomings.
Positive Reframe: Replace “I’m not qualified to lead this project” with “I bring a unique perspective that will benefit this project.”
4. Focus on Evidence
Imposter syndrome often ignores reality. Counteract it by keeping a record of your achievements—projects completed, learner feedback, or awards received.
Actionable Tip: Create a “confidence file” with positive testimonials, performance reviews, and successful project outcomes to review when self-doubt strikes.
5. Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself, especially when mistakes happen. Perfection isn’t the goal; growth is.
Mantra: “Mistakes are part of the learning process—they don’t define my worth as a designer.”
6. Seek Support
Talking about imposter syndrome with trusted peers, mentors, or even a therapist can normalize your feelings and provide valuable perspective.
Join a Community: Engage with other instructional designers in forums, meetups, or online communities to exchange stories and strategies.
7. Set Realistic Goals
Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate each accomplishment along the way.
Example: If you’re designing a full eLearning module, focus on completing the storyboard first before worrying about multimedia integration.
8. Learn from Mistakes
Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, treat them as opportunities to improve.
Growth Mindset: Ask, “What can I learn from this experience?” instead of, “Why did I fail?”
9. Share Your Experiences
Talking openly about imposter syndrome not only helps you but also inspires others to overcome their own challenges.
Actionable Tip: Write a LinkedIn post or blog about how you’ve faced and addressed imposter syndrome.
10. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help reduce anxiety and keep you grounded in the present moment.
Quick Exercise: Take five deep breaths and focus on the sensations of breathing when self-doubt starts to rise.
Real-World Application: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Instructional Design
Scenario 1: The Overwhelmed New Designer
A recent instructional design graduate lands their first role but feels inadequate compared to experienced colleagues. They constantly overwork, trying to “prove” themselves.
Solution:
Acknowledge their feelings and journal about their progress.
Seek mentorship to gain guidance and validation.
Focus on their academic achievements as evidence of their capability.
Scenario 2: The Seasoned Designer Facing a New Challenge
A mid-career designer transitions to managing large-scale eLearning projects but doubts their leadership skills.
Solution:
Break the project into manageable phases and celebrate small wins.
Reframe self-doubt with affirmations: “My experience has prepared me for this challenge.”
Seek feedback from their team to reinforce their confidence in leading effectively.
Final Thoughts: Your Journey to Confidence
Imposter syndrome is a common but conquerable challenge for instructional designers. By focusing on real-world projects, building meaningful mentor relationships, and committing to lifelong learning, you can create a foundation of self-confidence that empowers you to thrive.
When self-doubt arises, remind yourself:
Your skills and accomplishments are real.
Mistakes are opportunities, not evidence of inadequacy.
Confidence grows through practice, reflection, and connection.
Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t a one-time event—it’s a continuous process of acknowledging, challenging, and reframing self-doubt. By taking intentional steps to build your confidence, you can enhance your career and inspire others to overcome their own challenges.
Remember, you belong here—and your work has value.
Discussion Assignment: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Join the conversation and participate with the 24/7 Instructional Design community by completing the discussion question and adding your answer in the comment section below:
Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for new and experienced instructional designers, often leading to self-doubt and hesitation to take on new opportunities. Reflect on your own experiences:
How has imposter syndrome impacted your confidence or decisions in your instructional design career?
What strategies have you found effective in overcoming self-doubt and building confidence?
In what ways do you think mentorship, real-world projects, or continuous learning can help designers combat imposter syndrome and grow professionally?
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