Impostor syndrome, a psychological phenomenon that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, despite clear evidence of competence and success. Soloist type impostor syndrome, one of the five subtypes identified by Dr. Valerie Young. It particularly affects those who see themselves as lone wolves or self-made individuals.

Lets explore the five key aspects of soloist type impostor syndrome. In order to help you better understand this often-debilitating condition and provide guidance on how to overcome it.

Soloists struggle with collaboration

Soloist type impostor syndrome often stems from the belief that true success and competence are achieved solely through individual effort. As a result, soloists may struggle with collaboration, either avoiding it altogether or feeling inadequate when they rely on others. They may believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness or incompetence. Which ultimately leads to a heightened sense of isolation and self-doubt.

Perfectionism is a common trait

Perfectionism is a common trait among those with soloist type impostor syndrome. This can manifest as setting unrealistically high standards for oneself.  Or an unwillingness to delegate tasks to others for fear of imperfect results. Perfectionism often leads to procrastination and burnout. Additionally, you may have a constant feeling of inadequacy. As well, some women may feel they are never good enough despite their accomplishments.

Soloists may undermine their achievements

Individuals with soloist type impostor syndrome often downplay or dismiss their achievements.  Attributing their success to luck, timing, or external factors rather than their abilities and hard work. As a result, it can make it difficult for soloists to accept praise or positive feedback, further reinforcing their feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Soloist type impostor syndrome can impact personal relationships

The fear of being found out as a fraud (or an impostor) can make soloists anxious in their personal relationships, fearing that loved ones will discover their perceived inadequacy. This can lead to avoidance of social situations, feelings of isolation, and difficulty forming deep, meaningful connections with others.

Overcoming soloist type impostor syndrome

While soloist type impostor syndrome can be challenging to manage, there are several strategies to help overcome these negative thought patterns:

1. Develop a healthy view of failure

   
   

   Recognize that failure is just a natural part of growth and learning, and that no one is perfect. Embrace the concept of failing forward to build resilience and persistence.

   
   

2. Seek support

   
   

   Connect with others who understand and have experienced impostor syndrome. Sharing experiences and feelings can really help to normalize and validate your emotions. This makes it easier to overcome self-doubt.

   
   

3. Challenge negative beliefs

   
   

   Identify and challenge the negative beliefs that fuel your imposter syndrome. Recognize your accomplishments and strengths, and practice self-compassion. In fact, make a list in journal, notebook, or on your phone. Use the list to challenge your negative thoughts.

   
   

4. Learn to accept help

   
   

   Recognize the value of collaboration and accept that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Practice delegation and collaboration to build trust in your abilities and those of your team members.

   
   

Also read: Are You Sabotaging Your Success?  5 Steps to Stop Your Inner Critic

Significant Obstacles

Soloist type impostor syndrome can be a significant obstacle for many individuals, making it difficult to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements. By understanding the key aspects of this type of impostor syndrome and implementing strategies to overcome it, you can begin to break free from the cycle of self-doubt and embrace your authentic, capable self.

Prepared to make a move?

If you’re ready to overcome the Soloist Type Impostor Syndrome and achieve your full potential, I invite you to take action today. Start by accessing the free online Saboteur Assessment to identify your own saboteurs. I’d love to know which saboteurs you discovered, and I’m here to help you overcome them.

If you’re serious about achieving your goals and overcoming the Soloist Type Impostor Syndrome, I invite you to sign up for a 30-Minute free consultation with me. As a life coach, I specialize in helping professional Black women overcome their self-doubt and achieve their full potential. During our consultation, we’ll discuss your goals, your challenges, and how we can work together to create a plan for success.

Don’t let the Soloist Type Impostor Syndrome hold you back any longer. Take action today and start on the path to achieving your full potential.

Twanna Carter, Ph.D. is a career transition coach who specializes in empowering high achieving professional women to overcome impostor syndrome and self-doubt so that they can confidently transition into new careers. With her expertise and guidance, clients learn to communicate their unique value, honor their true purpose, and boldly pursue their dream careers.

Dr. Carter has helped hundreds of women successfully navigate career transitions, including those who have experienced the Soloist Type Impostor Syndrome. Her clients have gone on to achieve new levels of success and fulfillment, from starting their own businesses to landing dream jobs in their chosen fields.

Whether you are feeling stuck in your current career, unsure of your next steps, or struggling with self-doubt and impostor syndrome, Dr. Carter can help. Her proven approach to career transition coaching can help you gain the clarity, confidence, and empowerment you need to achieve your goals and pursue your dream career.

Here’s more on the soloist type imposter syndrome…

Curated Reads: Essential Books to Add to Your Personal Library 

1. Melaninated Magic: 180 Affirmations to Nurture Your Soul and Unleash Your Black Girl Joy by Twanna Carter, PhD
2. Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity by Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD
3. I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace (Successful Black Business Women), Elizabeth Leiba.
4. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler.
5. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini.
6. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
7. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg.
8. Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.
9. The Memo, by Minda Harts.
10. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, by James Clear
11. Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life, by Jamie Kern Lima
12. 33 Tools to Remake Your Career by Paul Gabriel Dionne

Read my latest blogs…

• 
  They Are Managing You Out. Here’s How to Push Back and Win
  Imagine this: You’ve been a top performer, consistently delivering results, and yet, suddenly, things at work feel off. Your boss becomes distant, opportunities for advancement vanish, and your once-important contributions seem to be overlooked. Subtle changes in tone, a lack of transparency, or exclusion from key meetings start to add up.  And then it hits… Read more: They Are Managing You Out. Here’s How to Push Back and Win
• 
  10 Hidden Barriers Undermining Senior Executive Women (And How to Overcome Them)
  Let’s face it, being a senior executive woman is no walk in the park. Sure, there’s the prestige, the corner office (or at least a very nice Zoom background), and the hefty paycheck. But lurking behind the corporate glam are sneaky barriers that continuously undermine senior executive women in subtle yet powerful ways. These hidden… Read more: 10 Hidden Barriers Undermining Senior Executive Women (And How to Overcome Them)
• 
  How to Recover From Toxic Workplaces as a High-Achieving Black Woman
  Have you ever left a workplace feeling like you’d just survived an episode of a workplace reality TV show, complete with drama, gaslighting, and the occasional narcissistic coworker? If you’re a high-achieving Black woman, you know how toxic workplaces hit differently. They don’t just drain your energy; they can chip away at your confidence and… Read more: How to Recover From Toxic Workplaces as a High-Achieving Black Woman
• 
  Forced Out of a Job? Recognizing the Signs and Reclaiming Your Career
  Ever felt like the walls were closing in at work, even though you were doing everything right? Maybe you’ve been sidelined, excluded, or made to feel like you don’t belong. Being forced out of a job isn’t always as dramatic as a firing.  But it can be a slow, insidious process that leaves you questioning… Read more: Forced Out of a Job? Recognizing the Signs and Reclaiming Your Career
• 
  The Silent Struggle – Recognizing the Signs of Burnout in Women
  The Silent Struggle Burnout is more than just feeling tired or overwhelmed. It’s a sneaky, slow-burning state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that can creep up on anyone, especially women juggling multiple roles at home, work, and beyond. For women, the pressure to “do it all” often amplifies the risk of burnout in women.… Read more: The Silent Struggle – Recognizing the Signs of Burnout in Women
• 
  The Quiet Firing: Spotting the Signs and Reclaiming Your Career  
  Ever felt like you’re being slowly pushed or managed out of a job without being explicitly told? You’re not alone. The modern workplace has given rise to a subtle, yet damaging trend called “quiet firing.” Unlike the dramatic scenes of being handed a pink slip, quiet firing is sneakier and often leaves employees questioning their… Read more: The Quiet Firing: Spotting the Signs and Reclaiming Your Career  
• 
  The Truth About Executive Coaches: Are They Worth the Money?
  In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure work environment, being an executive often feels like walking a tightrope. You’re expected to lead with confidence, navigate complex challenges, and deliver results. All while maintaining your personal well-being. For many executives, the stakes are high, and the support needed to thrive in these roles can feel elusive. That’s where executive… Read more: The Truth About Executive Coaches: Are They Worth the Money?
• 
  The Silent Career Killer: How Imposter Syndrome Shows Up in Leadership
  Even the Most Successful Executives Secretly Struggle with This… Have You Ever Felt Like You Don’t Deserve Your Success? You walk into the boardroom, prepared and confident. At least, that’s how you appear on the outside. Inside, however, a small but persistent voice whispers: “What if they find out I’m not as competent as they… Read more: The Silent Career Killer: How Imposter Syndrome Shows Up in Leadership
• 
  Unlock Your True Leadership Potential: The Secret to Thriving in High-Stakes Roles
  Did you know that 42% of women leaders report burnout, struggling to balance high-pressure careers with personal fulfillment? For Black women in leadership, the challenges are even greater—navigating workplace microaggressions, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to prove themselves in male-dominated spaces. These obstacles can leave even the most accomplished professionals feeling stuck, undervalued, and exhausted.… Read more: Unlock Your True Leadership Potential: The Secret to Thriving in High-Stakes Roles
• 
  The Invisible Leader: Why High-Achievers Often Go Unnoticed
  Have You Ever Felt Invisible at Work? Like an Invisible Leader? You’re the one everyone relies on. You lead teams, solve problems, and drive results. So why does it feel like no one notices? Maybe you’ve been passed over for a promotion despite your stellar performance. Maybe you watch less-experienced colleagues get recognized while your… Read more: The Invisible Leader: Why High-Achievers Often Go Unnoticed