Breakthrough Psychological Solutions

Commanding Confidence: How Military Veterans Navigate Impostor Syndrome with a Dash of Humor

After nearly 20 years working as a psychologist — supporting military personnel as a civilian psychologist, serving in the federal prison system, and running my private practice — I’ve learned one thing: impostor syndrome isn’t exclusive to the corporate world. Even veterans, who marched through boot camp with unyielding precision, can find themselves doubting whether they truly belong in the boardroom.

But here’s a secret from someone who’s seen it all: if you can handle the chaos of military life, you can certainly navigate self-doubt with a bit of humor and some practical tactics. Here are my actionable tips for combating impostor syndrome:

• De-brief Your Doubts: Just as you always debrief after a mission, take time to review your successes. List out achievements — no matter how small — and remind yourself that your experience is your most powerful asset.
• Leverage Your Training: Remember the discipline that got you through rigorous training? Use that same structure to set clear professional goals. Create a plan, measure your progress, and treat constructive feedback like training drills: necessary adjustments that lead to improvement.
• Squad Up: No one wins a battle alone. Connect with fellow veterans or mentors who understand the unique challenges of reintegrating into corporate culture. Sometimes a candid chat over a cup of coffee is all you need to transform self-doubt into determined resolve.
• Humor as Your Secret Weapon: A well-timed joke can defuse even the tensest moments. When impostor syndrome sneaks in, let a little humor remind you that you’ve overcome greater challenges — after all, you’ve managed to thrive in environments where every day is a high-stakes mission.
• Embrace Feedback: Just like in military operations, feedback is invaluable. Whether you’re negotiating a high-stakes deal or leading a team, learning from every encounter makes you a more formidable leader. Develop a mindset where every piece of feedback fuels your growth rather than diminishes your confidence.

I encourage all veterans and professionals who’ve ever questioned their place in a new environment to stand tall, trust in their abilities, and remember: the same grit that propelled you through boot camp now serves you in the boardroom.

For more insights into leadership models, strategies for harnessing feedback, and real-life anecdotes from my diverse career experiences, visit my company blog at Breakthrough Psychological Solutions Blog.

Let’s continue to command our confidence — one decisive step (and a dash of humor) at a time.