If you frequently feel less competent than your coworkers, you’re not alone. According to studies, some 82 percent of people experience imposter syndrome, which is the fear that you aren’t as intelligent or capable as others and therefore don’t belong in a dynamic, information-dense field like technology.

Feeling “like a phony” who could be exposed at any moment is more common in the STEM and tech fields, where professionals are often surrounded by colleagues who seem to master complex concepts and cutting-edge technology with ease.

These ongoing fears can contribute to less risk-taking, lower salaries, career stagnation and even burnout—but you can avoid these adverse events by shifting your mindset. Here are some signs that you might be suffering from imposter syndrome, along with some ways to combat the feelings and challenges it can create.

Separate Fact from Fiction

Although some people claim that comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy, Brian Jenney, a senior engineering manager for Clorox, doesn’t agree.

Imposter syndrome results from the gap or delta between where you are and where you want to be from a performance and knowledge standpoint, he explained. In light of that, it’s important to understand whether the gap is real or just in your head.

Jenney recommends using a skills audit to assess your capabilities in relation to others and the requirements for your role. If the gap turns out to be real, turn your anxiety into action.

Unless you have a realistic list of things you want to learn and a timeline for learning them, you won’t be able to measure your progress, accept your incremental improvements as proof of your abilities, and replace self-doubt with self-confidence.

Take a Step Back

When you find yourself feeling like your success was undeserved and won't last, or that you don’t have the skills or talent to keep up with your peers, consider the environment and culture, advised Dr. Valerie Young, expert on imposter syndrome and co-founder of Impostor Syndrome Institute.

“Do more contextualizing and less personalizing,” Young said.

The reality is that it’s not about you. Some companies or career fields are known for embracing a culture of criticism or shaming where managers and peers regularly dispense negative feedback. Accepting the drawbacks of the environment and adjusting your standards for success can make it easier to normalize your imposter feelings and take credit for your accomplishments.

Engage in Strategic Learning

Realize that there’s always something new to learn; it’s just the price of admission for a career in tech. Rather than feeling perpetually overwhelmed by the sense that you’ve fallen behind your peers, acquire knowledge and skills with a specific purpose or goal in mind.

“The reality is that you can’t learn everything, and no one does,” Jenney said.

Review surveys or job descriptions to identify and focus on learning skills, tools and technologies that are becoming a staple for your specialty and that people are actually using. If you’re really struggling to learn something new, learn something easier to build up your confidence and return to the more challenging skill later, if it’s still relevant.

Reframe Your Thoughts

To stop feeling like an imposter, stop thinking like one, Young said.

"People who don’t feel like impostors are no more intelligent, capable or competent than anyone else, they just think different thoughts," she added.

Strive to be what Young calls a humble realist in response to failure by hitting the pause button and exploring what is going on inside your head.

This isn’t about giving yourself a pep talk; it’s about reframing your failures and shortcomings as opportunities to learn and grow. How do you do that?

Strive to be a humble realist in response to failure by hitting the pause button and exploring what is going on inside your head. Humble realists think differently. They don’t diminish their successes or attribute them to luck or knowing the right people; they show appreciation for compliments and recognition and give credit to others.

Humble realists also have realistic standards of competence; they have a healthy response to mistakes and constructive “criticism” and keep going in the face of adversity.

Most importantly, they don’t worry about being “found out” or feeling vulnerable because they realize that have no control over what other people think about them.

Realize that no one is judging you and you can’t control what they think anyway. Ultimately, the only person you have control over is yourself.