Have you ever felt like a fraud despite your accomplishments? If you are convinced that sooner or later people will find out you are not as capable as they think, then most likely you are affected by imposter syndrome. No matter how skilled or successful you are, you can feel like an imposter.
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a persistent belief that one’s success is undeserved. This often attributed success to luck rather than competence. In 1978, psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes found that high-achieving individuals doubted their abilities. Some symptoms are common in imposter syndrome, and they are overworking to compensate for perceived inadequacy, attributing success to external factors, and feeling unworthy of recognition and advancement.
Many faces of imposter syndrome
Dr. Valerie Young, an expert on this topic, identified that imposter syndrome isn’t one-size-fits-all. It can manifest in five different types:
The perfectionist: This type of person sets excessively high standards. When they cannot meet the standard, they feel like failures.
The Superhero: Such a person tends to excel in multiple roles. They fear inadequacy and, hence, overwork.
The Expert: They feel the need to know everything before taking action. They doubt their competence if they lack knowledge.
The Natural Genius: They believe success should come effortlessly. But they struggle while facing challenges.
The Soloist: They hesitate to ask for help. They think that asking for help is a sign of incompetence.
Reasons behind feeling like imposters
Imposter syndrome can be fostered due to various factors. The reasons could be upbringing, workplace environment, social expectations, and personality traits.
Growing up in a highly critical and high-achieving environment can leave a person with imposter syndrome. While growing up in such an environment, someone can feel their achievement is not enough or they are not worthy enough to achieve something good. In competitive industries, people often feel like they don’t belong in that workplace. They feel incompetent in comparison to their coworkers.
In a society, bias always exists. Some groups are underrepresented. They feel like they are not part of society, and they cannot achieve anything.
How to overcome imposter syndrome and own your success
- Recognize It
The first step to conquering imposter syndrome is admitting that you have it. Recognize that these emotions are normal and do not represent your true ability.
- Recast Adverse Thoughts
Examine the validity of self-doubt to combat it. Reframe it as, “I worked hard for this opportunity,” rather than, “I don’t deserve this.”
- Honor Your Victories
Maintain a success notebook in which you record accomplishments, praise, and encouraging remarks. Going over this again can help you feel more valuable.
- Prioritize development above perfection.
Change your perspective to one that values progress rather than perfection. Making mistakes makes you human, not a fraud.
- Discuss It
Talking about imposter syndrome with a friend, mentor, or therapist can help put your thoughts in context and normalize them.
- Quit evaluating yourself against other people.
Workplaces and social media might encourage comparison. Instead of comparing yourself to other people, concentrate on your own journey.
- Take Pride in Your Knowledge
To be competent, you don’t have to know everything. Experience, education, and recognizing your accomplishments are the main sources of confidence.
Imposter syndrome is a psychological barrier rather than an actual reality. In actuality, you are sufficient, worthy, and capable. Being proud of your accomplishments doesn’t imply being conceited; rather, it implies you appreciate yourself. Therefore, keep in mind that you deserve your position and that you belong here the next time doubt starts to creep in.
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Writer
Zabin Tasmin
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE