What’s it’s like to feel like an imposter? It goes something like this: when you’ve accomplished a goal or achieved success, your inner voice tells you it was just luck or that you’re underqualified. You may doubt your skills and intelligence, even though you worked hard to get to where you are. If you’ve ever experienced something like this, you’ve likely experienced imposter syndrome.Early research on imposter syndrome showed that some people who have ample evidence of personal accomplishments are still convinced that they do not deserve the success they have. In other words, people’s subjective view of their success does not match with the objective reality of their accomplishments. Crazy, huh?So, the term imposter syndrome came to describe when people doubt their accomplishments and fear that they may be exposed as a fraud or “imposter”. We now know that almost 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome at some point during their lives.Oftentimes, people experiencing imposter syndrome will credit their success to luck, good timing, or connections, and they will dismiss their own hard work and skills in achieving success. Moreover, people with imposter syndrome find it difficult to accept positive feedback or praise from other people, which makes it even harder to break out of the belief that they are an imposter.What Causes Imposter Syndrome?There are a variety of factors that can contribute to the feeling of being an imposter. Here are a few:Major Transitions. Imposter syndrome is especially common among people who are starting something new, such as a new job after graduation or a promotion. These transitions are major life events that may cause people to doubt their abilities. Even those higher in seniority may still doubt their achievements.Societal and Familial Pressures. The researchers who coined the term imposter syndrome found that it can develop among children who are harshly judged by their families as less intelligent than other family members. On the flip side, the researchers also found that imposter syndrome can develop among children with families who perceive their child as highly intelligent and competent. This may be because these children feel pressured to please their families and doubt themselves in situations where their skills are challenged.Stereotypes and Prejudice. All of us have different identities, whether we’re focusing on gender, age, race, or something else. Certain identities are criticized and belittled more than others, and this can lead to imposter syndrome among members of these groups. These stereotypes label individuals from certain groups as less intelligent and competent, which is a narrative that can be internalized as a belief among group members.Mental Illness. Imposter syndrome overlaps with characteristics of mental illnesses. For instance, imposter syndrome has been linked to feelings of self-doubt and commonly co-occurs with anxiety and depression. Further, people who are introverted and more anxious are more likely to experience imposter syndrome. Harsh criticism exacerbates feelings of imposter syndrome.Tips for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome1. Acknowledge your emotions: Try to accept your emotional experiences and remind yourself that feelings are not always an accurate representation of reality. If it helps, reflect on your feelings by writing them down and try to identify why you feel like an imposter.2. Be realistic about your strengths and weaknesses: Although it’s cliche, it’s true that we are all good at something, but no one is good at everything. Understand your skills and reflect on your strengths and weaknesses.3. Take stock of past achievements: We feel like an imposter in a moment of time but looking back at the things you are proud of can help. It’s too easy to forget and move forward to the next challenge, so write down the moments you defeated others.4. Overcome perfectionism: You may have perfectionist habits that you need to slowly break. For example, try taking regular breaks, days off, and use relaxation techniques to calm down your anxiety. Remember that mistakes are a natural and inevitable part of life.​In SumSometimes, there will be a little voice in your head that tries to downplay your accomplishments and makes you doubt yourself. Although that voice may get loud, remember this: You are capable, competent, and worthy.

Almost 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point during their lives. So if you are one of them, you are not alone. We share practical tips on how to address this feeling.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

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Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

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