Imposter Syndrome: You’re Not a Fraud, You’re Just Anxious

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So you’ve just made the soccer team, won an award, or got accepted into a selective program. Everyone is praising you for your success, but deep down you feel like a fraud. You tell yourself it wasn’t really your achievement, it was just luck.
Now… you are stuck worrying that someday, everyone else will find out.

The truth? Around 70% of people have felt this way at least once in their life.
And here is the good news. It is not true. You do deserve your success.
It is just self-doubt creeping in.

Meet your unwanted guest: imposter syndrome.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is when people believe they aren’t as capable as others think they are, and they are afraid of being “found out” as a fraud.
In reality, the individual is just as skilled and capable as everyone believes. It is just self-doubt getting in the way.
It usually kicks in after someone has achieved something big or important.

Who Is Most Likely Affected by Imposter Syndrome?

  • People who are highly neurotic (easily upset or prone to anxiety)
  • Perfectionists
  • People with low self-esteem

Basically, anyone who tends to be extra hard on themselves can experience it.

Types of Imposter Syndrome

  • The Perfectionist: Believes that if they are not perfect, they are not good enough.
  • The Expert: Feels like an imposter because they do not know everything about a topic.
  • The Natural Genius: Thinks they are not truly smart if they do not get things right immediately.
  • The Soloist: Doubts their abilities if they needed help to succeed.
  • The Superperson: Believes they must achieve the highest success possible, or else they are a fraud.

Do You Have Imposter Syndrome?

If you answer yes to many of these questions, you might be dealing with imposter syndrome:

  • Do you worry a lot over small mistakes in your work?
  • Do you credit your success to luck or other factors outside yourself?
  • Are you very sensitive to constructive feedback?
  • Do you secretly feel like you will eventually be “found out”?
  • Do you downplay your strengths, even when you know you are more skilled than others?

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

  • Focus on facts, not feelings.
  • Acknowledge your self-doubt, then let it go.
  • Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling.
  • Look for evidence of your skills and success.
  • Reframe your negative thoughts.
  • Find a mentor, someone who can support and guide you.
  • Learn from your peers instead of comparing yourself negatively.

TL;DR

Feeling like a fraud does not mean you are one. You have earned your success. Do not let doubt tell you otherwise.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4