Why do I doubt my abilities? Why do I feel like a fraud?
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome (also known as impostor phenomenon, impostor experience, or fraud syndrome) is a psychological pattern in which people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud.” It is usually marked by an individual’s internal thoughts that he or she is not good enough or has fooled others into thinking he or she is more competent than he or she really is. Imposter syndrome may be especially prevalent among high-achieving women.
Symptoms of Imposter Syndrome
- Self-doubt
- Anxiety
- Fear of being exposed as a fraud
- Perfectionism
- Depression
These symptoms can lead to problems such as difficulty sleeping, eating disorders, and low self-esteem.
IS can be especially damaging to people’s careers, as it can lead to them underperforming or avoiding challenges altogether. Fortunately, there are steps that people can take to manage their IS symptoms and improve their lives.
Coping with Imposter Syndrome
One approach is to develop a better understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses. This can be done through self-reflection or by seeking feedback from trusted friends or colleagues. Once you know your strengths, you can play to them and give yourself permission to not be good at everything. In addition, it is important to accept compliments and give yourself credit for your achievements.
Another strategy is to practice self-compassion. When you feel like an imposter, it’s easy to beat yourself up, but this only leads to feeling worse about yourself and exacerbating the imposter syndrome.
Coping with imposter syndrome can be difficult. It is important to understand and accept your feelings of self-doubt. You can also try to focus on your accomplishments, rather than your failures. It can also be helpful to talk to others about your experiences with imposter syndrome. This can help you feel less alone and more understood.
Acknowledge that the feelings you’re experiencing are normal for someone with Imposter Syndrome.
Give yourself permission to be imperfect.
