What is Imposter Syndrome?
veryone feels like an imposter at some point in their life – the sense of insecurity that you don’t belong or that you are not good enough. But what is Imposter Syndrome?
The term “impostor” was first introduced by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978. They described the phenomenon as “a pattern of self-doubt that involves feelings of intellectual phoniness, fraudulence, inferiority, or inadequacy despite evidence of intelligence and competence”.
It refers to people who are unable to internalise their accomplishments, take credit for their work and who always feel that they are not good enough. It is a state of mind that can lead to low self-confidence and withdrawal from social interactions.
People with Impostor Syndrome often:
Fail to take credit for their work and accomplishments
Doubt themselves and their abilities
Believe they are not intelligent enough or good enough in comparison to others.
Experience high levels of shame, anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.
Surprisingly, Impostor Syndrome is often associated with high achievers who have an innate fear of being exposed as a fraud. It is more common in women than men, but it can affect anyone regardless of gender or age.
Identifying Imposter Syndrome in Yourself
It can be hard to identify Imposter Syndrome in yourself, but there are some signs that you may be suffering from it:
You feel like you can’t do anything right or that you’re not good enough.
You have a sense of dread and fear before you do something important or speak in front of someone.
You have an intense feeling of inferiority or insecurity when faced with certain situations.
You refuse to take credit for your work, even when it’s deserved, because you feel like it was just luck.
The effects of Imposter Syndrome on Working Professionals
Imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon among professionals who feel they are not qualified for the position that they have been given. It is especially common in people who are new to their profession or those who are in professions where they are not experts.
Imposter syndrome can cause individuals to feel anxious, depressed, or even suicidal. They fear that others will find out about their inadequacies and will reject them. There are many ways in which this could affect one’s work life and day-to-day activities. For example, it could lead to procrastination, lack of motivation, or decreased performance in one’s job duties.
Tips to Combat Imposter Syndrome
To combat Imposter Syndrome successfully it is important to remember that you have unique skills and talents that can be used in many ways. It’s not about achieving perfection, but rather doing your best and being proud of the work you have completed.
Here are 12 tips to help you combat Imposter Syndrome:
- Accept that you are not perfect and that you don’t need to be perfect.
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses
- Learn from your mistakes so that they don’t happen again in the future.
- Recognize your accomplishments and celebrate them with yourself and with others.
- Seek out mentors who will help you grow professionally and emotionally.
- Recognize the feeling of being an imposter as a common fear of success
- Identify what triggers the feeling of being an imposter
- Challenge your negative thoughts by making them more realistic
- Be open to feedback, and take time to process the feedback you receive
- Try to find meaning in your work
- Set goals and track progress
- Use affirmations and practice gratitude
Final thoughts
It is not uncommon for people to feel like they are frauds or that they don’t deserve their success, but those who have Imposter Syndrome experience these feelings much more intensely than others. Imposter Syndrome can be very debilitating for those who have it, but it can be managed through self-awareness and by taking time for yourself outside of work or school.
To beat Imposter Syndrome, it is necessary to change your mind set about your own abilities. Changing the way, you think about yourself will affect how you feel about yourself, which will affect how you behave, which will affect the results you achieve in the long run. It is important for anyone who has Imposter syndrome to remember that they have achieved something and that it wasn’t luck that led them there.
Our executive coaching services can help you to increase your self-awareness and build confidence, contact us to move forward.
Author Bio
Deborah Knight is the founder of Xsead Lead with a background in organisational and individual leadership and executive coaching.
As a coach, Deborah aims to create an inclusive and respectful space where individuals and organisations can do the work necessary for growth and change. She is also passionate about helping women be valued for themselves while also contributing and being successful.
Apart from her company which she is deeply passionate about, Deborah also loves bushwalking, reading, travelling, and learning new things.
For any coaching or organisational support enquiries Deborah can be contacted via email: info@xseedlead.com.au or via her company website which is www.xseedlead.com.au.
