Do you ever feel like you can never measure up? That no matter what you do and achieve, it’s never enough? Like you’re pretending to be someone you’re not? If so, you may be experiencing impostor syndrome. Imposter syndrome is a feeling of self-doubt and insecurity that can hold people back from achieving their goals. It’s something that many people experience at some point in their lives, but it can be overcome. In this blog post, we will discuss what impostor syndrome is, the symptoms, and how to overcome it. Read on
Table of Contents
What is impostor syndrome?
Impostor syndrome is a feeling of self-doubt and insecurity that can hold people back from achieving their goals. It’s something that many people experience at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:
- Childhood trauma
- Socioeconomic factors
- Experiencing life as “the only” identity in a sea of homogeny
- Any major life transition, whether chosen or otherwise
- And many, many more
Symptoms
You might be asking whether you are suffering from this phenomenon. Not to worry, we’re here to provide clues. People who experience impostor syndrome often have the following symptoms:
- Self-doubt
- Insecurity
- Feelings of inadequacy
- Fear of failure
- The belief that you are a fraud or an impostor
- Feeling like you’re not good enough or that you’re pretending to be someone you’re not
- The constant worry that you will be exposed as a fraud
What is the history of This Phenomenon?
The term “impostor syndrome” was first coined in 1978 by clinical psychologists Dr. Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes. They conducted a study on high-achieving women and found that many of them experienced feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. These women believed that they were only successful because they had been lucky or because they had fooled others into thinking they were smart. Despite their education, experience, actual skills, and talents, they believed that they didn’t deserve what they had accomplished.
A special note about what we call impostor syndrome
Is impostor syndrome “real”? Is it an actual syndrome? The answer to this is a little complicated. Some experts say that impostor syndrome is not an official condition, while others argue that it should be classified as an anxiety disorder. Some would even argue that what we call impostor syndrome is really just a reaction to the various societal oppressions. The thing to remember is that impostor syndrome is a real experience for many people. And regardless of whether or not it is an “official” condition, the feelings and symptoms associated with it are very real. However you want to classify it, one thing is for sure: impostor syndrome can have a destructive impact on your life and prevent you from achieving your goals.
How to Get Better
Now that you know a little more about what impostor syndrome is and the symptoms, it’s time to learn how to overcome it! Here are some tips:
- Acknowledge and accept your feelings of self-doubt. Don’t try to bury them or ignore them. Ignoring them will make them persist.
- Acknowledge any feelings of shame for not being as confident as you would like to be. You’re a human being and you had to start somewhere on your journey.
- Challenge your thoughts. When you start to feel self-doubt creeping in, ask yourself whether those thoughts are really true. Think about the different occasions that show evidence of your greatness.
- Create a support system. Surround yourself with people who will build you up and make you feel good. Don’t be afraid to get away from anyone who is toxic.
- Take action! Don’t let your fears hold you back from achieving your goals.
- Talk to someone about your feelings, whether it’s a friend, family member, therapist, or coach. Luckily, we at Confidence Boost Academy are available any time you need us.
What do you think about impostor syndrome? If you’ve experienced it, what tips do you have to share? Let us know in the comments below!