What is Imposter Syndrome & How to Overcome It

Imposter Syndrome is a psychological pattern in which individuals doubt their achievements and live in constant fear of being exposed as a fraud. The person with imposter syndrome has absolutely no belief in their own skills, despite the evidence to the contrary from an external perspective. 

It affects individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of level and background, hence can be said to be quite a common reason it might affect personal and professional growth. In this article, we'll look at just what imposter syndrome is, what triggers it, and how you can rise above it to reach your truest potential.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome, also known as the imposter phenomenon, was first identified by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in the 1970s. It means a symptom wherein persons feel they aren't as capable as other people believe them to be. 

This feeling of inadequacy, is connected to some fear of being exposed as a "fraud" or "imposter," despite the evidence of clear achievements demonstrating the opposite. People with imposter syndrome tend to explain away their successes on external circumstances, such as luck or timing, rather than on their abilities or hard work.

What Causes Imposter Syndrome?

The causes of imposter syndrome may vary from person to person; however, there are some common factors contributing to this condition, including:

1. Perfectionism: Those people who set extremely high standards for themselves tend to experience imposter syndrome. Failure to achieve unreachable goals may make them feel like a failure, even when they have earned great success.

2. Upbringing: Family dynamics and childhood experiences can easily be major contributing factors in the development of imposter syndrome. For example, a child who is always praised for his or her achievements may develop a feeling that he or she must live up to such standards at all costs for fear of being found wanting.

3. Work Environment: An overly competitive or overly critical work environment can also give rise to imposter syndrome. This constant comparison with others or negative feedback causes individuals to doubt their own skills and abilities.

4. New Challenges: Impostor syndrome is activated on taking on new responsibilities, starting a new job, or going for higher education. Individuals go into uncertainty and pressure that equate to questions of their competency.

Types of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome can take on different forms depending on the kind of personality that someone has and their experiences. The following five are common types:

1. The Perfectionist: Perfectionists set impossibly high standards for themselves and then never measure up to their personal performance expectations. They believe anything less than perfection is a failure, and this very mindset nurtures their feelings of inadequacy.

2. The Superhero: Superheroes drive themselves to work harder than anyone else to prove themselves. Often, they take on many responsibilities and feel obligated to excel in all areas or risk being "found out."

3. The Natural Genius: Individuals who consider themselves natural geniuses may feel like they should never have to try very hard to be successful. When they are challenged or find something difficult, they then feel like impostors because they may feel any type of success should come easily.

4. The Soloist: Soloists think that one mustn't ask for help, as it would make them appear incompetent. They work alone and may often find themselves as impostors if they need any kind of support.

Experts feel that they should have all the knowledge before they undertake an activity. They are also in constant pursuit of acquiring more knowledge and may find themselves impostors because one can never have all kinds of knowledge.

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

The task of overcoming imposter syndrome requires self-awareness, self-compassion, and a will to challenge negative thoughts. Following are the strategies that shall help one in overcoming impostor syndrome and increasing self-confidence:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: The very first way to overcome impostor syndrome is to recognise that one has it. Acknowledge your feelings of self-doubt and understand that these feelings are common, especially when one undergoes any new or challenging situation.

2. Challenge Negative Thoughts: The moment you catch yourself thinking that you are not good enough, or that you don't deserve it, then promptly challenge such thoughts, and invest in some online study courses that will help you overcome such negative thoughts. Remind yourself of your accomplishments and how hard you worked to achieve where you have gotten thus far in your journey. 

3. Accept Imperfection: Nobody is perfect, and mistakes are part of learning and growth. Instead of striving to be perfect, do your best and learn from your experiences.

4. Find Support: Speaking to a close friend, mentor, or therapist may help you process your emotions and beat your loneliness. Sharing what happened to you with someone who understands may gain perspective on what has happened and decrease feelings of isolation.

5. Acknowledgement: Allow yourself to pause and acknowledge your triumphs, however minute. Believe that your victory comes from within yourself- your capabilities, working, and perseverance.

6. Reframe Your Perspective: Instead of looking at your challenges as a sign of deficiency, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Look upon each new experience as an opportunity for learning and developing.

7. Set Realistic Goals: Break down big goals into smaller achievable steps. In setting realistic goals, you would start to believe in yourself more and more as the milestones are achieved.

8. Surround Yourself with Positive Role Models: Take motivation from people around you influenced by positive role models. Learn from others about how they have passed through tough times like yours and how success is really achievable.

9. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, finding guides to meditate, and deep breathing exercises can only help bring one's feet back on the ground, anxiety levels down and of course your mental health in check. It would, in fact, enable one to let go of thoughts of the future and negative self-doubt by being engaged in the present moment.

Imposter syndrome can be so instinctive that it might hold one back from realising its full potential. With the right strategies and support, one will develop the confidence to celebrate successes and move forward in one's personal and professional life.