You’ve just presented a brilliant idea at work.

Everyone is impressed and giving you high-fives.

However, the first thing that comes to YOUR mind is, “Did I just get lucky?”

You think you somehow fooled them into thinking you’re better than you really are.

Have you ever achieved something, only to doubt if you truly deserved it? This self-doubt is called imposter syndrome.

It affects so many people including high-achieving individuals. It makes them doubt their achievements and live in fear of being exposed as inadequate or undeserving. 

By the end of this blog, you will understand what imposter syndrome is, its 5 types and root causes, and how you can regain confidence in your abilities and peace of mind in your professional and personal life.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is when a person feels like they aren’t as capable as others believe them to be. Despite evidence of their achievements and skills, they constantly doubt themselves and fear that others will discover they’re not really that good. 

People with imposter syndrome feel undeserving of success and attribute their achievements to luck or external factors rather than their own abilities. This leads to anxiety, self-doubt, and difficulty in accepting praise or recognition for their hard work.

5 Types of Imposter Syndrome

Here are 5 types of imposter syndrome:

1. The Perfectionist

Perfectionists set excessively high standards for themselves. According to them, anything less than perfection is a failure. 

Root Cause: This mindset often stems from early life experiences where achievements were heavily praised, leading to a fear of not meeting those expectations in adulthood.

2. The Expert

Experts feel the need to know everything before taking on a task. This can stem from a fear of being exposed as incompetent or lacking knowledge. 

Root Cause: It often originates from environments where intelligence and knowledge are highly valued, fostering a belief that any gap in expertise is a weakness.

3. The Soloist

Soloists prefer to work alone because they fear asking for help might reveal their perceived lack of knowledge or skills. They hesitate to collaborate, viewing it as a weakness.

Root Cause: It is rooted in past experiences where asking for assistance was discouraged or seen as a sign of weakness, leading to a self-reliant approach to avoid potential criticism.

4. The Natural Genius

Natural geniuses believe that if they have to work hard at something, they must not be naturally talented. They expect to excel effortlessly and feel inadequate if they have to exert effort.

Root Cause: This belief often originates from early successes being attributed to innate abilities rather than effort. It can lead to a fear of failure when faced with challenges that require perseverance and learning.

5. The Superhuman

Superhumans strive to excel in every aspect of their lives, setting unrealistic expectations for themselves. They feel guilty or anxious when they can’t meet these high standards.

Root Cause: This stems from societal expectations or personal standards that demand flawless performance across multiple roles (e.g., career, family, social life). It often leads to feelings of inadequacy when unable to meet unrealistic goals.

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome?

Here are 5 strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome:

1. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments: Keep a journal of your achievements, no matter how small. Note whenever something goes well—whether it’s acing a project or just nailing a presentation. Remind yourself that you earned those successes through your hard work and skills.
2. Refute Negative Self-Talk: Challenge self-critical thoughts with positive affirmations. Replace “I’m unworthy of this” or “I’m not good enough” with positive affirmations. Tell yourself things like, “I’ve worked hard for this,” or “I am capable of handling this challenge.”
3. Normalize Mistakes and Learning: We all mess up sometimes, and that’s totally okay. See mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. It’s how we improve and get even better at what we do.
4. Seek Support and Feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask for help or feedback from mentors, colleagues, or friends. Sharing your feelings of doubt can help put things in perspective and remind you that everyone faces challenges.
5. Set Realistic Goals: Break big goals down into smaller, achievable ones. And when you reach those milestones, celebrate! It’s all about acknowledging your progress and giving yourself credit for the journey.

You don’t have to go through this alone. As someone who has faced these challenges, I understand what you’re experiencing, and I’m here to help. Join me for a special VIP retreat. Let’s bid goodbye to the imposter syndrome together.

Everything Considered

Imposter syndrome can make you doubt yourself, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Acknowledge your hard work and talents, learn from challenges, and let go of unrealistic expectations. Trust in your abilities and lead a life with confidence. You deserve it!

Ready to reclaim your power and conquer impostor syndrome once and for all? Join the FREE healing circle by Jacqueline Kane—a supportive community where you can seek inspiration, share frustrations, and find the support you need on your journey.