Do you feel like you don’t belong in a certain place? Or maybe you feel a lack of ability and constantly worry about being found out by those around you? What you are dealing with is imposter syndrome. It’s more common than one would think.
Even after writing eleven books and winning several prestigious awards, Maya Angelou couldn’t shake the feeling that she didn’t deserve her accomplishments. Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg also admitted feeling like an imposter. In her book Lean In, she wrote that when she was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society at Harvard, she didn’t feel like she deserved to be there. Such accomplishments are rare. But the imposter syndrome that comes with them is relatively common.
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is also known as perceived fraudulence. People suffering from the condition feel like they are not good enough to be in the position that they are in and that someone will recognize that and expose them. To counteract imposter syndrome, they might start working harder to prove that they deserve their success. With time, this may lead to anxiety, guilt, and depression.
Types of imposter syndrome
Leading researcher Dr. Valerie Young characterizes five different types of imposters, namely:-
- The perfectionist: The perfectionist aims to achieve perfection in every facet of their life. Small mistakes feel like failures and continuous success feels undeserved.
- The natural genius: The natural genius relies on their ability to master whatever comes their way. They use this talent to get through life. But they are bound to feel embarrassed or ashamed by any stumbling block.
- The soloist: The soloist prides themselves on achieving success independently. Relying on other people fuels feelings of inadequacy and self-loathing.
- The expert: The expert relies on the unmatched knowledge that they gain through vigorous study. If they don’t remember all the details, they can feel like a fraud.
- The superhero: The superhero pushes themselves to the limit. But even that may not feel like enough, in the long run. So, the feelings of inadequacy stay consistent.
Causes of imposter syndrome
Multiple factors combine for a person to develop imposter syndrome. This includes pressure from parents to perform academically and behave well.
Some people are born with certain personalities, such as perfectionistic tendencies, that can cause imposter syndrome. Other causes of the syndrome are existing mental health conditions, low-self esteem, and the pressure of new responsibilities.
How to fight imposter syndrome
Trying to do more will only get you caught in a vicious cycle. Instead, it is better to take action to deal with imposter syndrome.
First, break the silence. The simple act of publicly acknowledging that you suffer from impostor syndrome is a great start to freeing yourself from it. It can help you realize that you are not alone. Maya Angelou, Michelle Obama, and Tom Hanks have all talked about suffering from imposter syndrome. To share your experience with the condition, join my supportive Facebook group and start your healing process.
Next, reconnect with your inner child. The inner child is based on past experiences on our unmet needs and emotional wounds. A lot of us have an inner critical voice from messages that we received when we were children. As an adult, accept what you are feeling and break the feelings of shame. Contact Jacqueline Kane to help you heal your inner child, which will help you overcome imposter syndrome.
Finally, stop chasing perfection. Imposter syndrome often stems from the belief that if you don’t excel in all aspects of your job or personal life, you’ve failed completely. You have to learn to admit that you don’t have to be great at everything to earn your place, recognition, or love.
Conclusion
Remember these are not one-and-done steps, we need to cultivate the whole process so that we can begin to heal.
