It's totally normal to feel out of place or doubt yourself sometimes. Thoughts that you don't deserve an opportunity or that you aren't capable of something are experiences that most people have. But if you find yourself feeling like this most of the time, or about most experiences in your life, you may be dealing with Imposter Syndrome.
Imposter Syndrome refers to long-lasting or consistent recurrent thoughts of unworthiness that don't match up with facts or others' perceptions. The most notable factor with Imposter Syndrome is a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud.
You may experience these traits if you have Imposter Syndrome:
Having unrealistically high standards
Dreading being "found out" as a fraud
Hiding deficits rather than addressing them
Consistently feeling out of place or unworthy
Dwelling on negative feedback while ignoring praise and achievements
The Consequences?
Missed opportunities
Low self-esteem
Loss of confidence
Depression
Reduced productivity
Burnout
Social isolation
Anxiety
Examples of Imposter Syndrome:
Jonathan just started at his new job. Leadership was impressed by his resume, but Jonathan laments over whether he will be able to live up to their expectations of him. He berates himself over every mistake, whether real or perceived, ignoring anything that he does well. Jonathan is terrified that he'll be exposed as an incompetent fraud.
Val has had several unsatisfying relationships in the past, but finally feels like they have found the right fit. However, they feel overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. Instead of communicating, Val goes out of their way to hide the imperfections. They are terrified their partner will one day find out their flaws and leave them.
The following risk factors tend to increase the chance of Imposter Syndrome:
You experience a toxic or hostile environment
You are the first in your family to take on a specific role
You experienced an achievement-oriented childhood
You have perfectionist tendencies
You have experienced discrimination or bias
You have low self-esteem or self-defeating thoughts
You define success based on a job/role
You have a high need for external validation
The Silver Lining: You're Not Alone!
Imposter Syndrome is common among high-achieving individuals
Women and underrepresented groups are more likely to experience Imposter Syndrome
Around 70% of people have experienced Imposter Syndrome at some point
You can manage Imposter Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome can have a significant impact on your well-being. It can affect your overall self-perception, it can impact your relationships, and impact your work life. The good news is, you can get guidance on how to manage Imposter Syndrome. If you would like to begin counseling services to focus on managing Imposter Syndrome, contact me through the form below.
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