Have you ever felt like you aren’t cut out for your job? Or do you have this nagging feeling that you’re a fraud? Or that you don’t deserve recognition for any of your accomplishments?
If so, you may be a victim of imposter syndrome. And you’re not alone.
Imposter syndrome, or sometimes called imposter phenomenon, was first recognized in a 1985 clinical study by Dr. Pauline Clance, a psychologist. Dr. Clance conducted a study and observed individuals with imposter phenomenon possessed intense feelings that they were undeserving of their accomplishments and incredibly fearful of being exposed as a fraud.
According to the same report by the Behavioral Science Research Institute, it is estimated that over 70 percent of people will encounter the feelings of imposter syndrome at some point in their life. Originally, it was thought that only professional women suffered from imposter syndrome. After further studies, it is widely accepted that everyone is susceptible to imposter syndrome, regardless of gender or profession.
Clearly, imposter syndrome can become incredibly detrimental to your career and personal life. No one likes the feeling of not feeling good enough. But can anything be done about it?
Examples of Imposter Syndrome
Dr. Valerie Young is an expert on Imposter Syndrome. In >her book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite. In her well-researched book, she categories imposter syndrome suffers into five subgroups, as listed below:
- 1. The Perfectionist
- 2. The Natural Genius
- 3. The Expert
- 4. The Superwoman/man
- 5. The Rugged Individualist
To learn more about each particular subgroup, read the summarizations below:
1. The Perfectionist
Many people struggle with perfectionism, so it’s no surprise that it often correlates directly to imposter syndrome.
And it makes sense. Perfectionists set extremely high standards for themselves and for others. They work incredibly hard to reach a goal, but if they fall short, they fall apart. When perfectionst fail to reach their goals, they may turn to self-criticism and doubt.
Even when a perfectionist accomplished their goal, they rarely feel satisfied. Though they always aim to be perfect, they always think there is something they could have done better.
2. The Natural Genius
Do you judge yourself based on your natural abilities versus by how much effort you put in to achieve a goal? Then you might fall into this category.
Natural geniuses are similar to perfectionists in that they hold themselves to an incredibly high self-standard. But natural geniuses feel that if they have to try too hard, they must not be cut out to do the job. If they aren’t able to do it well naturally, they feel like an imposter.
Natural geniuses hate asking others for help, and feel like if they can’t figure it out on their own that they are a failure. They often give up too quickly if a skill doesn’t come naturally to them.
3. The Expert
Experts are people who are fearful that they will be exposed due to their lack of knowledge or experience. For instance, if an “expert” type is looking for a new job, they likely won’t apply unless they meet every single job requirement. Until they know absolutely everything about a subject, they will always feel like an imposter.
They love to seek out new information, and may have a hard time starting a new task until they have learned “everything” there is to know about a subject. Because of this, they often procrastinate because they don’t feel fit to start on a new project or task.
4. The Superwoman/man
Superhumans are the opposite of the natural genius types. They acknowledge that they don’t know everything, but they try to make up for it by working excessively hard. Superhumans often grew up feeling inadequate, so they cover up their insecurities by overloading on work.
Not only do superhumans struggle with imposter syndrome, but it is very likely that they are working their way to a serious burnout.
5. The Rugged Individualist
Rugged individualists hate to enlist the help of others. In fact, they believe they aren’t successful if they need even the slightest help from anyone. Group work is what they usually hate the most, as rugged individualists feel as though they would be more successful on their own.
If you think you may fall into one (or more) of these categories of imposter syndrome, don’t fret. Fortunately, you can overcome imposter syndrome, no matter how badly you suffer. It takes a lot of hard work and introspection, but you can live your life confidently and happily.
Conquering Imposter Syndrome
If you think you may be suffering from imposter syndrome, take note. Here are a few ways to overcome the feeling of failure associated with the imposter phenomenon.
Talk to someone
Sometimes, you just need someone to hear you out. Preferably, talk to someone who knows you well. They will be able to listen, support, encourage, and remind you of your accomplishments. If your imposter syndrome is going out of control, talk to a psychologist or therapist who can help you sort through your emotions.
Mentor someone
For anyone who has a difficult time acknowledging their accomplishments or expertise, mentoring can be incredibly helpful. When you mentor someone, you are able to share your experience and expertise with them. It helps you see how far you have come and how much you have learned.
Focus on your strengths
All of us have certain strengths and weaknesses. For someone suffering from imposter syndrome, you most likely tend to dwell on your weaknesses. Only focusing on your weak areas will leave you always feeling inadequate. Instead, focus on your strengths. Write down areas of strength and spend time becoming even better in those areas. While it’s important to acknowledge your weaknesses, it’s not healthy to focus solely on them.
Remember, no one is perfect
People with imposter syndrome often focus on perfection. The funny thing about this is that perfection doesn’t exist. It’s completely unattainable. Reframe your mindset and learn to slightly lower your standards of yourself and of others.
Related:
Have you heard of imposter syndrome? Do you think you could fit into one of these categories? Is there a time at work that you felt like an imposter?
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Thanks for sharing, Rachel. I suffer from imposter syndrome. I like your idea of mentoring something to help. I’ve also found figuring out the things I know really well and working on the things that I feel I dont know As well.
Thanks, Tia! Just another instance where being a mentor is just as important as having your own mentor. It really is amazing to see just how far you’ve come.
I was totally the perfectionist! I feel as if imposter syndrome is SO common in the blogging world. It took me talking to someone and recognizing my strengths to get over it personally. Sometimes it will start to creep in, but I just take a look at everything I’ve done or what I’m doing and it goes away!
Thanks, Chonce! I also think I fall into the perfectionist category. I’m never really content with anything I’ve accomplished. It’s harmful to my business because I spend a ton of time on things that really don’t matter, simply because I want it to be “perfect.” I’ve found journaling is helpful to see just how far I have come!