Are you struggling to accept that you are good enough?
If so, you may be suffering with what is known as ‘imposter syndrome’.
The good news is, there are several things you can do to beat this.
This page will help you to sort fact from fiction.
IMPOSTER SYNDROME: TRUTHS AND MYTHS
Whether you’re a teacher, artist, lawyer, musician, or even a new parent, it can sometimes feel like perhaps you’re faking it more than you’re making it.
The good news is that you aren’t alone. In fact, it is estimated that around 70% of us experience imposter syndrome (IS) at some point in our lives.
Imposter Syndrome is the feeling that your abilities, either professionally or personally, are not as accomplished or capable as how others view them to be. This dilemma can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or income status, and it can be quite difficult to deal with.
An important part of understanding IS is also understanding what it is not. Here are five truths and five myths concerning imposter syndrome, and how to properly identify it when you see it (and when you don’t).
MYTH 1: Imposter Syndrome is a Diagnosable Mental Health Disorder
Although it can be tough to deal with imposter syndrome, it is not officially recognized as a mental health diagnosis, and therefore does not hold the same social weight as other disorders do.
MYTH 2: A lack of confidence means you have it
Doubting yourself while attempting a new job or activity is often a common thing. It’s important to distinguish between feeling like an imposter and feeling like you may have trouble at a task.
MYTH 3: Only Females are affected
At the beginning of the imposter syndrome phenomenon, women were thought to be the only demographic impacted. Today it is a quite common understanding that anyone can be vulnerable to this dilemma.
MYTH 4: It’s a way to keep yourself in check
Giving yourself credit for achieving a milestone or improving your skills are essential intrinsic rewards. If holding onto imposter syndrome tendencies hold you back, it may be time to reassess your situation.
MYTH 5: It cannot be stopped
Imposter syndrome is a curable phenomenon that can be overcome with the right coping mechanisms and mindset. It’s important to keep things in perceptive, even when you feel out of place.
TRUTH 1: It’s been around for a while
The concept of imposter syndrome has been used by mental health professionals and the psychology world for years. Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanna Imes created the term in the 1970s. Since its introduction into the public eye, the criterion for classifying imposter syndrome has been greatly broadened.
It Can Lead to Over-achieving
The vicious cycle of feeling overcompensating as a result of feeling inadequate can lead to false expectations for people who suffer from the syndrome. Over-preparing for straightforward tasks and jobs can create unsustainable methods of working, which is all to avoid feeling like a phony to your coworkers and supervisors.
TRUTH 3: Social Phobia and Imposter Syndrome may be Connected
Do you feel an inability to belong in different social settings and circles? Social anxiety has been known to induce symptoms of imposter syndrome, reinforcing the belief in some who never feel like they fit in.
TRUTH 4: There are Several Types
Whether you’re a perfectionist who needs to be thorough, a superhero who needs to take on everything at once, or a soloist who prefers to take on the work alone, finding out what category you fit in may be crucial to breaking the cycle.
TRUTH 5: There ARE Ways Out of the Void
Understanding who you are, what your motivations are, and what values you hold dear can be a viable way out of the funk that imposter syndrome imposes on people. Knowing yourself can allow you to understand why you do what you do, fading the veil of insecurity.