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Do you ever have thoughts like ‘I’m a fake,’ ‘I don’t deserve this,’ ‘I’m not smart enough to be here,’ ‘I’m not good enough,’ or ‘I’m not as smart as they think?’ Well, you’re not alone! Many people feel this way but when it becomes persistent, it is often described as impostor syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is when someone experiences repeated feelings or thoughts that they are incompetent or not good enough, despite evidence that proves the contrary.
These beliefs often come from someone’s personal history and tend to play out in the workplace, academic settings, and other high-pressure settings. However, if they are not addressed, they prevent the affected individuals from enjoying their successes and living life to its full potential. 
Therefore, this article will look at what imposter syndrome is, its common signs, causes, as well as tips for overcoming feeling like an imposter.
What is Imposter Syndrome? How Does It Come To Be?
The term “imposter phenomenon” was coined by psychologist Dr. Pauline R. Clance in her 1978 paper, co-authored with Suzanne A. Imes, titled “The Impostor Phenomenon in High Achieving Women,” which later became popularly known as “Imposter Syndrome.”
The paper describes “an internal experience of intellectual phoniness.” Although the paper focuses on highly accomplished women who have excelled in their fields, it notes that these women often feel undeserving of their success. However, imposter syndrome is not exclusive to women; it can be experienced by people of all genders.
Who is an Imposter?
Imposters are ambitious, hard-working people who believe they must have fooled anyone who thinks that they are capable or talented. Even when faced with solid evidence of their skills, they remain unwavering in their conviction that they succeeded merely by luck or effort.
The more plentiful their accolades, the more anxious they are that they’ll be found out. And if they fail, they see it as proof that their success was indeed undeserved.
Typically, people with imposter syndrome are intelligent, high achievers, and highly successful in their field. Even if they are held in high esteem by other people and have evidence of their achievements, they still believe they are undeserving.
Instead of recognizing their abilities, capabilities, and efforts, they attribute their achievements to external causes or something transient, for example, luck or the timing of another person’s actions.
Imposter Syndrome can manifest in various ways and here are some typical examples:
- You were given a salary raise or promotion at work but you think you don’t deserve it.
- You feel out of place among your classmates, even when your grades are very high.
- You get anxious when your friends compliment you on your achievements because you think they will soon find out you aren’t worth it.
- You don’t believe you are as good as people made you to be, even when there’s objective evidence that proves otherwise.
Common Signs of Imposter Syndrome
1. Persistent self-doubt: Feeling like a fake even with evidence that says otherwise.
2. Finding it difficult to take credit for your achievements.
3. Praise makes you feel uncomfortable and exacerbates your symptoms.
4. Consistent feelings of not being good enough.
5. Being filled with self-doubt
6. Feeling awkward or uncomfortable if someone praises you for a perceived fear of getting found out
7. Constantly undermining your achievements.
8. Attributing your success to external factors.
9. Focusing on your weaknesses, mistakes, or failures rather than your successes.
10. Being unable to realistically accept your competence and skill
Causes of Imposter Syndrome
1. Personality Type
Individuals with specific personality traits are likely to have imposter syndrome. This personality trait can be:
Perfectionism: Perfectionists are often high-achieving individuals. They tend to set very high and unrealistic standards, making it impossible for them. However, this leads to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
2. Childhood Environment
The environment in which a person grows up can increase the likelihood of imposter syndrome. Your upbringing and family dynamic can play a major role in your imposter syndrome. For example:
- Growing up in a competitive family that values high achievements.
- Having parents who are quick to criticize your achievements makes you feel less.
- Constantly being reminded of not being good enough, especially in a highly competitive family that values high achievements.
- Experiencing intense academic pressure during childhood.
3. Social Pressure
Societal pressures to succeed can contribute to imposter syndrome, especially in new situations.
For example, gaining admission into a demanding field can intensify the pressure to succeed while simultaneously causing doubts about your intellectual abilities, leading to feelings of self-doubt and anxiety.
4. Peer Comparison
Comparing and measuring yourself with your friends or colleagues, especially in a high-achieving environment, can lead to self-doubt.
5. Fear of Failure
Fear of making mistakes or fear of not meeting standards can trigger Imposter Syndrome.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
1. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Everyone has unique abilities. You are where you are because someone recognized your talents and your potential. You don’t have to excel at everything you do because no one can “do it all.”
Even when it seems like someone has everything under control, it may not always be so. So, Instead of allowing others’ success to highlight your flaws, consider exploring ways to develop the abilities that interest you.
2. Recognize and Accept Your Feelings
Imposter Syndrome is common among many individuals. However, accepting your emotions and understanding your thoughts can be very helpful.
3. Set Realistic Goals and Expectations
Self-doubt manifests when goals and expectations are not met. However, goals and expectations can be met by breaking tasks into manageable steps. Also, celebrate the little wins and progress.
4. Celebrate Your Success
Acknowledge and celebrate your success, no matter how little you may feel they are. Also, give yourself some praise for the effort and Success achieved.
5. Practice Mindfulness
Always examine your thought patterns, feelings, and actions. This will allow you to notice when there’s a shift in them.
6. Celebrate Others Success
Learn to recognize and celebrate other’s success without comparing yourself to them.
7. Talk to Someone
Talking to people close to you, such as your family, friends, and trusted colleagues, can ensure they understand your fear and are aware of any situations you may find difficult. It allows them to offer appropriate support.
Conclusion: Choosing Between Self-Worth and Self-Doubt
While imposter syndrome is often unwarranted, it is extremely common—even among the most famous, talented, and successful people.
However, offering yourself kindness and compassion instead of judgment and self-doubt, practicing self-awareness, and setting realistic standards can help you maintain a balanced perspective, motivate healthy self-growth, and foster a strong sense of self-worth.
READ: Anxiety Disorder: All You Need To Know About The Condition
