Imposter Syndrome?
What Is It, and Do We All Have a Touch of It at Some Point?
Have you ever sat in a meeting, given a presentation, or reached a new level of success, only to feel like you don't quite deserve to be there? Maybe you’ve thought, "I’m not as good as everyone thinks," or worried that you’ll be exposed as a fraud any minute now. If so, welcome to the club — you might be experiencing Imposter Syndrome!!
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome is the term for that sneaky feeling of self-doubt where, despite proof of your abilities and achievements, you still believe you're not good enough, smart enough, or deserving of success. It can affect anyone, from high achievers to people who are just starting out, across all walks of life. Instead of owning our accomplishments, we credit luck, timing, or even trickery, assuming it's only a matter of time before we’re "found out."
But here's the truth — Imposter Syndrome isn’t based on fact. It's a psychological pattern that can hold us back from fully enjoying and owning our successes.
Do We All Experience It?
If you’ve ever felt like you’re faking it until you make it, you’re not alone. Studies suggest that up to 70% of people experience Imposter Syndrome at some point in their lives. It’s not just something that hits beginners; even seasoned professionals, celebrities, and high achievers admit to feeling like imposters. In fact, the more successful you become, the more likely you are to feel it — because as you push your limits and reach new heights, you're constantly navigating uncharted territory.
The irony is, the very people who suffer from Imposter Syndrome tend to be high performers who are skilled and capable. They feel like imposters because they hold themselves to such high standards and fear not living up to them.
Why Do We Feel This Way?
There’s no single reason why Imposter Syndrome strikes, but a few common triggers include:
Perfectionism: Setting impossibly high standards for yourself and feeling like a failure when you don’t meet them.
New Roles or Challenges: Starting a new job, getting promoted, or taking on a new challenge can make you feel like you're out of your depth.
Comparing Yourself to Others: I am the worst for this one! In the age of social media, it’s easy to think everyone else is more talented or successful than you, which only fuels self-doubt.
How to Tackle Imposter Syndrome
Firstly, know you’re not alone in feeling like an imposter, the key is not to let these feelings take over. Here are a few strategies to help you tackle it:
Acknowledge Your Achievements: Keep a record of your wins, both big and small. Looking back at your successes can help combat that internal voice telling you you’re not good enough.
Talk About It: Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can help put things in perspective. Often, just saying it out loud helps you realise how irrational your self-doubt is.
Shift Your Thinking: Instead of focusing on being perfect, focus on learning and growth. No one knows everything, and that’s okay! Embrace the fact that you’re still evolving, and give yourself credit for showing up.
Celebrate Progress (Not Perfection): Imposter Syndrome loves to make you feel like you’re falling short, but recognising that progress matters more than perfection can be a game-changer.
Does It Ever Go Away?
Imposter Syndrome might never fully disappear, it certainly doesn’t for me, but the goal isn’t necessarily to get rid of it. Instead, it’s about learning to recognise it, understand that it’s not reality, and keep moving forward despite it. As you continue to grow in confidence and experience, you'll find that those imposter feelings become less frequent and less powerful.
Final Thoughts
Imposter Syndrome affects more of us than we realise, and it’s often a sign that we’re stepping outside of our comfort zones and reaching new levels. The next time you feel like a fraud, remind yourself that it’s simply a sign you’re growing and challenging yourself — and that’s something to be really proud of!
So, do we all have a touch of Imposter Syndrome? The answer is most likely yes. But it doesn’t have to hold you back. Embrace the discomfort, and let it be a stepping stone on your path to success.