Page Updated on February 9, 2023
What Is Imposter Syndrome (and Imposter Phenomenon)?
Imposter syndrome is the experience of feeling like a fraud or an imposter in one’s own life.
It is characterized by feelings of self-doubt, insecurity, and inadequacy, despite evidence to the contrary.
These feelings can be crippling and can prevent individuals from achieving their full potential.
Impostor syndrome is often seen in high-achieving individuals and is thought to be fueled by perfectionism and a fear of failure.
If you think you might be suffering from imposter syndrome, know that you are not alone.
Many successful people have dealt with these same feelings at some point in their lives.
‘Imposter Syndrome’ as a term originates from the term ‘Imposter Phenomenon’ from an academic paper by Dr Pauline Clance & Suzanne Imes, two psychologists, in 1978.
Since their use of the term ‘imposter phenomenon‘ the term ‘syndrome‘ is now more commonly used and rather than just referring to high-achieving women (the people researched by Pauline and Suzanne) can be used for anyone suffering the symptoms associated with this term.
A more recent definition I wrote is as follows:
Definition of Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that can occur when people doubt their accomplishments or feel like they are frauds. Despite evidence of their success, they feel like they are not good enough or do not deserve the success they have achieved. They feel like an imposter.
Imposter Syndrome can lead to feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression. While imposter syndrome is more common among people who are high achievers, it can affect anyone.
Imposter syndrome is not an official diagnosis, but it is a real phenomenon that can cause significant distress
Dr Paul Symonds, 2020
Signs of Imposter Syndrome
There are a few key signs and symptoms that may indicate that you are suffering from imposter syndrome. If you identify with any of these, it is worth exploring further:
1. Feeling Like a Fraud or an Impostor
Do you ever feel like you are just pretending to be successful?
Do you feel like you are fooling everyone around you, and that it is only a matter of time until you are exposed?
These are classic signs that you are suffering from imposter syndrome.
2. Self-doubt and Insecurity
Do you second-guess yourself constantly? Do you doubt your abilities, even when you have evidence that you are good at what you do?
Individuals with imposter syndrome often have difficulty trusting their own instincts and judgment.
3. Fear of Failure
Are you afraid of failing, even though you know that everyone experiences setbacks at times?
Individuals with imposter syndrome often have an irrational fear of failure, and this can prevent them from taking risks or trying new things.
4. Perfectionism
Is perfection something that you are constantly trying to achieve? Do you beat yourself up when you make a mistake, even if it is minor?
Perfectionism is often seen in individuals with imposter syndrome, as they feel that they must be perfect in order to be successful.
5. Difficulty Accepting Compliments
Do you have trouble accepting compliments?
Do you brush off praise, or feel like you don’t deserve it?
Individuals with imposter syndrome often have difficulty accepting compliments, as they feel that they are not really deserving of them.
If you identify with any of these signs and symptoms, it is worth exploring further to see if you are suffering from impostor syndrome.
Remember, many successful people have dealt with imposter syndrome at some point in their lives.
Examples of Imposter Syndrome at Work
1. Starting a New Job Role and Feeling Unworthy
This is especially common when you are starting a new work role whereby you know that some or many of the people who will manage, actually have more experience than you.
Even though you have got the job because you deserve it and because you have the potential to become a great leader, you might focus mentally at first too much on the great individual skills your team have rather than the great management skills you have.
Hence, you might feel like an imposter and unworthy in your new role. It happens to many of us in a new work role.
2. Famous People in Careers Where They Have Reached the Top
There are many famous examples of imposter syndrome. J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, has said that she still feels like an imposter even though she is one of the most successful authors of all time.
Likewise, Maya Angelou, another highly accomplished author, has also spoken about her experiences with imposter syndrome.
High achievers including lawyers, doctors, and CEOs are just as prone to this condition, as the likes of J.K. Rowling, with the sense of not deserving the success playing on the mind of the person in question.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
While imposter syndrome is not an official diagnosis, it is a real and debilitating condition that can affect your work performance and mental health.
If you think you may be suffering from impostor syndrome, there are steps you can take to manage it.
1. Share the Problem
The old adage that a problem shared is a problem halved certainly has relevance here.
Talking to someone you trust about your feelings of fraudulence can be incredibly therapeutic, and you will very often find that the other person will put your concerns into some context.
It can be helpful to talk to someone who will understand and can offer support and encouragement.
2. Learn to Appreciate Your Achievement and Worthiness
Considering that the cause of imposter syndrome is often because we fail to acknowledge our own true worth, it makes sense to work on understanding one’s own achievements.
Identify your accomplishments and give yourself credit where it is due.
It is important to remember that your success is not achieved by accident and that you have earned your success through hard work and talent.
3. Challenging Negative Thoughts
Challenge your negative thoughts about yourself.
When you have a negative thought about your abilities, take a moment to question it.
Is there evidence to support this belief? If not, let the thought go.
Challenging and letting go of these negative thoughts is not easy at first but with practice, it can become easier.
4. Focus on the Process
Focus on the process, not the outcome.
Rather than fixating on the end result, focus on the process of what you are doing.
This can help you to feel more in control and less like a fraud.
Other Useful Resources
You might also find these resources useful if would like to find out more about imposter syndrome in the workplace.
- Take an imposter syndrome test on Psycom
- Imposter Syndrome Book – The Imposter Cure
Dr Paul Symonds
Latest posts by Dr Paul Symonds (see all)
- What Is Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace and Dealing with It - July 17, 2022
- Jon Britain – Trainer Profiles Series - August 15, 2021
- 6 Quick Icebreakers Games for Training Seminars and Meetings for Small Groups - April 25, 2021
