Unmasking imposter syndrome, the ultimate confidence killer
Research suggests that up to 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives.
Imposter syndrome – the ultimate confidence killer – lurks in the minds of even the most accomplished individuals. It‘s the voice that whispers ‘you don‘t belong here’ when really, you deserve your seat at the table, and then some!
Do you battle with thoughts of not being good enough? Have you felt undeserving of the accomplishments you’ve racked up? Maybe you’re just waiting for everyone to discover what a fraud you are? Despite all of the tremendous achievements you have made, you still feel as if you don’t deserve to be celebrated…
These are all telltale signs of imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon that affects millions of people across the globe.
Let’s delve deeper into what imposter syndrome is – exploring its causes, symptoms, and strategies on how to overcome those nasty thoughts standing in the light of your true potential and ability. Whether you believe it or not, you deserve to live like you are the main character in your movie.
The origins of the ‘imposter’
The term ‘imposter syndrome’ was first coined in the 1970s, by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, who noticed a pattern of high-achieving women who struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
Though not a recognised mental health disorder, imposter syndrome is acknowledged as a common experience that can have a significant impact on one’s mental health and well-being. It affects a wide range of individuals. Research suggests that up to 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives.
The imposter inside peaks her head out due to a number of factors, including social circumstances, personality traits and cultural expectations. Growing up, many of us are taught what ‘successful’ looks like, and our mistakes and failures are rarely embraced and rather shunned.
Above and beyond the conditioning we grew up with, personality traits like perfectionism, self-doubt and anxiety can amplify feelings of imposter syndrome. Cultural expectations and biases can also play a role. Individuals from marginalised groups may feel like they have to work harder to prove themselves in a society that undervalues their contributions.
All of these factors can rack up to developing imposter syndrome. Once the niggling thought of not being ‘good enough’ is there, it becomes pervasive and the challenge of overcoming this may not even present itself until you have acknowledged that you undermine yourself.
In an imposter’s shoes
Imposter feelings represent a split between your own self-perception and the way others perceive you. When others praise your achievements or talents, you write them off. ‘I was just in the right place, at the right time.‘ The fact that you may have made these achievements to your own merit is far from what you believe.
Many famous, high-achieving women throughout history including Maya Angelou, Tina Fey and Meryl Streep have struggled with imposter syndrome.
Maya Angelou, a celebrated author and poet, once said: ‘I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ”Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.”
Similarly, Tina Fey, a world- renowned comedian, writer and actress, has spoken openly about her struggles with imposter syndrome. “The beauty of the impostor syndrome is you vacillate between extreme egomania and a complete feeling of ‘I’m a fraud! Oh God, they’re on to me! I’m a fraud!’”
Even 30 Golden Globe awards couldn’t stop Meryl Streep from feeling like an imposter…”You think, ‘Why would anyone want to see me again in a movie? And I don‘t know how to act anyway, so why am I doing this?’”
Even the most celebrated women battle with imposter syndrome, yet they continue to show up and dish out, despite that self-deprecating devil on their shoulders preaching failure and inadequacy.
5 shades of a fraudster
Dr Valerie Young, co-founder of the Imposter Syndrome Institute and author of The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Imposter Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It categorises people who experience imposter syndrome into five types:
1. The Perfectionist: Perfectionistic traits rule the roost here. This particular kind of imposter syndrome comes from believing that unless you have achieved the highest level of perfectionism in whichever task at hand, you are not as good as others might think.
2. The Expert: This kind of imposter pops up when you’re aware that you haven’t mastered everything there is to know about the subject or task at hand. The expert feels that if there’s more to learn, then they’re not doing a good enough job.
3. The Natural Genius: The natural genius internalises not getting something right the first time around as an immediate failure. If it takes some time to master a certain skill, the natural genius will feel as if they don’t belong, if they weren’t able to step up to the plate without taking the time to perfect the skill.
4. The Soloist: The soloist wants to tackle everything alone. If they don’t, they discount their own efforts. If external help is required to get the job done, the soloist will question their competence and abilities. Why can’t I do this all on my own?
5. The Superperson: If the superperson doesn’t reach the highest level of achievement possible, they will feel like a fraud. This imposter believes that they need to be the hardest worker to reap the rewards. Anything less? That’s not good enough.
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3 tips to overcoming the imposter within
Dr Alicia Porter is a psychiatrist and board member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists. Dr Porter shares essential tips on overcoming imposter syndrome and standing in the light of your own achievements and abilities.
1. Address the cognitive distortions contributing to them. Take a step back to look at the bigger picture. What facts support that you deserve to be in your role? In the process, monitor your internal dialogue.
A simple exercise of asking yourself how you might support a friend who minimises their accomplishments and then applying the same supportive language to your own narration.
2. Sharing your impostor feelings with others cannot only reduce loneliness but also open doors for others to share what they see in you. Be strategic about who you share with. Venting to trusted individuals outside your professional circle can provide a more helpful picture of your accomplishments and value.
For people with underrepresented identities, it can be helpful to connect in empowering spaces and communities, which can provide support and, more important, validation and empathy for navigating impostor phenomenon in oppressive systems.
3. People who struggle with impostor feelings tend to brush off their successes, which only exacerbates the experience. If someone congratulates you, don’t move on too fast. Pay attention to how you respond and aim to speak more positively about yourself. Take time to applaud yourself, this can help you internalise your success.
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