Feel Like an Imposter? Guess What: You're Doing It Right

Imposter Syndrome is the belief that you are not as competent, experienced, or skilled as others perceive you to be – it’s the fear of being “exposed” as a fraud.  

While Imposter Syndrome is not a medical diagnosis, it can lead to crippling self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. Imposter Syndrome can wreak havoc on people’s personal and professional lives, and can prevent people from enjoying their successes and living up to their full potential.

Many individuals feel like they’re the only ones experiencing Imposter Syndrome, but that just simply isn’t the case. In fact, 70% of people have experienced Imposter Syndrome at some point in their lives, and usually following a success – such as a promotion, a new business, or forming new friendships/romantic relationships.

The interesting thing about Imposter Syndrome is that it is very common among successful individuals and high achievers.

Why is this?

Experiencing these fears and self-doubts means that you are challenging yourself -- and individuals who are successful in life are more likely to challenge themselves, whether it’s in their career, personal growth, health, or relationships.

Wondering if you’ve ever fallen victim to Imposer Syndrome? Ask yourself if the following sounds familiar: 

• Receiving a promotion at work and questioning if you really deserve it

• Having a proud parenting moment and suddenly remembering all of the times you have “failed”

• Opening a new business and wondering if you really have what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur

• Feeling like past successes were only due to luck

• Beginning a new relationship and fearing future rejection after they’ve “found out” who you really are

• Negative self-talk such as, “who do you think you are?”, “you don’t belong here”, “once they find out you’re incompetent, you’ll lose it all”, “you’re a fraud.”

The good news is, you can overcome Imposter Syndrome. Begin with being kind to yourself and remind yourself that Imposter Syndrome means that you are challenging yourself and continuing to learn and grow. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has also been shown to be successful in helping people overcome Imposter Syndrome and other types of negative self-talk.

Your self-doubt and self-criticism may also be rooted in perfectionism and other negative, false beliefs – also called “core beliefs.” I will be talking about core beliefs in detail in next month’s post. Core beliefs are vital to understanding yourself and your thought processes.

So to all my folks out there going through Imposter Syndrome – you’re not alone. You won’t feel like this forever, and you’re doing it right.

If you could use some support working through Imposter Syndrome, insecurity, or low self-confidence and are looking for a therapist in Alexandria, MN, feel free to contact me for a 20 minute phone consultation to see if I’m the right fit.

Chelsey