Sometimes, certain terms become fashionable in the business world that sum up very well some trends that are widespread amongst professionals. For example, one such term is ‘impostor syndrome’, which many workers suffer from, for various reasons that we will look at below. Had you heard of this concept? In this post, find out how this psychological phenomenon manifests itself – one that affects many people, including those who are successful and well-regarded in their field.
What is imposter syndrome, and why is there so much talk about it these days?
Very recently, there has been a great deal of talk about imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon in which people experience a profound sense of insecurity, low self-esteem and a fear of being exposed as «frauds» in their jobs, despite having clear achievements and skills. When suffering from imposter syndrome, increasing the feeling of inadequacy and the belief that they do not deserve the success they have achieved.
The reason this term has become more widely recognised and publicly discussed is that we live in the age of social media, appearances and stereotypes, which lead us to constantly compare ourselves with others and strive to ‘be better’. The problem arises when this need for improvement is false, as it is driven by images – which are also false – projected from the outside, rather than by intrinsic motivations. This leads to a cycle of perfectionism, in which those caught up in it never manage to feel truly satisfied with what they do and end up feeling increasingly insignificant compared to their colleagues. As if that weren’t enough, this also makes it much more difficult to find a new job or progress in one’s career.
How does imposter syndrome manifest itself?
Learning to curb the negative thoughts that undermine our confidence at work is very important to ensure they do not affect our productivity and to prevent the dreaded job dissatisfaction, which, as you know, is caused by a number of factors. One of these is imposter syndrome, and we’re going to explain its effects and symptoms so that you don’t let it fool you.
- Constant self-deprecation: People with impostor syndrome tend to downplay their achievements and abilities, attributing them to luck or external circumstances. They often believe that they are not good enough and that at any moment they will be exposed as incompetent.
- Fear of being found out: they experience a constant fear that others will discover they are not as competent as they appear to be. They fear that their supposed lack of knowledge or skills will be exposed, which fuels their sense of being a fraud.
- Difficulty in accepting success: despite achieving success and receiving external recognition, people with impostor syndrome find it difficult to accept their success. They tend to downplay their achievements and believe that others are exaggerating their worth.
- Constant comparison: They tend to compare themselves unfavourably with others, believing that others are more competent and successful. This constant comparison reinforces their feeling that they are not good enough.
- Perfectionism excessive: They strive for perfection in everything they do and find it difficult to accept mistakes or failures. Extreme perfectionism can lead to procrastination and unreasonable demands on oneself.
- Difficulty in accepting compliments: despite receiving praise and recognition, people with imposter syndrome often find it difficult to believe in themselves. They may feel uncomfortable or believe that the praise is unwarranted.
- Overexertion and overwork: To avoid being exposed as frauds, some people with this syndrome try too hard and work excessively, constantly striving to prove their worth. This over-exertion can lead to burnout and a lack of work-life balance.
What are the main causes of imposter syndrome?
Everyone feels insecure for different reasons, and sometimes these aren’t obvious to others. Here are some of the reasons why many professionals feel like impostors:
- Being too much of a perfectionist.
- To have fear of failure and social rejection.
- Past experiences of failure that have had a particularly profound impact on us.
- Comparing oneself to others in a self-destructive way.
- To suffer from low self-esteem.
- Allowing ourselves to be swayed by external expectations.
- Cultural and gender-related factors, which mean that women have to work harder to achieve the same level of recognition as men.
How can you overcome imposter syndrome to feel confident at work?
If you’re suffering from imposter syndrome, don’t worry – any psychologist will be able to help you overcome it. It isn’t a serious psychological disorder and, by following the right guidelines, it’s easy to resolve. Here are a few tips for you to put into practice starting today.
Recognise and accept your achievements: Start by recognising and valuing your own achievements and skills. Realise that your successes are not down to luck or external circumstances, but to your own merits and efforts.
Challenge your negative thoughts: Identify and question the negative thoughts that make you feel like an impostor. Examine the evidence that supports your skills and achievements, and challenge the limiting beliefs that prevent you from recognising your own worth.
Seek support: Don’t be afraid to share your feelings with people you trust, such as mentors, friends or colleagues. By talking openly about your experiences, you’ll likely discover that you’re not alone and that many others have also struggled with imposter syndrome.
Learn to accept failure: Nobody’s perfect, and we all face setbacks at some point. Learn to see failure as an opportunity for growth and development. Recognise that making mistakes is part of the process and doesn’t mean you’re a fraud.
Fosters a growth mindset: Adopt a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset. Focus on learning and continuous development, rather than striving for absolute perfection. Celebrate your progress and the challenges you’ve overcome, rather than focusing solely on the end results.
Set realistic goals: Set yourself achievable and measurable goals that will enable you to make gradual progress. As you achieve small milestones, your self-confidence will grow. Recognise and celebrate every step forward.
Work on your self-perception: Develop a realistic and healthy self-image. Recognise your strengths and weaknesses, and work on improving your skills in specific areas. Remember that growth and development are ongoing processes.
Did you enjoy this post on imposter syndrome? We hope it helps you in moments of self-doubt, when all you need to do is look back and see how far you’ve come thanks to your hard work and perseverance. Follow us on our blog and social media to find out more about professional and personal development!
