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Have you ever achieved something special, but felt like you didn’t really deserve it? Like you’ve been fooling everyone, and sooner or later people will discover that you’re not actually capable? This feeling is known as imposter syndrome, and it’s quite common. Even though the outside world sees your achievements, internally, doubt and the fear of being exposed prevail. But why do we feel this way, and how can we deal with it?
Imposter syndrome often develops due to a combination of personality traits and environmental factors. Introverts and highly intelligent individuals are often perfectionists, may fear making mistakes, and tend to compare themselves to others. When you add high expectations—either from yourself or others—you quickly feel the pressure to perform.
Imposter syndrome is more common in people with high intelligence because they are more aware of what they don’t know. This heightened awareness makes it harder for them to accurately value their own achievements, leading them to feel less competent than they actually are.
The Consequences
Imposter syndrome can cause a lot of problems. It often leads to stress, tension, and even exhaustion. People who struggle with this syndrome tend to work too hard to prove that they are good enough, or they avoid new opportunities out of fear of failure. This can manifest in avoiding speaking up during meetings, shying away from leadership roles, or not pursuing promotions, even when they are well-qualified for the position.
But it’s not limited to work. In your personal life, these feelings can cause you to distance yourself from others. You fear that people will find out you’re “not good enough,” which can lead you to withdraw. This can result in feelings of loneliness and a lack of real connection with those around you.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Fortunately, there are ways to deal with imposter syndrome. The first step is becoming aware of your feelings. Many successful people experience this, and it helps to know you’re not alone.
Next, try to reframe your thoughts. Instead of thinking, “I just got lucky,” try saying, “I worked hard and earned this success.” Talking about your feelings can also help. Sharing your experiences with a trusted friend, colleague, or coach can provide you with new perspectives and help you realize that you’re not the only one who feels this way.
Another way to address imposter syndrome is to focus on learning rather than striving for perfection. Making mistakes is part of the process and is not a sign of failure. After all, what child has ever learned to walk without falling a few times first?
It’s also important to celebrate your successes, no matter how small. We tend to focus on what isn’t going well, which means we overlook what is working. By being more mindful of your achievements, you can develop a more realistic view of what you’ve accomplished.
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